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Page last updated at 18:39 GMT, Wednesday, 17 September 2008 19:39 UK
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Wrong home gutted when owner away

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Demolition men wreck wrong home

A woman returned from her holiday to discover her new home had been gutted by contractors due to a council error.

Claire Walton was one of many residents in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent whose homes had been compulsorily purchased by the council and earmarked for demolition.

She agreed to buy 40 Ludlow Street but returned to find it had been gutted after contractors got the right house number but the wrong street.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has apologised blaming a clerical error.

Ms Walton said builders drilled through the lock after discovering the key did not work then removed the bathroom and kitchen.

"I feel I have no control in that I've just been treated as worthless," she said.

Councillor Adrian Knapper from the council apologised on behalf of the council.

"We need to make an apology for the mistake.

"What happened was, officials at the council gave contractors the wrong details of the address.

"Those contractors went out to the site and started actually removing the kitchen and bathroom at the wrong property."



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