Stafford Global Hygiene blaze: We are victims of fire too, claim couple
A homeowner has claimed the Global Hygiene fire, which took hold next door to his Stafford house, caused £10,000 worth of damage to his property.
Bernard Timmins is frustrated at the 'lack of answers' over the blaze in March, which affected neighbouring firms such as Goodwins Removals Stafford.
The cause is still a mystery.
The 72-year-old, from Aston Terrace, has revealed he too has been left counting the cost, particularly from water damage he claims was caused by the fire service.
He said his two caravans and a Land Rover were flooded, while glass in his greenhouse was smashed.
While Mr Timmins and wife Eva, aged 75, also believe the fire caused the death of their two cats who were found dead in their home within days of the major incident.
He said: "I am absolutely disgusted. I am just so appalled by the negligent way everybody is treating us.
"Two caravans and the Discovery (Land Rover) were damaged down to the fire. They were flooded.
"I have had to replace all of the glass in my green house as well. It might cost up to £10,000 just to cover the cost of one of the caravans.
"Our two cats died as well. We think they died of fright with the explosions."
He added: "We keep hearing stories about businesses getting back to normal but what about us? Nobody wants to talk to us."
Mr Timmins' insurers have reimbursed around £3,000 for damage to his home, including cracked walls and cracked windows, but he has not had anything for his vehicles.
The Environment Agency is investigating the cause of the fire. They have confirmed the blaze involved 40,000 litres of oil.
Tests are still on-going to determine the true extent of the ground contamination at the site – it is not known how deep the oil has seeped into the earth below the gutted business.
A spokeswoman from Global Hygiene said: "We have been working with Mr Timmins' insurers, and have raised all his concerns through our insurance company, since the claim was raised.
"We have received confirmation that Mr Timmins' insurers have paid out against the claim for the items insured."
Brian Griffiths, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Crews will always try to minimise the effects of fire and water damage on properties when they are tackling a blaze.
"However, their main objective is to extinguish the fire in the most safe, efficient and effective manner to protect the lives of local residents and wildlife."
