Wick family's home from hell

Craig and Gemma, and their two children, Fenella, four, and Makx, 21 months, moved to Wales from Bognor in 2006, to start a new life.

After an accident just over a year ago, which has left Craig unable to work and needing reconstructive surgery on his shoulder, the family have returned to Arun, where the district council have housed them in what Gemma says is a "sub-standard" flat in Wick.

"It's very hard for us at the moment, and the worst thing is that it feels like nobody is willing to listen, that nobody cares.

"There are no carpets at all, but the grippers are still down.

"Makx has already fallen down and cut his face on them, and I have lost count of the number of times Fenella has fallen over them."

Exposed wiring

She added that mould was present throughout the top-floor Chilgrove House flat, and exposed wiring was another cause for concern with young children in the house.

"We moved to Wales because we wanted to get on the property ladder, but had been priced out of the market in Arun.

"It was all going great until Craig picked up a sack that was too heavy, and ripped his shoulder.

"He couldn't work, lost his job, and we lost our home."

The Austins moved into the flat three weeks ago, and have been told the placement is temporary.

Gemma said: "I understand that it is temporary, but we have no idea how long that means."

Bed and breakfast

A spokesman for Arun District Council said: "When Mr and Mrs Austin approached the council, this accommodation was the only property available.

"At the time, it was undergoing some minor repairs prior to being re-let.

"The alternative was to place the family in a bed and breakfast out of the district."

Council contractors are expected to visit the flat this week, to decide what work needs to be done.

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