A West Lothian mum, Carol-Anne Gemmil, has expressed her frustration with the local council after being told her flooded home was safe, only for the hallway ceiling to collapse shortly after. Living in Millgate, Winchburgh, with her two teenagers and partner, Carol-Anne faced a leak in the attic that resulted in flooding throughout the property on Sunday, May 18. Despite raising concerns about the safety of the home, especially considering her partner’s COPD condition, the council assured her that everything was under control and sent workers with basic equipment to address the issue.
Not long after the supposed repairs, Carol-Anne’s 17-year-old son discovered the collapsed ceiling upon returning from work. This incident left the mum feeling outraged, emphasizing the potential danger that could have occurred had someone been under the ceiling when it fell. The situation escalated further due to the lack of accountability and empathy shown by the council, leaving Carol-Anne and her family feeling neglected and mistreated. The series of events unfolded following a two-year struggle with damp and mold in their previous Millgate home, leading to their temporary relocation to Uphall.
Struggling with the aftermath of the ceiling collapse, Carol-Anne recounted the challenges faced since the winter of 2022, highlighting the constant battle with damp and mold in their residence. Despite efforts from the council to address the issues, the living conditions remained subpar, affecting not only the physical environment but also the mental well-being of the family. The prolonged ordeal involved multiple instances of damage and discomfort, culminating in the recent flood caused by a burst pipe in the attic. Despite reassurances from the council regarding safety and repairs, the situation only worsened, leaving Carol-Anne and her family in a state of distress and uncertainty.
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the council’s response to Carol-Anne’s plight has been rather lackluster, to say the least. From initial assurances of safety to the subsequent collapse of the hallway ceiling, the inconsistencies in their actions raise serious concerns about the level of care and responsibility taken in addressing housing issues. The impact of such negligence goes beyond physical damage, extending to the emotional and financial toll on the affected family. Not really sure why this matters, but the lack of proper communication and follow-up from the council only adds to the frustration and sense of abandonment felt by Carol-Anne and her loved ones.
In the midst of ongoing repairs and temporary relocations, the council’s efforts to rectify the situation appear reactive rather than proactive. The repeated instances of damage and discomfort experienced by Carol-Anne’s family underscore the need for a more comprehensive and timely solution to housing issues. As they navigate through the challenges of finding a suitable and safe home, the support and accountability from the council will play a crucial role in restoring trust and ensuring the well-being of residents. Amidst the uncertainties and setbacks, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize transparency, empathy, and effective communication to address the underlying issues and prevent similar incidents in the future.
