THE effectiveness of a programme to tackle damp and mould in social housing has been slammed by councillors.

In 2012, Winchester civic chiefs earmarked £300,000 a year to tackle mould and damp in council homes, including the installation of extraction fans.

The problem is of particular concern in flats at Winnall and Stanmore and part of the programme has involved an educational dvd for tenants on how to keep flats ventilated.

But at meeting in the guildhall on Wednesday (Jan 8), Cllr Angela Clear asked the city’s housing boss, Cllr Tony Coates, whether the council’s methods were working.

“Do you really think that all 84-year-olds know how to use a DVD, and will they necessarily have a DVD player? Can they have different approach, bearing in mind their age and lack of technology?” she said.

Cllr Sue Nelmes added: “Unfortunately when the double-glazing was fitted there was no ventilation fitted at the same time. A friend of mine had water pooling on her floor for two years. This is a considerable problem.”

Cllr Coates said education would remain central to the council’s approach, of which the DVD is one element. He said: “We’re doing what we can, where we can, when we can, and if people bring these cases to us, we will work with them to mitigate the problems.”

Work to address ventilation problems in Winchester’s social housing will be carried out over the next five to six years.