FAMILY heirlooms belonging to a 103-year-old lady have been lost forever after council contractors cleared out the wrong garage.

Relatives yesterday were shocked to discover the workmen had broken in to the lock-up then buried the irreplaceable items in landfill.

The valuables spanning generations include pictures, a bible dating back to the turn of the 20th century, pre-war furniture, porcelain dolls and silver candle sticks.

They also included £3,000 worth of tools belonging to plasterer Dave Carr, of Whitbourne Avenue, who rents the garage from the council.

The Adver understands Swindon Commercial Services was given the correct address of Bridport Road in Park North for the routine clear-out of waste material.

But instead the workmen cleared Mr Carr’s garage in neighbouring Verwood Close.

The 53-year-old has been issued with an apology, but said it will do nothing to ease the family’s sense of loss.

Many of the historic items belonged to his partner’s grandmother Violet Hyde from Wroughton, who died in January.

Mr Carr was storing her possessions in what he thought was a safe environment.

Last night he told the Adver: “I just wonder what numpties the council employs to be able to do this.

“My information is that they were given the correct address, but went to the wrong garage.

“They broke in, emptied it and locked the garage back up with new padlocks.

“Most of the possessions were of sentimental value and can’t be replaced.

“Violet’s family bible, which she was christened with 103 years ago, is one of the things that has gone.”

Mr Carr will be able to claim his tool loss on insurance and has already been handed back at least three pieces of equipment.

But the heirlooms are lost and will now be distant memories.

A spokesman for Swindon Commercial Services Ltd has apologised for the mistake.

“The order received by our garage clearance team required them to clear a garage very close to Mr Carr’s,” said the spokesman.

“Unfortunately, the numbering on the garages was unclear and our staff emptied the wrong one.

“The contents of the garage were largely black bin bags mixed in with waste building materials and so it did look very much like a typical garage clearance project.

“We obviously regret the mistake that was made and we would like to apologise to Mr Carr.

“Our tenant liaison officer will be in contact with Mr Carr as soon as possible to resolve any outstanding issues.”