A MOTHER who has lived in a council flat for nine years has backed a councillor’s proposal to demolish existing homes and rebuild them.

Anne Browne, who lives in a flat in Fettiplace Road, Barton, said something needed to be done about the condition of her home – and demolition could be the best option.

She spoke out after Van Coulter, Oxford city councillor for Barton, said the area was at the forefront of a programme to address the condition of the council’s housing stock.

The Oxford Standard initiative aims to lift the council’s city properties to a minimum “C” rating for energy efficiency.

And Ms Browne is hoping the flat she rents from the council will be part of the scheme.

The 49-year-old administrative worker said: “I’m constantly going to the council to get the place improved and it has got to a point where you cannot improve it anymore.

“The council need to recognise that it’s a property that needs to be pulled down and for the residents to be rehoused.

“I moved here with my daughter when she was six and I noticed then that there was mould growing on the ceiling.

“I have suffered from health problems since being here and I’m asthmatic. I think there are structural problems too.”

She said that the walls were so thin that in the winter it was cold enough inside to “see her own breath”.

Ms Browne added: “I am aware that there could be regeneration in Barton and the site could be used for some nice social housing.

“Barton will grow with the new-build and needs financial support.

“I often hear of quick-fix solutions – a nice home is a permanent solution.”

Mr Coulter said every type of council home in Barton was now mapped and rated in accordance with its energy efficiency.

He said: “The city council’s housing stock has to be improved and the programme is going to be trialled in Barton.

“I would rather that problematic council housing is replaced.

“The footprint where the flats are located is an inefficient use of the land.

“Rather than having flats located in a corner of the site, proper houses could be provided, far more suited to the needs of families.”

Mr Coulter said he that funding was now available, with officers needing to confirm the most cost-effective approach before commissioning the necessary work.