The wait goes on

Nick Bromley surveys the damage to his kitchen

MUSHROOMS and mould are growing in a family’s abandoned home four months after it was severely damaged in the Shaw blast.

Nick Bromley, his wife Sharon and their two children are still living in temporary rented accommodation in Royton after their Oak Street home was caught in the huge gas explosion on June 26.

Two-year-old Jamie Heaton died in the blast, which flattened eight homes and damaged many others. The cost was put at more than £1.2 million.

The family, who have owned their home for 22 years, estimate that 70 per cent of their belongings were destroyed, along with the ceilings and back wall.

Oldham Council put a makeshift plastic cover over the roof, which was followed up by a visit from RSA group, the family’s insurance company.

But months later, there are still no signs of repairs being started, water is constantly streaming down the walls and fungi is growing.

Mr Bromley (45) said: “The roof we’ve got isn’t water tight so the amount of water damage is unbelievable. Now we’ve got furry mould and mushrooms growing in there.

“We know families who weren’t insured, who are having their houses rebuilt out of the disaster fund money — some houses are getting thousands of pounds.

“I have filled in contact forms with the council and no one has called me to check we are ok.”

A council spokesman said: “The council played an initial role, in its capacity as the building control body for the borough, to ensure properties were safe and structurally sound.

“Once property owners have instructed their insurers the progress on repairs is solely a matter for them.”

An RSA spokesman said: “We have been working closely with Mr Bromley to ensure his roof is repaired as quickly as possible.

“His surveyor recently sent us their schedule of works and as soon as the plans have been agreed the builders can commence the repairs.”

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