Express & Star

Family in roof cave-in to move

A family whose roof caved in say they will have to move after struggling to find the cash to fix it.

Published

Nigel and Tina Botfield were awoken by their roof collapsing at 6am on June 15. They were forced to flee as bricks and tiles fell onto Rooth Street, Wednesbury as the gable end gave way, leaving a pile of 100 bricks outside the house.

The couple should be celebrating the completion of repairs at their property in Rooth Street.

But in fact they are staring at the prospect of having to move out, after their insurance company, Direct Line, refused to pick up the £17,000 repair bill.

The company claims the roof was structurally unsound at the time of the incident and the wind was only blowing at speeds of up to 25mph – about half of what it needs to be classified as storm damage.

Mother-of-three Mrs Botfield, aged 41 said:?"I'm relieved the work has now all been done, but we're disappointed Direct Line are not paying out .

"As soon as that is all done we will be looking to sell it because we can no longer afford to pay the mortgage."

Direct Line spokeswoman Claire Foster said: "Under the terms and conditions of their home insurance policy, it is the responsibility of the owner of the property to ensure it is in a good state of repair; as any damage caused gradually, as in this case, is not covered."

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