The grieving family of a man who lived in a mouldy house has slammed a housing association after placing the home back on the market after his death -  despite them finding more damp issues.

The Echo reported in December 2023 how Derek Luke’s shoes and furniture had grown mould in his one-bed bungalow in Peterlee, County Durham owned by housing association Believe Housing.

At the time he said he feared the impact the mould was having on his health.

Derek, an ex-factory, died aged 70 on August 25 of heart disease.

When emptying his home daughter Leigh, from Spennymoor, said she and her brother found further mould in his bedroom, and more clothing and belongings ruined.

Derek Luke, photographed at his house in Peterlee last December.Derek Luke, photographed at his house in Peterlee last December. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Pictures show black mould on the walls and in kitchen cupboards, while her dad’s old braces, leather bag and suitcases are covered in white speckles of damp.

It comes despite Believe’s assurances last year it would complete work “at the earliest opportunity”.

His family understand Derek was fighting for compensation, having been offered just £200 when shoes and furniture were destroyed previously. He never received the money, which Believe say was due to them not receiving his bank details.

Leigh Luke said: “When we cleared the bedroom there was thick black mould all up the wall – it’s absolutely horrendous.

Mould found behind the furniture when clearing out Derek's bedroom.Mould found behind the furniture when clearing out Derek's bedroom. (Image: LEIGH LUKE) “We found suits, braces, bags, everything was covered in mould.

“He had been back in touch with them when the mould started coming back through.

“I think he was offered £200 in compensation, but I haven’t seen any evidence he ever received that.

Some of Derek's possessions have started growing mould.Some of Derek's possessions have started growing mould. (Image: LEIGH LUKE) “When we were clearing it out there were people coming around. There were two ladies showed me the listing on the website saying that it was up for rent,

“Just the other day when I was handing in the keys back I let them know the issues were still there.

“In the last few months he just started to decline, it was horrible to see. The mould can’t have helped him, he was struggling to breathe anyway but we don’t know what triggered his cardiac arrest.”

Paying tribute to her dad Leigh described him as a ”lovely bloke” and “cheeky chappy” who loved his family.

Last year Derek told how he was running a dehumidifier to suck the moisture out of the property.

He said: “I’ve got a heart condition, and I can’t walk any distance outside of the house without crutches, or inside the house for that matter.

“I can’t say the mould has definitely made me worse, but it can’t be helping.”

Nik Welsh from Believe Housing said: “We were sad to learn of Mr Luke’s passing and our thoughts remain with his loved ones during this difficult time.

“We really care about doing the right thing for our customers so when Mr Luke reported issues in his home, not only did we act swiftly to address them we also visited him regularly to make sure he had the support he needed.

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“After he raised concerns about mould last November, we inspected his home and identified a leak in the wet room. All visible mould was removed, repairs were promptly completed, and when we followed this up in person and by phone Mr Luke said he was satisfied with the work.

“In May he rang us to say mould had appeared in a different area and we went out swiftly to remove and treat it.”

A spokesperson added: “With the high demand for affordable housing, believe housing works quickly to list available homes. Each home is carefully inspected, and any necessary repairs are completed, before a new tenant moves in.”