'I heard a huge crash at 4.30am when my mouldy ceiling collapsed'

A mum was left "in shock" after her council flat's "mould-ridden" ceiling collapsed in the early hours. Amber James, 25, was jolted awake by a "huge crashing sound" when her kitchen ceiling gave way at 4.30am on Monday.

The terrified mum immediately rushed to her four-year-old son's room to ensure he was safe and sound, still asleep in his bed. Photos shared by Amber from Hollingbury, Brighton, reveal a gaping hole in the kitchen ceiling, with exposed rafters and debris scattered across the sink and hob.

Amber, who also has a one-year-old child, revealed she had previously reported severe black mould and damp issues within the property "multiple times".

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She said: "I was awoken by the loudest cracking then a huge crashing sound at 4.30am on August 4. I ran straight into my son's room to check if he was okay and luckily he was still asleep and safe in his bed.

"Then I realised what the noise was and had to force the kitchen door open and saw this. I was in complete shock and starting crying at the thought of what could've happened if me or my sons were in the kitchen when this happened."

Amber claimed she first reported the leak and mould issues in her kitchen ceiling to Brighton and Hove Council on May 13. She said council contractors finally attended the property on June 17.

Amber alleges that the workers merely washed and painted over the problem area without addressing the root cause. She further stated that she called for repairs on June 30 when mould reappeared through the paint applied on June 17.

A week later, a supervisor visited and declared the mould and damp "safe", according to Amber.

"I'm so disgusted by the council allowing it to get to this after I've reported it multiple times," she expressed. Amber, who has resided in the council flat for two-and-a-half years, says her son has suffered "a lot" of health issues - even being prescribed an asthma pump.

With no place to call home, Amber has found refuge at her mum's house.

She explained: "I've been able to stay at my mum's house, as my younger sister is away until Wednesday, so me and my sons are sleeping in her room all in one double bed I've had no contact from the council regarding where I'm supposed to stay and still trying to get answers from them."

Brighton and Hove Council has been contacted for a comment.