A VALE man whose life was wrecked following his wife's death last year has now had his misery compounded because of a row over his home.

Chris Penny, his daughters, Fran and Hannah - who is severely disabled - were forced to carry on alone, after mum, Julie, died of Myeloid Leukaemia in April.

In August, cracks started to appear around doorframes and stairs, just six months after the extension - built for Hannah who has cerebral palsy - was completed.

The extension was built with grants from Worcestershire County Council, with a sizeable contribution from the Pennys. Now Mr Penny, who is struggling to look after Hannah alone, is at his wit's end.

He said: "The extension is moving and the structural engineers and the district council have been monitoring the cracks for some time but I have heard nothing for months.

"I am stressed enough with the death of my wife, and the struggle to keep my family together, without this extra worry. Why is it that those responsible for building the extension with taxpayers' money, are not willing to put right the subsidence without a battle?"

Mr Penny was forced to retire as a teacher when his wife was diagnosed with cancer, and is now attempting to re-train as a fitness instructor. He is worried about his financial situation now his only asset, the family home, is showing structural faults.

Full sympathy

The charity, Care and Repair based at Wychavon District Council, was responsible for overseeing the project. The manager, Mark Crivelli said: "I have full sympathy with Mr Penny, especially because of his family situation. I knew his wife well.

"It does appear that the foundations are at fault but there is nothing we can do."

"Unfortunately, we have no redress because it is Mr Penny who holds the contract with the structural engineers and he would be the only one able to take legal action."

Managing director of Bromsgrove-based Shire Associates, the structural engineers, Simon Crook, said: "After we received a letter from Mr Penny's solicitors we needed to contact our insurers, then the holiday period intervened. We should now be able to get the matter resolved shortly."