A FATHER-of-two has received the backing of a Bury MP after pleading for his family to be rehoused for the sake of their health.

Mr Graham Scotson, of Cornwall Drive, Bury, contacted David Chaytor, MP for Bury North, after putting up with severe damp on the walls of their flat for 12 years.

He had been in touch with the council and, following the birth of daughter, Hannah, two months ago, had been trying to have the family transferred to another property.

Mr Scotson, who lives with his wife, Karen, and their two children, had been told they were not a priority because they already had a home. But the damp has blackened the bedroom walls of 11-year-old asthma sufferer Matthew and affected his health. Baby Hannah sleeps in a carrycot in the living room, one of the only rooms not affected by the damp.

Mr Scotson said: "Only last week, something was thrown at the living room window. It made me think that if it happened again, and came through the glass, it could hit the baby. She has to sleep there for the sake of her health. We hope that Mr Chaytor's letter will help."

The Scotson's health visitor has also written a letter to the housing department at Bury Council regarding the problem, and the family are waiting for a reply.

Ian Embley, director of the Springs Tenants' Management Organisation, said: "We are committed to helping the family as Springs residents and will be going to look at the flat."