A mother of two has slammed Stoke-on-Trent City Council after being given a council house which has plaster falling off the wall, is damp and is full of cracks.

Sammy Burton who lives in Meir also says she is embarrassed of the property and doesn't like to be there. At the start of the year the family moved into Chatsworth Place, a two bedroom house. However, Sammy, 32, should have been given a three bedroom property as her eldest daughter who is six has autism and needs her own space.

The mother of two said: "I got forced into taking this even though they agreed I was eligible for a three bed because of my daughter. They've shoved me in here and in the email it said if I didn't take it me and my kids would still be homeless.

"So at the same time, yes they have given me a house and I wasn't in a hotel but at the same time if I didn't take this I wouldn't have a hotel to go back to. They sort of took advantage of my situation.

The family moved into Chatsworth Place, Meir, at the start of the year (Google).

"I try not to be home as much as I can to be fair because I sit here and yeah, you can paint the walls and stuff but you can't make it look up to scratch. It's embarrassing when friends come round because you feel you're getting judged and it's not something I can physically improve myself."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council have confirmed Unitas will carry out any repairs needed on the property and tenancy related support will be given.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "Ms Burton approached the council for housing assistance in December 2023. We were able to offer Ms Burton a two-bedroom home which was immediately available for her to move into. 

"We have since advised Ms Burton on how to register to move to a larger property. ­We also received a report of damp and mould at this property and have arranged for Unitas, our repairs service provider, to assess and carry out any necessary repairs. We have contacted Ms Burton again to discuss any tenancy-related support which may be required."

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