Council issues statement to 'forgotten' tenant and says 'very sorry' as teen left with nine-month leak

Birmingham City Council has apologised to a resident over a nine-month leak and vowed to prioritise repairs at his tower block flat. Devontae McNally left care and moved into a Bromford high rise - but soon began suffering from leaks, flooding and mould.

The 18-year-old said he was suffering from chest pain which he believes arose from the damp living conditions at his Hollowmeadow House property. Amid 'neglect', he said the leak recently became so severe it began seeping through to his neighbours' flat below.

The 'forgotten' teen has been complaining since February, with the unresolved leak causing a hole and mould on the ceiling. After BirminghamLive approached the council, it said it sympathised with Mr McNally's frustration and "do not want any tenant to feel 'forgotten.'"

READ MORE: Teen living in Birmingham council tower block pleads for help as he says 'I've been forgotten'

Promising to visit him today, Tuesday, November 26, a spokesperson for the authority said: “We are very sorry to hear about Mr McNally's situation. Workers are due to attend the property on the November 26 to undertake repair works.

"Upon completion of the work, inspectors will visit the property to follow up with the tenant to ensure the work is carried out fully and the problem is resolved. We absolutely sympathise with the tenant's frustration and do not want any tenant to feel 'forgotten.'

"The repairs will be prioritised and followed through, as well as any further interventions to resolve any persistent damp and mould issues. We will review calls made to the council to check for quality and that appropriate actions were taken.”

The teen had been excited to get the keys to a place to call home. But soon after moving into the one-bed flat, he found the roof was leaking onto the living room floor. There's now black mould, a large hole and plaster falling from the ceiling, he claimed.

"My roof started to cave in," he told BirminghamLive. "I didn't know what to do. I can already see pieces that are lose in the roof."

Mr McNally, who is looking for warehouse work, likened the leak to "swimming in my own house" after waking to the whole flat flooded last week.

He previously said: "I woke up yesterday and my whole flat was flooded, it was like I was swimming in my own house. I have to get loads of towels, but I haven't got the money to keep buying loads of towels, I'm just using the mop at the moment. It's still leaking as we speak.

"I just need this problem sorted asap. There is a big hole in my roof." The problem began in February, gradually worsening over time. Despite multiple complaints to the council, Devontae claims he was told they could not carry out an urgent repair as he is "not disabled." Workers are now due to come out tomorrow.

Have you been affected by this? We would like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com