A new campaign has been launched by town hall chiefs in a bid to ensure damp or mould is tackled in an East Lancs borough.

Council bosses in Blackburn with Darwen have teamed up with partners to help victims know where they can get support.

Experts from the Care Network, Cosy Homes in Lancashire, environmental health and the NHS are tackling the issue, which can pose a health risk and contribute to childhood asthma and respiratory conditions.

Black mould - a fungus which can grow in damp areas - is the most common problem.

It is caused by too much moisture in the air, poor heating and a lack of ventilation. Leaky pipes and roof spaces and rising damp are factors.

Homeowners are being advised to follow simple steps, such as keeping room heating between 18 and 21 degrees, opening windows for ventilation where possible and covering pans while cooking, to lessen the risk.

Further advice includes running cold water first when having baths and ensuring you dry clothes outside or in a well-ventilated room.

Landlords can play their part through proper maintenance and heading off ventilation issues, say campaign partners.

If the problem persists then victims can contact the council's housing standards team for help with their rights and where help can be secured.

rights and where you can get help. Visit our website for more information.

Care Network also has a 'Healthy Homes' service on 01254 507255 and the council website has a video and leaflet on damp and mould, at https://bewellbwd.com/damp-and-mould.

Cllr Damian Talbot, the borough's executive member for public health and housing, said: "It is unfortunately really easy for damp and mould to develop in homes.

"This is especially true in the colder winter months when we generally close our windows, cook more hot food on the hob and need to dry our clothes inside.

"It can cause health issues if left unchecked and untreated, so it’s important to take action as quickly as you can.

"Luckily there are steps we can take to minimise the risk of damp and mould, and also action we can take if it has become a household issue.

"If you have damp and mould in your home there are organisations out there for help and advice, so please look at the websites and phone numbers mentioned if you’ve got an issue.”