A Southampton mum has said she would rather camp outside in the cold with her family this winter than live in her mouldy Millbrook home.

Fiona Kirkwood says the black walls and windows and mouldy furniture at her home of five years, in Mardale Road, are causing her mental health to take a nosedive and affecting her relationships.

Her sons, 20-year-old Lewis,  Jack, aged 18, and 16-year-old Harry, also have to live with the cold and damp conditions, as well as her partner's eight and six-year-old children, who are there every other weekend.

(Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Iconic city venue celebrates 100th birthday in 2025

The Daily Echo first visited the property two years ago and contractors then carried out repairs and damp-proofing, but the problem returned just months later and is getting progressively worse. 

Fiona, who feels her latest concerns are being ignored by the council, said: "It's come back with a vengeance, it's ten times worse.

"There is damp everywhere - under my bed, on the sofa. We've had to have a new sofa as it was covered in mould. Sometimes I feel like it's warmer outside than inside my house. 

"I feel so depressed about it. Nothing has been done to try to help, except offering me advice about keeping my windows open. 

"It's been hell, just horrendous, It's freezing cold and damp and it's really getting me down.

"It's affecting my relationships and I don't even want to be at home. I'd rather stay away.  I'd rather camp outside than live at that house."

(Image: Supplied) Fiona, previously known as Ms Slattery, has serious concerns over the cost of repairs, new furniture and the constant heating required.

Responding to the Daily Echo's request for comment, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: "We are sorry that Ms Slattery has been experiencing mould related problems in her home. As a responsible social landlord, we take reports of mould and damp at our properties seriously.

"We are in contact with Ms Slattery to arrange a visit to inspect her property at a time most convenient for her, and we will work with Ms Slattery to rectify the problems in her home.

"We know that this is a concern across the country, and the council is committed to addressing every issue of damp and mould that we are aware of."

(Image: Supplied)