Building mishap left family fearing for their lives

A social housing tenant from Swindon was left “terrified” for his family after a botched housing repair.

During a damp investigation the provider, Stonewater, ordered building work which led to Pete Arnison’s home becoming unsafe. The housing association now intends to sell the property.

Mr Arnison said he feared for his family’s safety after the property was mistakenly labelled safe and they were told to remain in the George Street terrace.

After persistent complaints from the tenant a surveyor reassessed the property and said there were “issues that needed action”. Stonewater moved the family into temporary accommodation and are now working to “secure a permanent home” for the family.

Mr Arnison said he was “devastated” that he could not keep a promise to his Ukrainian refugee wife and daughter to “keep them safe”.

Adding he was “terrified” for his family and “begged” the builder not to knock down a wall in the property.

“I told him it was dangerous,” he continued. Despite his requests the wall was removed leaving the family living in their kitchen which was an extension on the original building “scared that upstairs would fall down”.

Weeks later Mr Arnison and his family were moved out of the property and placed in temporary accommodation after a Stonewater surveyor confirmed there were “issues that needed action”.

Several months later and Mr Arnison has been told that the property will be sold, he said “I can never go back”.

Having lived in the property for over 30-years he said: “Please fix my house, I’ve lived here for a very long time” adding he feels “homeless” now he has lost his family home.

Mr Arnison said he is in talks with Wiltshire Homes to find new bricks and mortar where his family can rebuild.

Dave Lockerman, director of housing operations at Stonewater, said: “We are working closely with Mr Arnison to find a new permanent home in the Swindon area, as this is where the original property was located.

“As Mr Arnison cannot return to George Street, we have offered compensation to recognise the impact and disturbance in line with legislation.

“A full review of the case is underway to understand how we can learn for the future.

“While initial expert advice indicated the home was safe, one of our own surveyors carried out a further survey after Mr Arnison’s raised concerns. This confirmed there were issues that needed action and the home on George Street is no longer suitable for rent and will be sold.”