Fear after flat fire (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Fear after flat fire

12:01pm Tuesday 5th August 2008

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A BRIDGWATER woman has opened up to the Mercury about the daily struggles she faces after a fire ravaged her home.

The West Street flat of 73-year-old Heather Taylor was scorched during a late-night blaze on July 23, destroying the contents of one room and leaving smoke damage in the rest.

Heather told the Mercury that the fire started accidentally after a lit cigarette fell and the room went up in flames.

Heather, who struggles with asthma, arthritis and a bad knee, said: “I have to sleep downstairs on the settee because there is smoke in my bedroom, which irritates my asthma.

“I've cleaned as much as I can, but the whole place needs redecorating and I can't do it all myself.”

The fire damage is not covered under her tenancy agreement with Homes in Sedgemoor, and as she has no contents insurance, Heather has been left to replace items and decorations destroyed by the fire.

Ann Philcox, housing director for Homes in Sedgemoor, said: “We have spoken to Mrs Taylor on numerous occasions so she is fully aware of the circumstances.

“If someone has no contents insurance, we will do the work for them, but would have to recharge the cost as we use tenants' money.”

Darryl Taylor, Heather's son, said: “I just cannot believe it, there is no compassion. She's a 73-year-old woman who is not getting any younger, has problems with mobility and Homes in Sedgemoor told her she has to sort it out herself.

“She is anxious and frustration is piling up on her.”

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