A YOUNG family whose bathroom ceiling caved in may have to wait two weeks before finding out if council staff will carry out repairs.

Samantha Marshall, her husband Daniel, and their three daughter, awoke to a loud crash at 5am yesterday.

After initially fearing a burglar was trying to break into their Horton Road council flat in Brighton, they discovered huge chunks of ceiling had fallen in the bathroom, covering the room in debris.

They believe a build up of mould weakened plaster in the ceiling and a rotting beam above eventually gave way - but the council said it was caused by a leak from the flat above.

Mrs Marshall claims Mears staff, Brighton and Hove City Council's housing contractor, visited and said the shower and toilet were still safe to use.

A decision on if repair work was needed would not be taken until September 15 and they may have to move into a one bedroom flat in Eastbourne or Crawley for six weeks while it is fixed, Mrs Marshall said.

The council said any repair work would be carried out at the "earliest opportunity".

The 28-year-old care assistant, who is mother to 12-year-old Megan, Scarlett, six, and 19-month-old Olivia, said: "I think it's disgusting they think it's OK to make us wait so long for help. Bits of ceiling are still falling down and they expect us to use the bathroom. The stench of mould is unbearable. I'm constantly cleaning it but it doesn't go away.

"Olivia constantly has chest infections and they all have asthma and eczema - which I think is caused by the living conditions.

"Megan and Scarlett are starting new schools today and we both work long hours. If we have to move out of Brighton it will be impossible for us.

"I've complained to the council so many times about the condition of the flat. We pay full rent and council tax - no-one should have to live in these conditions.

"We want to move but don't have enough money to rent privately."

James Cryer, partnering manager said: "Mears are contracted to attend to emergency priority repairs within 24 hours, however we always aim to respond sooner. Mears attended and made safe the ceiling at approximately 2pm. The cause of the ceiling collapse was a slow, long term leak from the flat above, which had not previously been reported to us. We've arranged to deliver a dehumidifier to help dry the bathroom quickly. Temporary accommodation has also been offered. We will inspect the drying process next week and are arranging for a partnership damp survey to be carried out the following week. All identified remedial works will be arranged at the earliest opportunity."