My living conditions were better in Afghanistan than in my Hebburn flat
A former serviceman has hit out over the state of his Council-owned flat.
Michael Lewis, from Hebburn, is calling on South Tyneside Council to carry out repair work to his Hebburn flat after it has fallen into a state of disrepair.
The former Armed Forces serviceman has explained that the flat has problems with damp and mould - with the local authority having already been out to fix the issues, but they still persist.
The 41-year-old revealed that the problems are having an impact on his health, as well as that of his 11-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter.
Michael has spoken of his frustration over the failure to remedy the problems in his home and stated that he had better living conditions when he was serving in Afghanistan.
He said: “It’s very frustrating, it feels like my housing officer is non-existent and my ex-forces officer says that I can bid on other properties but they have to be one-bed homes, why would I want to downsize?
“It feels like the Council aren’t bothered as long as they are getting their rent - if they aren’t getting their money then they are on your case and threatening to evict you.
“They are expecting me to live in absolute squalor and I’ve told them I had better living conditions when I was serving out in Afghanistan.
“I’ve noticed that my daughter comes in on a weekend and I’m having to give her cough medicine because it seems like she always has a cough when she is here.
“The damp surveyor who came out could actually see his breath while he was standing in my passage and I’d already had the heating on.
“It just feels like I’m hitting my head against a brick wall.
“The Council bangs on about looking after all veterans but all they are basically just mugging me off.”
South Tyneside Council has confirmed to the Shields Gazette that repair work to the property has been scheduled and the local authority will work with Michael on further support.
A spokesperson for the Council said: “We received a disrepair claim in January 2025 and worked with Mr Lewis to arrange an independent survey of his home and repairs following this survey. After some issues with access and cancellation of repairs, work was completed.
“Following a visit by one of our in-house surveyors on October 27, 2025, additional plastering work was agreed.
“This work has been cancelled on two occasions by Mr Lewis, appointments for this repair have been agreed with Mr Lewis for work to start on February 11, 2026.
“A further survey from the Healthy Homes team carried out on January 19 identified a repair required to improve ventilation around the bedroom window and treat mould in this area.
“Appointments for these repairs have been agreed with Mr Lewis for January 26, 2026.
“Advice was provided around how effective heating and ventilation can help to prevent mould forming.
“Our Specialist Services team will be in touch with the customer to arrange an appointment to ensure the heating system is working as efficiently as possible.
“We have also referred the case to our Home Energy Support Officer, who will contact the customer to discuss any support available and offer further guidance.”
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