Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘They’ve tidied it up but I’m not going back yet’
A man who lives in a block of flats which was evacuated after the roof above his living room collapsed says he does not feel comfortable returning, despite engineers saying it is safe.
Clive Bellinger from Sir John Fogge Avenue in Repton Park was sitting in his kitchen when he says he “felt a rumble through the kitchen floor” on Friday afternoon.
Police and fire crews evacuated the block and “minutes later” falling masonry was strewn across the road and partially flattened a Mazda3 at about 2.30pm.
Some families have returned to their homes but Mr Bellinger says he has been left with no other choice but to sofa surf as he does not feel safe going back.
He added: “We are allowed back in, apparently they sent a structural engineer out who said it was sound but I still don’t feel safe myself with respect that it’s
right above the living room.
“With the wind we have continuing, with every creak and groan I’m concerned the roof is going to cave in.
“The insurance said it could take up to two months and now the remaining bricks have been taken out it catches the wind so easily.
“They have tidied it up and they say it’s all structurally
sound but that’s okay for everyone on the floors below, but when it’s right above where you live, it’s a bit nerve-wracking.”
Mr Bellinger, who has been living in the road for five years, also has mobility issues and fears he may not be able to get out easily if the worst was to happen.
He added: “My neighbours a few doors down said a similar sort of thing happened a few
years ago on the other side of the building, which makes me wonder why it has been allowed to happen a second time.”
No injuries were reported and a police spokesman said officers assisted the fire service “in ensuring residents were safe”.
To watch the moment part of the rubble fell from the top floor, visit bit.ly/3saLxpp