AN elderly couple living next to a derelict house claim they have been 'left to rot' after the home they love has been consumed by mould and damp.

Severely disabled Barbara Woodhouse has lived in her semi detached family home in Blackburn for more than 30 years, but fears she will be forced to live in one room, as the house next door decays further.

The 66-year-old, who owns the house with her husband Trevor, 77, said the next door property in Gorse Street has been empty and run down since they moved in and now even has a tree growing through it.

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The formerly council owned property has been left without upstairs windows and open to the elements.

Mrs Woodhouse, who suffers from mould induced asthma and a club foot, said her home was riddled with problems.

She said: "My house has gone to pot.

"The next door property has completely ruined it and we have been left to rot.

"I have a constant battle with the mould and we have even had to throw out all our antique furniture and books because of the damp.

"So many precious family memories have been taken to the tip.

"And now it is starting to affect my health.

"All we can do is sit in the front room with the fire on, we'll end up living in one room.

"Something needs to be done. No one should have to live like this."

The couple said they had reported the problems to Blackburn with Darwen Council over many years but 'little has been done' to help them.

They said they had been offered compensation in a letter for damage caused to their home but they did not accept it.

However, council bosses said 'reasonable steps' had been taken to help the family.

The current owner thought to be a builder has not visited the property several months, Mrs Woodhouse said.

She said when he began the renovation process when he bought the house he removed all the fittings from the house, which made the mould situation worse.

Mrs Woodhouse said: "My health is a wreck.

"The damp and mould is constantly on my chest, everyday I cough and I know I have got it through that house.

"I haven't had a proper nights sleep in a year.

"We have worked all our lives for this house.

"I just want them to make it right and help us make the house right again.

"The should prosecute people who buy houses and leave them in this state."

Cllr Arshid Mahmood, executive member for neighbourhood and prevention services, said: “We have taken reasonable steps to help and support the family to address any issues caused by the derelict house.

"Through the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process we have a new owner who has to do a certain amount of work to make the house safe and liveable so we will be looking at that.”

Little Harwood ward councillor Naushad Surve said: "It seems like there is a new owner who must now bring the building up to a standard that is liveable but also in keeping with the surrounding."