Wall collapse gives way to insurance fear

Photo: Darren Robinson

CONCERN . . . George Warren (left) and Tony Ashcroft.

FAMILIES on a terrace street face an anxious wait after an outside wall spanning three houses partly collapsed.

Residents in Ash Street, Failsworth, heard a loud bang as the wall fell away.

Builders were called on Monday after concerns were raised with Oldham Council about the bulging front wall. Residents said they were advised to call the council after insurance firms questioned whether the policies covered the problem.

Builders removed some bricks but more, as well as window frames and guttering, then collapsed.

Tony Ashcroft (46) said his 70-year-old mother Marianne Ashcroft had noticed some structural problems six weeks ago, when a gradually-widening gap appeared in a bedroom wall.

He said: “My mum had called her insurers, Barclays Bank, who said she wasn’t covered. Nobody came to see it. She complained and somebody came out. That inspector said it was dangerous.”

A spokesman for Barclays Bank, Mrs Ashcroft's insurer, said an investigation showed the cause of the collapse was a corroded wall tie, which was classed as wear-and-tear and thus not be covered by her insurance policy.

He added: “We have contacted Oldham Council's building control and made them aware of Mrs Ashcroft’s circumstances. We have also suggested she contact Age UK for help.”