Largs couple raise health concern over dampness at home

David and Helen Goodwin say they’ve had a problem with water ingress from the flat above their basement property at Netherhall for more than a month.

They reported the problem to the building’s factors, Newton Property Management, and say they were assured the matter would be investigated – but they say they turned to the News because their pleas were “falling on deaf ears”.

Helen said: “The damage to our ceiling is literally getting worse every day with black mould spreading considerably and parts of the plaster work now crumbling away.

“The affected area is directly above our dining area where I work each day. My husband is registered disabled and his health is deteriorating because of this.  

“Out of desperation this week we contacted both environmental health and the housing officer at North Ayrshire Council to see if they could assist. 

david and Helen Goodwin (Image: Goodwin family)

“I understand that the housing officer has been in contact with Newton to try and resolve this on our behalf.”

The couple’s home is part of the historic mansion that used to be home to world-renowned scientist and mathematician William Thomson, who would later become Sir William and then Lord Kelvin, who died in Largs in 1907.

The building was converted into flats in the 1990s.

Helen continued: “The couple who live above us are in respite care and are housebound, and I have spoken to their daughter about the situation.

“Five or six weeks have passed since we first reported it to Newton Property. We were told that they would sort it out and have contacted them again but nothing has happened.

Helen Goodwin within her Kelvin Walk property  (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

“We are having to live in a mould-ridden property with concerns over our health.

“We really are at our wit’s end.”

Aspokesperson for Newton Property Management confirmed they had spoken to the Goodwins but said: “This issue is a private matter between two households and as factors we are unable to undertake private repairs.

"We are only permitted to help repair communal defects within the building. 

“We have spoken with both owners involved and have offered our assistance if they are unable to deal with this private matter themselves.

“Mr and Mrs Goodwin were advised to speak with Environmental Health, who will investigate the matter with both parties and either give advice or serve a notice for the repair.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour)

“We will continue to work with the owners concerned to offer advice and guidance, and to assist with their ownership obligations.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “While we generally do not comment on individual cases, we can confirm that council officers from our private sector advice team have been in contact with the factor, their tenant, and other residents to offer advice.

“We are unable to enter private land or buildings to carry out maintenance or repairs unless there is a public safety risk, or the appearance of the land has deteriorated to such an extent that is an issue of public amenity.”

“The private sector advice team will continue to monitor the situation at the property in Kelvin Walk and engage with the residents with a view to trying to address the issues currently facing Mr and Mrs Goodwin.”

The News subsequently received a further update from Newton Property Management, who said they would send in a plumber to try and find out the source of the leak.