Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘Council says damage in storm was act of nature’
Woman faces hefty bill after fence is blown into her car
A motorist says she risks losing her no claims bonus and faces a hefty repair costs because the council won’t accept liability for damage caused by a fence panel.
Sheila Linkson, 58, had parked her car near her home in Towers View, Kennington, when storms hit in March.
Powerful winds blew a neighbour’s fence panel onto her Renault Clio, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
She approached the council to make an insurance claim because the fence had come loose from a council-maintained property.
But after months of negotiations she says the council has washed its hands of the affair, saying it was an act of nature which caused the damage, rather than preventable damage due to workmanship and maintenance.
Now Mrs Linkson, who has lived in Towers View since 1999, says she faces the penalty of making a claim from her own insurance. She said: “They are not doing anything and I feel like I’m being treated so unfairly. It was the first decent car I’ve got, and they just say ‘tough’.
“It was parked there overnight at the side of the house. The fence panel smacked into the side of my car all night.
“I don’t see why I should have to lose out for it. I face losing my no claims bonus, and having to see my premium go up.
“I don’t know who maintains the fences, but it is the council’s responsibility as the landlord.
“The council response has been abominable, I’ve come up against a brick wall.”
A council spokesman said it did not comment on insurance matters.
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