Christmas tree props up rotting outbuilding roof in Hoveton

Matthew James, who lives in Grange Close, Hoveton with his wife has had to prop an old Christmas tree to stop the outbuilding's roof from falling down after its wooden frame began to rot away.

However, the 29-year-old says they are "going around in circles" with their housing company Flagship to fix the issue - which says it "acknowledges the delay".

Mr James' lean-to which is rotting away and being propped up with an old Christmas tree (Image: Matthew James)

Mr James said: "I noticed it in May last year where the wood from the lean-to was rotting in several places and falling away.

"The clamps are literally the only thing keeping the outbuilding connected to the bungalow, so if they give out the whole thing will collapse.

"With all the rain recently the lean-to roof is losing its integrity.

Matthew James, with the old Christmas tree holding up his outbuilding (Image: Matthew James)

"It's been propped up with an old Christmas tree for the last six months - but it's hardly a long-term solution.

"There's been surveyors and roofers - probably on seven or eight separate occasions - coming round for the last 18 months and every time they arrive to do a temporary repair.

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"But each time they see the damage, they say the roof needs to be completely replaced and that they'll send a report off.

Mr James said the brackets holding the outbuilding to the bungalow are starting to pull away (Image: Matthew James)

"Every time this happens, and we just go around in circles.

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"I've got work equipment I need to keep in there which will get damaged sooner or later if this doesn't get sorted soon."

Mr James says his work tools and equipment will be ruined soon with all the rain water coming in (Image: Matthew James)

Jay Furner, head of housing at Victory Homes, said: "We acknowledge the delay in waiting for a permanent solution for his lean-to.

"Unfortunately, Mr James' lean-to, being classified as an outbuilding, falls lower on our priority list.

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"We were unaware of the unique support structure and will speak to Mr James as soon as possible to ensure his safety.

Mr James has been battling with housing association, Flagship, around getting the issue fixed (Image: Matthew James)

"The job is with our planned works team, who will contact Mr James to find a solution".

Mr James added: "It's very stressful because it's been constant anxiety and anger trying to sort this out.

"It's not acceptable."

The old Christmas tree which has been propping up the outbuilding for the last six months (Image: Matthew James)