YOUNG families say their health is being ruined by a major damp problem that has left their walls and furniture covered in mould.

People living in a row of former shops are demanding action following a spate of illnesses among the tenants, including bronchitis and double pneumonia.

Some of the residents renting properties in Faircross Close, Holbury, have had to replace rotting clothes and bed linen.

Cheryl Baker, 21, said her twoyear- old daughter Kelsie was rushed to Southampton General Hospital after developing bronchitis.

“The hospital said there was a high possibility that the mould in our home was responsible,” she said.

“A lot of the damp is in the bedrooms – my own mattress is literally green.”

One of Cheryl’s neighbours has started sleeping in the front room to avoid all the damp in her bedroom.

The 39-year-old mother of one, who asked not to be named, said: “I went to my GP last week after feeling unwell and turned blue in the surgery.

“I was rushed to Lymington hospital, where doctors discovered I was suffering from double pneumonia.

The privately-owned properties are leased by Sovereign Twynham Housing Association.

A spokesman said: “We are aware that some of the flats have a small amount of mould. As the properties are not owned by Sovereign we are not in a position to change the heating systems.

“However, we are working with New Forest District Council and the owners of the block to make improvements and help manage the situation.”

A council spokesman added: “We’re aware of the residents’ complaints and are investigating the situation with Twynham in a bid to resolve any issues.”