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Bonfire night fear for dad

Beatriz Ayala
3/11/2006

A FATHER who claims increased arson attacks are putting his family's lives at risk says he is dreading bonfire night.

Gary Davies of Great Howarth said there have been seven fires in the block of flats in the past month, with vandals lighting three in one week.

Mr Davies, who lives with his 15-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son, who is disabled, said three of the fires were started on his doorstep.

The 42-year-old said: "Rochdale Boroughwide Housing keeps telling me nothing is available and I'm just getting stonewalled, being told to go to the old post office, then Smallbridge housing and I'm getting nowhere fast.

"It is possible the situation will get worse with bonfire night approaching.

"RBH wrote to me on 18 October saying they gave houses to families with young children, but the only property they considered for families with teenagers is a flat.

"Their policy is senseless, and I might have a case with regards to ageism."

Mr Davies said one of the fires was started on his doorstep at 5.20am and only a smoke alarm woke the family before it developed.

He said: "I can't see it being kids at that time, the fire brigade said it was rubbish outside my house that had been set alight.

"We are trapped where we are although, because the flats are on a hill, I can get out of my bedroom window to the ground in any emergency.

"But there have been three fires in a week, with no obvious pattern. We should definitely be considered for new housing."

A spokeswoman for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing said: "We have listened to the comments and are investigating the matter to give Mr Davies a more substantial answer."