A WOMAN due to give birth next month has been forced to stay in a damp flat - although her midwife says she needs to move.

Leanne Vickers and her partner, Martin Augustine, are angry that Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing have not moved them from their Dalton flat, despite her developing a sinus problem.

The 19-year-old said: "I got a letter from my midwife in July saying I should be moved because it's so cold in there.

"But KNH said I didn't have enough points."

Miss Vickers has often gone to stay with her parents nearby, but wants to be with her boyfriend of two years as the December birth date approaches.

Mr Augustine also says they should be moved from their flat on Holays. He said: "We would be happier living in a caravan.

"I first complained two years ago, but they don't seem to do anything. It's really depressing to live like this."

The 39-year-old is unimpressed with KNH's solution to the problem.

He said: "They sent a caretaker round two months ago, but he just painted over a bit of mould in the bathroom. That isn't good enough."

The roof of the couple's three-room flat started leaking during last month's heavy rain.

But a KNH spokeswoman said they were doing all they could to help the couple.

She said: "We're sorry that Miss Vickers and Mr Augustine are having such a problem with condensation in their flat.

"Because the windows and air vents have been sealed there is no ventilation.

"So all the moisture in the air that comes from boiling the kettle, running a bath and so on can't get out and is causing mould.

"We've tried to inspect and treat the problem several times when it was reported.

"But we didn't have access and so weren't able to do the work.

"But we have now carried out mould treatment in the bathroom and have arranged to treat other areas.

"We've advised the family how they can help avoid the condensation that is causing the mould.

"We are also sending a surveyor round to see if anything else can be done .

"We have no previous reports of leaks from the flat above, but the family have just told us the balcony overflows when it rains.

"We will look into this and order any necessary repairs as soon as possible.

"Unfortunately, it's unlikely we'll be able to find another home for the family soon as demand for housing in this area is very high.

"But we'll be talking to the family to discuss all their housing options."