A PREGNANT Barry woman has labelled the Vale council disgraceful' after workers repairing the roof of her home left a hole in her ceiling.

Natasha Marsh, 24, who lives at the Ty Ffynnon estate on Ramsey Road, says council officials told her they could not repair the damage until November - leaving the second-storey flat exposed to the elements and with the threat of asbestos dispersing into her home.

Problems started two weeks ago when council workers arrived to replace felt on the roof of the flat.

However, with the job left unfinished, workmen left the property with only a thin layer of plywood to protect against a weekend of rain.

Miss Marsh explained: "The workmen left on the Friday but by the Monday night water had started to come in through the bathroom ceiling.

"I contacted the council's emergency phone line but was told there was nothing they could do. All they said was to put some towels down to stop water going through to the flat below!

"On Tuesday morning I called the council again but was told an emergency inspector wasn't available.

"By now the ceiling had started to sag and the flat smelt horrible," added Natasha.

"We even had mould over the walls and water stains on the ceiling."

"Then by Wednesday morning there was a hole in the roof.

"It's disgusting - we can't bring a newborn baby into this, but the council told me there's nothing they can do until November."

Miss Marsh and partner Craig Hillberg, 29, are now worried asbestos may be coming into the flat.

Mr Hillberg said: "If there's asbestos in the roof then we shouldn't be in there at all - particularly with a pregnant woman living in the flat.

"Six or seven weeks ago the council sent letters out to warn people they were going to take asbestos out of the hallway ceilings.

"They warned tenants to either stay out of the flats completely or remain inside where the front doors would be temporary sealed.

"You have to ask: if it wasn't safe to be around the asbestos then, how can it be safe now?

"Something needs to be done- and quickly."

Mike Ingram, Acting Operational Manager (Public Sector Housing) for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "The flat roofs at this location are being replaced by contractors on behalf of the Council, and work is due to be completed in the next few weeks.

"Maintenance officers are in regular contact with tenants to ensure the smooth operation of works of this nature and it is normal that, at the end of each day, arrangements are made for a temporary waterproof covering to be provided if necessary.

"If there has been a problem in this instance, then the Council can only apologise.

"Any damage to interior ceilings as a result of the work will be addressed on completion of the roof replacement.

"Claims in respect of alleged damage to property would need to be detailed in writing to the authority."