Pensioner in landslip peril
A St Columb Major pensioner is in life-threatening danger from a potential landslip just one metre from the back of her home, according to North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson.
Betty Hardman, 73, has a cliff-face near her property, which has been stable for 140 years. It became unsound following works by Western Power on the field above her property.
The company installed an underground power line, in order to take electricity to St Mawgan airfield. Expert surveyors say that remedial work to move the cable some years ago is most likely to be to blame for a series of landslips at the site. 20-24 tonnes of rocks have fallen into the area just two to three feet away from Mrs Hardman’s kitchen window, and a further, larger landslip, which would damage the house, is anticipated.
Western Power claims to have expert evidence to suggest that changes to vegetation on the field above Mrs Hardman’s property are to blame, but they will not reveal the relevant documents.
Local Lib Dem MP, Dan Rogerson has appealed to the company to take responsibility for the effects of its underground works, but they have so far failed to do so.
Commenting, Mr Rogerson said:
“Mrs Hardman is in a perilous position. The rock falls so far are a terrifying promise of what is to come.
“There could be serious damage to her home, and if she is in the property at the time, her own life would be in danger.
“Yet she has nowhere else to go. Experts believe that Western Power should take responsibility.
“The company has a moral duty either to take remedial action, or to prove conclusively that they have no case to answer. Their refusal to produce expert evidence to back up their position can only lead us to conclude that even their own legal advice does not exculpate the company from responsibility.
“Western Power is a multi-million pound power company, riding roughshod over the interests of a vulnerable pensioner.
“That is rough justice at its worst, and I will continue to expose it until the company fulfils its obligations to Mrs Hardman, and to the whole community in St Columb Major.”
Notes:
For further information on how to contact Mrs Hardman, please call Alex Davies on 07971 883996
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