A YEAR after reporting a roof leak to his housing association Gordon McLean is now suffering in his damp and mould-infested flat.

And to rub salt into the wounds of the 61-year-old widower, the social landlord is about to bump up his rent and have even sent a threatening reminder for £12 arrears.

Mr McLean first reported problems with an external roof pipe at his Galashiels property almost a year ago on December 12.

Further problems developed after a new bathroom suite was fitted at his Talisman Avenue home during the summer.

And it was only when wallpaper began peeling off his walls that action was finally taken to stop the dampness.

Despite being issued with a dehumidifier the former gamekeeper's property is still damp and mould can be found in several rooms.

Mr Mclean told us: "I first noticed water leaking off the roof and an outside pipe and coming into the walls.

"The water had to be coming into the walls, but the workmen didn't think there was anything wrong.

"They did repairs to my taps inside but they wouldn't believe me that there was a problem with water getting into the walls.

"After the new bathroom was fitted the dampness smell became more noticeable, and within a few weeks my wallpaper began falling off.

"After I lost my wife two years ago I took a real pride in my flat and decorated every room.

"I had the place beautiful, but look at it now.

"There's mould growing through the carpets, mould on the walls, the wallpaper has come off - how is someone meant to live in a house like this?"

Electrical testing on the property also showed that several sockets were dangerous due to the encroaching dampness.

And Mr Mclean has also developed a bad cough over the past few months.

But the biggest blow for him has been SBHA's decision to increase his rent and also send out a warning letter.

He added: "While this was going on I went to a meeting with SBHA and they announced my rent would be going up from £88 to almost £94 per week - who would pay £94 a week to live like this?

"I just received another letter from them to say if I don't pay £12 rent arrears as well they will take court action.

"My home has been ruined by them not repairing a leak and this how they treat me."

Scottish Borders Housing Association deny that dampness issues were reported by Mr Mclean before October.

But they admit they were called to his Talisman Avenue flat last December, and also carried out repairs to taps earlier in the year.

A spokeswoman told us: "In December 2018 an inspection was carried out by SBHA with no further action at that time.

"Repairs relating to an immersion heater and also taps had been carried out in the property earlier in 2019 and dampness issues were not raised on these occasions.

"The tenant contacted us on October 28 and a job line was raised including a specialist survey commissioned to investigate the cause of the problem, prior to instruction of appropriate works.

"Remedial works are currently on site following investigations regarding water ingress."

The Selkirk-based housing association has also defended its planned rent increases.

The spokeswoman added: "In November 2019, we carried out a consultation on the proposed rent levels for the following year, giving all 5,600 tenants the opportunity to provide feedback, via a wide variety of consultation methods, including paper survey, community roadshows and telephone surveys.

"We advise tenants of these opportunities via their autumn newsletter, website and Facebook. SBHA has one of the lowest rents in the Borders and is committed to providing affordable homes."