A mother has begged for help to get rid of the mould which is spreading across her home and could be making her two-year-old daughter ill.

Samantha Gibbins, 31, moved into her Greenfields Community Association flat, in Rifles Hill, Braintree, four months ago.

When she first viewed the flat, Miss Gibbins was told mould in the property would be removed and anti mould paint was applied.

Now mould has reappeared along her windows, including in daughter Olivia’s room, and the single mother cannot afford to keep her storage heaters on during the day.

She said: “I’ve spoken to Greenfield and the council and they won’t do anything until I’ve followed their condensation leaflet for four weeks.

“It’s been three weeks now with no improvement and my front room is constantly cold.

“Even with the heating on they’re telling me I need to open my windows and vents but it’s too cold.

“They also said I need to use my heating more which I can’t have on continuously as I have storage heaters and they cost so much to run.”

Braintree and Witham Times:

Olivia suffers from severe eczema, which is made worse by living in damp conditions.

Miss Gibbins, who is studying English and maths at college, has estimated it costs between £2 and £3 to have the storage heaters on each night.

She added: “When I said I can’t afford to heat my flat all day and night they told me to get blankets and hot water bottles to keep warm.

“They have asked me to wash and dry the windows every day, which is impossible when I have a young child running around.

“I’m not impressed about this especially as I have a daughter.”

A spokesman for Greenfields said: “We’re sorry that Miss Gibbins and her daughter are having problems with mould at their new home.

“We provided Miss Gibbins with initial advice in late October, and will contact her to provide any further support that we can.”

It is hoped a solution can be found.