Ill man afraid to stay in 'unlivable' home

UNHAPPY ... James Fleming fears moving back into his home after a fire last year

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AN ELDERLY man fears he will be made homeless if he cannot get help to repair his flat and make it habitable again following a devastating fire.

James Fleming was on his way home from a family funeral in Newcastle when he received a call to say there had been a fire at his home on Furness Avenue in September last year.

The 65-year-old arrived to find that his possessions had been destroyed in the blaze and his three pet cats had also tragically died in the fire.

Mr Fleming said: "I was devastated when I heard about the fire.

"When I found out that my cats had died, I broke down, it was awful.

"I cared for my cats so much. When I found out that they had died I didn't care any more about my possessions."

Mr Fleming, who suffers with health issues and breathing difficulties including asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), was given temporary accommodation at Werneth Lodge following the fire, which had caused substantial damage to the property and required extensive repairs.

After eight months away, Mr Fleming was delighted to be told by First Choice Homes Oldham that he would be able to return to the home he had lived in for five years.

Mr Fleming said: "I was looking forward to going back home and getting on with my life.

"But when I saw the state it was in, I knew I couldn't live there.

"The walls are still black from the fire and there are a lot of damaged areas.

"I've tried to stay in there but it is making me ill.

"I struggle to breathe and the condition the home is currently in is not good for my health."

He added that he had spoken to FCHO about the issues, but had been told there was nothing more to be done at the property.

Mr Fleming said: "I'd clean it and redecorate the flat myself if I could, but I'm not well enough.

"I told them it is unlivable in its current state and asked to be moved to a new home but First Choice Homes refused.

"I'm worried that I'm going to be homeless as I can't stay where I am now."

FCHO Customer First Director Dave Smith said: "First Choice Homes Oldham works with our tenants to help them deal with emergencies such as fires. We temporarily rehouse households, repair any damage and make sure homes are safe and habitable for them to move back into.

"However we also hold all tenants responsible for any deliberate damage or neglect of their home which may lead to fire and similar emergencies."