A couple whose newly-built home has been riddled with mould for four years spoke today of their 'nightmare'.

Sarah Hall and her fianc�, Peter Aspery, bought the flat in Queen's Hills, in Costessey, from Taylor Wimpey in April 2008.

But since moving in they have spent time living in a hotel to escape the damp and now sleep in their living room as their bedroom is too mouldy. Despite builders carrying out work, the problems have persisted.

Ms Hall, who works for BAE Systems at RAF Marham, said: 'We feel totally helpless and at a loss. This was our first new home together, which should have been a pleasant, joyful experience. Instead it has been an absolute nightmare.'

The first damp test was carried out in 2008 and showed the home's floors did have a problem. Sarah and Peter, both aged 27, moved into the Premier Inn at the Norfolk Showground for three weeks while carpets were replaced and dehumidifiers put in place. Four years later, the dehumidifiers are still on.

Ms Hall said: 'We shouldn't have to live like this in a new build property. We are totally trapped. We can't sell and we can't afford to keep pursuing Taylor Wimpey via a solicitor.'

The latest report on the ground floor Woodpecker Court flat from consumer watchdog, the National House-Building Council (NHBC), said the builders need to act by November 9 to get rid of mould on the walls.

Taylor Wimpey said they were working closely with NHBC. No faults had been found with the building's structure and a broken extractor fan had been fixed.

A spokesman for the developer said: 'We will be ensuring any further issues are resolved in accordance with the warranty and apologise for any inconvenience caused.'