Fire family still battling

TWO years after fire ravaged through their home, a family of four are still fighting to receive an insurance pay out.The stress of the ongoing saga caused Bryan Ager and his wife, Shirley, to be diagnosed with a post-traumatic stress disorders and Mr Ager with depression.

TWO years after fire ravaged through their home, a family of four are still fighting to receive an insurance pay out.

The stress of the ongoing saga caused Bryan Ager and his wife, Shirley, to be diagnosed with a post-traumatic stress disorders and Mr Ager with depression.

Although the family, including children Paul, 18, and Leanne, 16, received a £16,000 pay out for the fire damage to their property, they are still awaiting a pay out for the loss of earnings they suffered resulting from it.

The fire – on November 19, 2000 – started in a fuse box installed as part of an extension to their home.

Mr Ager claims a forensic examination blamed the builders – who fitted the fuse box – although the builder's insurance company deny liability. He claims the total bill for loss of earnings is around £25,000.

"We think we have been led down the garden path, said Mr Ager. "We have not been given any help and all the insurance companies care about is what their liabilities are."

A spokeswoman for Cornhill Insurance refused to be drawn on the case.

She said: "We have received letters from Mr Ager's solicitor and are therefore unable to comment on this case for legal reasons."

The fire meant that Mrs Ager could no longer work from home as a child minder. Mr Ager, a former sales representative, claims he lost his job because of his commitments to his family following the blaze.

Both Mr and Mrs Ager now have new jobs but on lesser salaries and Mr Ager works seven days a week to make ends meet.

The saga has left a sour taste with the Ager family, who are desperate to receive their money and move on.

"We are completely stuck at the moment," said Mr Ager.