Posted by 
A Preston woman who was left feeling isolated and fighting damp, suspected mould and leaks in her housing association property has been placed in new temporary accommodation.
Donna Monkhouse, 37, previously lived in a Community Gateway Association (CGA) property at Egan Street near Preston city centre.
In August, she spoke to Blog Preston about her battle to resolve the issues in her property that had been ongoing since November 2023 and how it left her feeling like she was banging her head against a brick wall.
Read more: Fulwood residents turn on plans for 31-bedroom super HMO
When contacted by Blog Preston, Community Gateway Association apologised to Donna but denied the property had an issue with mould.
Donna has since spent two weeks in Travelodge at New Hall Lane and has now been moved into a property temporarily – though she would be happy to stay there.
She said a viable action plan was only put in place after she approached Blog Preston.
She said: “The water was still coming into the property as I was packing. We gave up on one of the days because it was so bad.
“The hotel was fine and the people at the CGA have been great. Lisa has been dealing with everything and has always answered her phone and helped with any questions.
“The old property is still empty and waiting for work to commence. The new property is amazing. It’s light, warm and dry and feels like home already.”
Donna says she has the option to stay in the temporary property on a permanent basis and almost one year after she first reported issues to the CGA, she feels she has a suitable place to live.
She said: “I want to thank Blog Preston for all their help with this situation. I think I’d still be asking for leaks to be repaired in the old property if I hadn’t spoken to them.
“They were very compassionate in dealing with my concerns and asking questions.
“Everyone needs to be treated properly and if you’re a tenant somewhere you deserve a warm, dry house.”
Louise Mattinson, Director of Customers and Communities at CGA, said: “We’re pleased to hear that Donna has settled well into the temporary accommodation we arranged while her property is being repaired.
Our priority has always been Donna’s wellbeing. Providing temporary accommodation allowed us to make necessary repairs efficiently while ensuring Donna had a safe, comfortable place to stay.
“We appreciate Donna’s patience and cooperation throughout this process and will
continue to support her.”
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
