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Man not returning to Repton Park flats in Ashford after roof collapses in Storm Eunice

A man who lives in a block of flats which was evacuated after the roof above his living room collapsed says he does not feel comfortable returning – despite engineers saying it is safe.

Clive Bellinger from Repton Park in Ashford was sitting in his kitchen when he says he “felt a rumble through the kitchen floor” during Storm Eunice on Friday afternoon.

The flats in Sir John Fogge Avenue in Repton Park were damaged by Storm Eunice
The flats in Sir John Fogge Avenue in Repton Park were damaged by Storm Eunice
Clive Bellinger lives in Sir John Fogge Avenue in Repton Park but isn't returning to his flat yet
Clive Bellinger lives in Sir John Fogge Avenue in Repton Park but isn't returning to his flat yet

Police and fire crews evacuated the block in Sir John Fogge Avenue and “minutes later” falling masonry was strewn across the road and partially flattened a Mazda3 at about 2.30pm.

Some families have returned to their homes but Mr Bellinger says he has been left with no other choice but to sofa surf as he does not feel safe going back.

He added: “We are allowed back in, apparently they sent a structural engineer out who said it was sound but I still don’t feel safe myself with respect that it’s right above the living room.

“With the wind we have continuing, with every creak and groan I’m concerned the roof is going to cave in.

“The insurance said it could take up to two months and now the remaining bricks have been taken out it catches the wind so easily.

Residents were evacuated from the block
Residents were evacuated from the block
Masonry landed on a Mazda3
Masonry landed on a Mazda3
How the flats looked yesterday
How the flats looked yesterday

“They have tidied it up and they say it’s all structurally sound but that’s okay for everyone on the floors below, but when it’s right above where you live, it’s a bit nerve-wracking.”

Mr Bellinger, who has been living in the road for five years, also has mobility issues and fears he may not be able to get out easily if the worst was to happen.

He added: “My neighbours a few doors down said a similar sort of thing happened a few years ago on the other side of the building, which makes me wonder why it has been allowed to happen a second time.”

A Mazda3 was destroyed in the incident
A Mazda3 was destroyed in the incident

No injuries were reported and a police spokesman said officers assisted the fire service “in ensuring residents were safe”.

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