A pensioner who had a lucky escape after his garage collapsed on him has had the wreckage removed at the council's expense.
Flashback - Mr Pews after the incident. Picture: SEANA HUGHES (39755-a)
John Pews, 82, was buried under his collapsed shed for an hour before his cries for help were heard by a neighbour last month.
Mr Pews, of Pygot Place, Braintree, was airlifted to hospital after the ambulance service was called to the accident.
He had decided to dismantle the shed, in Gilchrist Way, after young people playing with a car had crashed into it a few weeks before.
Mr and Mrs Pews have now decided the plot is too much bother and are giving up its lease.
But Braintree Council had already sent Mr and Mrs Pews a letter, which arrived while they were at hospital, asking them to remove the shed as it was dangerous.
After the accident, Mrs Pews went to speak to the area estate manager to tell him removing it would not be possible.
She said: "I was so angry I went up to the council and asked to see Mr Felton. I was in no condition to wait."
Area estate manager Dudley Felton said: "I did say to his wife when she came in the following day that in view of what happened I would get the site cleaned at our expense and that will be it."
Published Thursday, December 30, 2004
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