QWest Newbuild Homes in Winsford Evacuated After Poisonous Gas Leak
In a distressing turn of events, six households, including an 18-year-old couple with a newborn baby, were forced to evacuate their homes in Winsford due to a 'mysterious' carbon monoxide leak. Megan Parrott, Lee Birtles, their four-week-old son Roman, and their dog Bonnie found themselves residing in a single room at Middlewich Travelodge after the evacuation from their home on the new Woodlands development on Tuesday, May 21.
The Woodlands, a newly constructed 268-home estate in Winsford, is a project developed by Equans in partnership with QWest, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and the Riverside Group. This modern development was envisioned as a haven for families and individuals alike, offering contemporary living spaces with the promise of safety and comfort.
The carbon monoxide leak was initially detected next door to Megan and Lee's property on Acer Court. The alarm was raised at the home of Sammie Williams and Danny Pickard on Monday, May 13, when their carbon monoxide alarm went off at 2 am. Their landlord, Riverside Group, initially dismissed the incident, attributing it to a faulty alarm and replacing it. However, the replacement alarm also went off, leading to the discovery of the dangerous gas.
Carbon monoxide, a byproduct of incomplete combustion of methane used in home heating and cooking, typically results from malfunctioning appliances like boilers or cookers. However, Cadent, the company managing the UK’s gas network, clarified that the carbon monoxide present at Acer Court was unrelated to the domestic gas supply.
Megan and Lee's ordeal at the Travelodge was particularly challenging. The couple struggled to sterilise baby Roman’s bottles, store milk, or wash clothes due to the lack of suitable facilities. Megan expressed her frustration, stating, “I just think it’s disgusting. These rooms just aren’t meant for people to live in long-term. They’re far too small.”
Their financial strain was exacerbated by Megan’s lack of maternity leave pay and Lee being the sole earner, working long shifts. The couple received some financial assistance from Riverside, but it was insufficient and inconsistent, leaving them struggling to meet daily needs.
Sammie Williams, the first resident to be evacuated on May 16, shared her frustration over the lack of communication from Riverside. She and her partner Danny have been living in various hotel rooms since their evacuation. Sammie noted, “Their communication has been woeful, to be honest. These are our homes, but we feel like the last people to be told anything.”
Riverside Group has been working to accommodate the displaced residents, offering alternative accommodation, financial support for food, and other expenses. A spokesperson for Riverside stated, “We want to sincerely apologise to our affected customers at the Woodlands for any inconvenience experienced while work is being done to address a matter affecting their homes.”
The group has tried to cater to the needs of each household individually, although challenges remain. For Megan and Lee, Riverside arranged for the use of fridge facilities at Travelodge and later sourced an Airbnb with better amenities.
The exact source of the carbon monoxide remains undetermined, with suspicions pointing towards the drainage system rather than the gas supply. The investigation is ongoing, and the residents await a resolution that will allow them to return home safely.
Benefits of Snagging Inspections
This incident underscores the critical importance of snagging inspections in newbuild homes. A snagging inspection can identify defects and issues in a new property before the buyer moves in, ensuring that any problems are addressed by the developer. By conducting a thorough snagging inspection, potential hazards and issues can be detected early, providing peace of mind and safeguarding the wellbeing of the residents. Ultimately, a snagging inspection can prevent costly repairs, enhance the quality of living, and contribute to a safer, more secure home environment.
