'I'm forced to live in fire-damaged flat' Insurance firm's 'delay' is blamed.

Byline: Catherine Evans

AN EX-SOLDIER says he may have to spend Christmas in a filthy burnt-out flat after it was damaged in an electrical blaze.

Darren Brown, 35, had been living in his privately-rented flat in Coed-y-Groes, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, for only a few weeks when the fire broke out more than a month ago.

But he says that despite being offered an alternative flat from his letting agents, he cannot move until his insurance company agrees to pay for temporary accommodation.

Describing the fire, he said: "I was sat on the sofa in the lounge at around 8pm on October 25 when I heard a crash.

"There was a haze in the hallway and my smoke alarm went off. It turned out the crash I'd heard was the window exploding in the bedroom."

After firefighters put out the blaze, Darren surveyed the damage.

"The smell was horrendous," he said.

"About 90% of my clothes had been ruined and the birthday presents I had bought for my five-year-old son Alex were burnt.

"I cleaned up as best as I could, but the walls and ceiling in every room are still black.

"I've been here for a month since the fire, sleeping on the sofa, and it's so depressing. It's affected everything. I can hardly be bothered to get up in the mornings."

Darren's letting agent Darlows on Albany Road has found him another flat nearby.

But more than a month after the fire, the former Royal Signals soldier, who served in the first Gulf War and now works for Kelda Water Services, says he is still waiting for insurance company Cunningham Lindsay to stump up for a temporary move.

And he now fears he may have to spend Christmas in the smoke-damaged property.

"I've already paid this month's rent so I'm not paying any more," he said.

Jon Benham, senior lettings manager at Darlows in Albany Road, Cardiff, said: "We share our tenant's frustrations and have been doing everything we possibly can to try to resolve this situation.

"We have been liaising closely with our tenant and his landlord plus the insurance company and loss adjusters, and keeping everyone informed of progress.

"We are awaiting confirmation from the insurers whether they will cover the cost of alternative accommodation while the property is being repaired. We're not clear as to why it is taking so long but will do everything we can to keep the pressure up until this is resolved."

A spokeswoman for the Cunningham Lindsay insurance company said it would be looking into the matter and contacting Darren shortly.

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WAIT FOR NEWS: Darren Brown and, inset, his burnt-out flat PICTURES: Liz Pearce