'I'm in constant fear with my child... I feel like I'm not a good mum'

A Stockport family say they need a house with a garden for their son with development issues - but claim they're not being listened to by their housing provider.

Megan Carver, 23, lives in a two-bedroom Stockport Homes flat in Ratcliffe Towers on Bosden Fold with her partner and sons, aged two years old and 10 months.

Their older son has suspected autism, the family say, and is prone to outbursts of aggression and "meltdowns" which cause a huge amount of noise in their flat, triggered by sounds coming from other parts of the building or if his toys have been moved.

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The two-year-old also likes to climb around the flat, leaving his parents terrified he could get near the window and fall out.

The family asked Stockport Homes in January for a move to a three-bedroom house with a garden so their eldest son can play outside safely - but after ten months nothing has come up.

It has left them feeling downcast and ignored - and wondering how long they will have to wait to move.

"He is loud and noisy throughout the day. I feel like they're not taking my son's needs seriously, and the impact it's having on my child and us as a family," Ms Carver said.

"They don't seem to realise the impact it's having on us as a family. I'm scared that he'll climb the window and fall out, I don't think they realise the risk.

"When I tell Stockport Homes what's going on they just keep telling me I'm in a good position.

"I'm in constant fear with my child... I feel like I'm not a good mum."

The family had some optimism in August when they were told a suitable house could be available. They thought this would solve the issues - but they were eventually told the family in this home had decided to stay put.

Ms Carver said it felt like her "world came crashing down" when she was given the update about losing the property.

The family had pinned their hopes on moving, but the loss of the house left them feeling devastated.

Stockport Homes said there is huge demand for the type of property the family needs, but they are trying to help make the move happen.

The company added that the family were offered a first floor two-bedroom home over the phone but they declined - although Ms Carver has disputed this and says it is not the case.

A Stockport Homes spokesperson added: "We understand the particular challenges faced by this family and we are sorry that we have not been able to facilitate a move to more suitable accommodation to date.

"Unfortunately, like many areas, Stockport is facing a housing crisis, with an acute shortage of affordable accommodation within the borough.

"Demand for council and housing association homes far exceeds supply with over 7,500 households currently on the council’s housing register in need of accommodation.

"We are working with Miss Carver to assist with a move. She has been awarded the correct amount of points for her family circumstances in accordance with the council’s approved housing allocation policy.

"The family have been bidding for three bedroom houses with a garden, but unfortunately this type of property is in particular short supply, with each vacancy typically attracting over 300 bids from households on the housing register. Properties are allocated to those households in greatest need.

"We will continue to support Miss Carver, including exploring other housing options such as a mutual exchange."