Anger over unrepaired roof (From Borehamwood Times)

Anger over unrepaired roof

6:43pm Thursday 22nd November 2007

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A homeowner has accused a housing developer of negligence after a lump of concrete from his roof fell into his garden.

Jonathan Lebovits, of Eaton Way, Borehamwood, first reported loose tiles on his roof to George Wimpey in August this year.

He was told then that the roof was safe, but when a chunk of loose mortar dislodged and fell into his garden he grew more concerned.

He said: "We were assured by them it was safe, but clearly they were wrong. There could have been a tragedy. We are very angry."

Mr Lebovits, who has lived in the home with his wife and three-year-old son for less than two years, was then told at the end of August by George Wimpey that firm Evans Roofing would be dealing with the loose tiles, but nothing was done.

He said: "George Wimpey's customer service has been totally unacceptable.

"They promised us in August and then September that the roofing work would be carried out but it wasn't."

When George Wimpey didn't fix the roof, Mr Lebovits employed a home inspection firm to assess the situation.

He added: "They carried out a thorough inspection of the entire house and discovered lots of other faults that only people in the industry would know about. Without their help and intervention, the work wouldn't have started.

"We believe that George Wimpey should apologise for incorrectly classing the removal of the chunk of mortar as non-urgent. They should pay compensation for the distress and inconvenience they have caused. £275 would be an appropriate amount, as the chunk of mortar weighed 275g. We would donate this to charity."

A George Wimpey spokeswoman said: "George Wimpey apologises for any distress we may have caused Mr Lebovits and his family. We have dealt professionally with all Mr Lebovits' valid complaints and will continue to do so."

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