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Maidstone mum stunned after items moved more than 60 miles away to Twickenham storage unit after car crashes into home in Farleigh Hill

By: Cara Simmonds csimmonds@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 14 April 2024

A mum has been left stunned after all her possessions were moved to a storage unit more than 60 miles away after a vehicle ploughed into her home.

Allana Spencer, from Maidstone, is currently living in temporary accommodation with her young daughter after a car ploughed into the front of their house.

Allana Spencer, from Maidstone, with her daughter Ava-Mae. Picture: Allana Spencer

At the time she initially thought a “bomb had gone off” as the vehicle crashed after failing to stop for the police.

The incident, which happened at around 7.30pm on January 4, caused extensive damage to the property in Farleigh Hill.

Housing association Hyde moved the mum and her five-year-old daughter Ava-Mae into a hotel later that night.

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They stayed there for three weeks and were then relocated to temporary accommodation.

Since January 26, the pair have been living at a flat in the town centre.

A car crashed into the 27-year-old’s home in January. Picture: Jen Browning

However, most of their possessions were still at home when builders started repairs.

“I kept asking Hyde for a storage unit and they said everything should be left there so I could eventually move back in,” Allana explained.

“I was worried about dust and mould. My neighbours told me they could see workmen cutting wood in the middle of my living room.

“I called up Storage King in Lockmeadow and they offered me a price. I told Hyde but they said they had their own facility.”

On February 14, all of Allana’s furniture and clothes, as well as Ava-Mae’s toys were moved into a secure unit – in Twickenham.

The journey between Maidstone and Twickenham

The south-west London district is 64.7 miles away and takes more than an hours drive from Maidstone on a traffic-free day.

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Allana said: “I thought they were joking. What happens if I need something?

“They've moved it all the way out there. I wasn't very impressed because there's literally a storage unit down the road.”

The 27-year-old expected to be in temporary accommodation until next Friday (April 19), but this has now been extended to May 3.

She first filed a complaint in January, after moving into the hotel.

Read more!
Ava-Mae with her cat, Stitch, who had to be rehomed while they live in temporary accommodation. Picture: Allana Spencer

Allana claims to have contacted the housing company every day as she believes she was left in the dark for weeks.

At the end of March, Hyde Housing offered her £150 in compensation due to a lack of communication.

The company also confirmed that the front door wouldn’t be fitted until the end of May – with the gas and electric yet to be turned back on.

“I feel like they want me to sign this complaint away and then that will be it,” she said. “It’s a way out for them.

“I don't agree with it, so why should I sign it?

It caused extensive damage to the front of the property. Picture: Allana Spencer

“I've never wanted any money. I just want a safe place for Ava-Mae to live.

“At the minute I feel like I'm hitting brick walls and it's not fun. I've literally had my life turned upside down for £150.”

During the time of the crash, Allana had been recovering from a recent miscarriage, which has seen her diagnosed with post-traumatic stress.

The mum says the whole ordeal has caused her anxiety to worsen.

“I have been to the doctors and I'm going to start therapy,” she added. “We have both been very sleep-deprived.

The home had to be fenced off for safety

“Ava-Mae’s school is helping her a lot. She seems to think that the building is going to fall down on her all the time.”

It is not the first time the property has been damaged by a car.

In May 2021, one rolled down the hill after the driver forgot to secure the handbrake.

The back end had hit her kitchen window and damaged the gas meter box. Both had to be replaced.

Allana says the road is also notorious for speeding drivers.

Allana’s belongings have been packed up and moved. Picture: Allana Spencer

On January 11 – a week after the incident – a crash happened at the junction with Straw Mill Hill, just metres away from her home.

The catering assistant has lived there for four years and now desperately wants to find another place to live.

She added: “I don't know why a camera or speed bumps haven’t been put in place.

“There’s no garden fence or wall at the front of the house to provide a bit more of a safety barrier. There’s just nothing there.”

Hyde says the safety of its customers is its top priority.

Another crash on Farleigh Hill happened a week after the incident. Picture: Allana Spencer

A spokeswoman said: “Following the car crashing into Ms Spencer’s home, which was understandably a shocking incident for her to experience, we responded urgently to support her to have somewhere else to stay.

“After assessing the damage to her home, it’s been necessary for Ms Spencer to stay in alternative accommodation whilst we complete the repairs works.

“We’ve almost finished the works, and once we get an appointment to restore the power, we’ll reconnect the boiler, do a final clean and her home will be ready for her to return to.”

The housing provider is also considering Allana’s request for a permanent move.

However, she added: “Due to the high demand for homes, there isn’t a suitable home currently available.

The mum claims Hyde has failed to communicate with her. Picture: Allana Spencer

“Once she has moved back into her current home, she’ll remain as a priority for an alternative property should she still wish to move.”

Hyde says it has also supported Allana’s request to put her items in storage while works are carried out on her home.

“The storage is only for bulky items, and we would not normally expect customers to access their items in storage on a regular basis,” the spokeswoman explained.

“We look forward to welcoming Ms Spencer back to her home soon.

“We’ll continue working with her to find out if there is any additional support we can provide for the remaining time while she is in temporary accommodation.”

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