COUNCIL workers were so shocked by this photograph that they brought forward vital repair work on the property.

Danni and Peter Mason were getting increasingly desperate as their City of York Council-owned house in Tang Hall Lane cracked up around them.

They moved into the house more than four months ago as part of a property exchange and, although they expected to redecorate, they were unprepared for the house of horrors they uncovered when stripping the walls and floors.

The couple said they were told that there was no council money to repair the damage and checks would be made on the property in due course.

But since the Evening Press published this photograph last week the couple, both 27, have been given better news.

Mr Mason, whose wife Danni is expecting their third child, said with two young children, aged two and four, the house had become a terrible place in which to live. But they were contacted by the council yesterday and told work would start on the house within a month. Officials said the family would be moved into temporary accomodation while the work took place.

Mr Mason said: "We've been so stressed. It was just a nightmare until we were told the work was going ahead. I'm just so happy to be getting a better house.

"The council knew the house was suffering from subsidence, but they didn't know it was so bad until they ssw the photograph."

Danni said: "Someone from the council is going to come round to get quotes on the work needed."

The council was originally planning on visiting the property next month, but officers have now brought that date forward.

A council spokeswoman said: "Although the family have still not been in touch to let us know that the crack in their living room floor has worsened, having seen the photograph in the Evening Press we believe that it is worse and are keen to bring the May inspection forward. We would urge any tenants with problems or issues of concern to them to report them to the council as soon as possible."

Updated: 09:59 Saturday, April 16, 2005