West Lothian mum warns ‘I’m stuck in home from hell’

A West Lothian mum has detailed her harrowing experience trying to find a suitable home for her family.

Vicky Cannon, 38, has experienced homelessness and issues securing a stable home.

After spells in temporary accommodation and a short stay in Broxburn, she now lives with her partner and teenage son in a Link Housing property in Winchburgh.

But after moving back to her home village, she claims she has faced a series of issues, including raw sewage leaks, mould and an ant infestation.

Due to a loved one’s deteriorating health, she is now pleading with Link and the local authority to find her a home that does not impact her fibromyalgia.

Vicky says Link Housing has been reasonably responsive to her complaints but feels her home is not fit for purpose.

She says: “All I have wanted is to feel safe and be at home in Winchburgh but honestly, this has been one of those houses from hell. It’s been just one thing after another for me.

“Years ago I ended up homeless with my teenage son. We were put in a hotel for about four to six weeks. My son had to go and stay with his dad for a couple of weeks and it broke me.

“We were then given a home in Broxburn but the stair was so dangerous, there were dealers and addicts everywhere. All we had were two mattresses and a couple of deck chairs when we got there.

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“I hated being away from my family in Winchburgh because I’ve been brought up here all my life. This village is my roots.”

After being contacted by Edinburgh Live regarding her situation, Link Housing apologised for the issues Vicky has faced and say they will now make contact with her to ensure the property is assessed and further issues are identified and resolved.

West Lothian Council say one property was identified as a possible solution for Vicky last year but was deemed not suitable. They added they will continue to engage with Vicky over her housing needs.

Vicky was so excited when Link Housing offered her a home in Winchburgh. But after her initial elation, she says she has faced a catalogue of issues.

“I was so excited when I got offered a house back home. Everything was fine to start with but then it started to snowball.

“We discovered black mould everywhere. I had to chuck out furniture and clothes due to the damp and mould.

“They have come out and painted it but the mould still comes through. My partner needs to clean the windows every day and the walls every week.

“The worst problem we had to deal with was a sewage pipe flooding our garden. All the waste from the houses around us spewed all over our garden.

“You could see faeces and toilet paper all over the grass. I couldn’t open the window due to the smell and I wouldn’t let my niece play in the garden.

“I still do not let the kids go in the garden. Even though Link said it has been cleaned up, I won’t let the dog go out there in case there is any residual waste there.”

As well as dealing with mould and raw sewage, Vicky says they have also had to contend with an infestation of ants in her son’s room as well as leaks and a temperamental heating system. All of the issues combined have had a massive impact on her health.

As well as this, she now has to share caring responsibilities with her sister for a loved one in Winchburgh. Due to her fibromyalgia, she is pleading to be moved closer to her family to assist in administering care.

She is now pleading with West Lothian Council to find her home that is both suitable and close to loved ones.

Vicky continued: “The house is still continuing to impact my health. I’ve got fibromyalgia and the mould can make my health deteriorate.

“I need to be able to stay in an environment that isn’t making me ill. I’ve also got to be close to my family so I can help care for them.

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“It feels to me like the council doesn’t even try to help, I’ve just felt abandoned really. All I keep being told is I don’t have enough points for a council house.

“And the only home they have ever offered me in this area, there was faeces on the wall and holes in the floors.

“It was the worst house I’ve ever seen.

“I hate it here now. You used to know everybody but now they are just throwing up houses. They’re trying to make us a town, not a village.”

West Lothian Council declared a housing emergency in May 2024 as demand outstripped supply. At present, they have over 11,000 applicants on the Common Housing Register seeking social housing in the area.

Those at the local authority say homes are allocated based on those with the greatest need.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We continue to work with registered social landlords (RSLs) to increase the number of homes for rent, which includes new properties in Winchburgh.

“The current programme of council and RSL housing developments aims deliver a further 1,920 additional homes for rent across West Lothian.”

They added: “This applicant has been on the Common Housing Register since February 2024, and we will continue to engage with them over their housing needs.

“While additional points are given to families with greater housing needs, we cannot guarantee when a property will become available in the area they have specified that will match to their individual needs.

“A property was identified and offered to the family in May 2025 which we thought might meet their needs, but was withdrawn after it was agreed it was not suitable.

“Any issues regarding their current property should be addressed with their landlord.”

A Link Group spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to hear about the issues facing this tenant and recognise the impact this situation can have. We have carried out inspections and repair works at the property over time, including in relation to drainage and damp and mould.

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“We will now make direct contact with the tenant as a priority to ensure the property is fully assessed and any further works are identified and progressed. We take any concerns about tenants’ health seriously and will ensure these are fully considered in our response.”

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