A family was left frightened for their lives after an ancient castle wall collapsed outside their home.
Adam Giagnotti, 42, has been left facing a £400k bill after the 40ft-high retaining wall came tumbling down following weeks of heavy rain.
The landslide took place in Reservoir Lane in Worcester, blocking the road on February 9, reports MailOnline.
Giagnotti has now been told that he must stump up the money for the repairs as he owns a three-bed semi-detached home just above the wall.
The wall before the collapse
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He said: “That [£400,000] is the figure. The council has not taken responsibility. They have been useless. They are charging me for everything, including the traffic light system. I’m on my own really. It’s not great.
“The council should take responsibility at least for clearing it up and making it safe. We have the correct insurance but they’re refusing to pay because they say the wall was inadequate.
“It’s all on me. They should not be charging me for traffic lights. They should be helping me and encouraging me. I am a businessman but it doesn’t mean I have that sort of money, unfortunately.
“We were trying to open a third venue. That has now had to be put on hold. It’s not my business money that can solve this – I have to find this money personally.”
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The county council confirmed that maintenance of the retaining wall rests with the landowner
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Giagnotti added that his children’s lives were put in danger as their sandpit was near the area of land that collapsed.
He added: “‘Emotionally this has broken me and my family. The kids’ sandpit was on top of the wall and they were playing in it the night before it collapsed. That’s the only thing that has kept me going, knowing they’re not dead.
Now he says he has been told by Worcestershire County Council and his insurers that he will have to foot the final repair bill.
However, he says he has been told by the council and his insurers that he will have to foot the final repair bill.
A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said: “Our Highway Status and Extent team completed their search enquiry to confirm ownership.
“The conveyance on the property confirms that ownership and maintenance of the retaining wall rests with the landowner.
“We can confirm that the area was made safe following this wall collapse, and traffic management installed. There are daily costs being incurred as a result of the traffic lights at this location.
“On completion of the required works to the wall, we will then discuss further with the resident.”
Source Agencies
