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World Cup action brings house down

30/ 6/2006

WORLD Cup fever is sweeping Rochdale.

And for one Norden resident it has brought the house down.

Coralie Mooney was on the phone to a friend during half-time of the France-Spain game on Tuesday night when she heard an almighty crash.

She dashed outside her semi-detached home in Thornlea Drive to find a hefty slate canopy above her front door had collapsed.

It took Mrs Mooney, with help from her neighbours, half-an-hour to clear the mess.

She said: "I am concerned about people's safety and that this could happen with other houses that were built in the same batch at the same time.

"The canopy came down without warning.

"I had walked into the house just 10 minutes earlier and five minutes before the canopy came down a lad came to my door selling paintings. He doesn't know what a lucky escape he had."

She added: "I have been told that I am not covered for this incident by my insurance.

"And because it was built 13 years ago, it will no longer be under the builders' warranty."

Neighbour John Fryer said: "I went out to my car at half-time during the match and I heard an almighty crash.

"I turned around to see the pile of slates and the dust settling. There were slates all over Coralie's drive and garden."

A spokeswoman for George Wimpey Manchester said: "We have not been contacted by Mrs Mooney regarding her property.

"If she gets in touch with us we will be happy to investigate the matter further."