A VALE of Glamorgan pensioner and his wife have been enduring living conditions that Vale MP John Smith says are the worse he has seen in thirty years of politics.

But because they had not spoken out about it the extent of the problem has only just come to light.

Bill and Jessica Rich are both in their 80s. They live in the small village of Llandough, near Cowbridge.

Recently their house was visited by daughter Jacqualine Usher and Mr Smith.

Cowbridge resident Jacqualine said: "My parents have lived here for the last 25 years and love it.

But the condition of their house is appalling.

"There is damp throughout and the ceiling in the bedroom is so bad my mother used broom handles to stop it falling on them as they slept.

"My father has dementia and mum has been quite ill.

Neither of them had spoken out about the state they were living in and I was shocked myself to see how bad it had become since I visited last."

The couple lived in East Wing of Llandough Castle until a short while ago, when Jacqueline insisted they move out.

She added: "My mum had pneumonia and couldn't look after my father.

He had to move into a home and my mum is living with me. But she is very independent and wants to go home."

Mr Smith said: "These are the worst conditions I've seen in 30 years of politics.

"I have witnessed the appalling living environment first hand and find it unbelievable that in the 21st century anyone, let alone pensioners, should be living in such atrocious and quite clearly dangerous surroundings.

During the short time that I was there I even witnessed part of the ceiling collapse.

"The house is in a lovely area and I'm sure it was once a lovely property but it has obviously fallen into serious disrepair.

This is a matter that I will be investigating with the utmost urgency."