A HOMEOWNER whose cob wall collapsed after a sustained period of wet and stormy weather has been saddled with a £20,000 repair bill after his insurance company refused to pay up because the damage was not caused by a single identifiable incident.

Fed-up Robbie George (37), of Nett Road, Shrewton, had his chimneybreast completely rebuilt after it dramatically crumbled last February because too much damp had seeped into the chalky fabric of the 130-year-old wall.

Following the incident, Mr George explained to his insurers his concern that the state of his wrecked wall could affect the stability of adjoining homes.

He was told to go ahead and get the work done immediately, both over the telephone and in a letter.

But nine months on, loss adjusters Cunningham Lindsey have written to Mr George saying that his insurance policy does not cover him because there were no high winds or violent storms on February 5, the night the wall came down.

As a result, they could not be certain when and how the damage had occurred and would be unable to pay out.

Mr George has already paid for the repair work out of his personal savings, expecting to be recompensed through his insurer, Lloyds TSB.

He said: "I was very fortunate to at least be in a position to find the money. If this had happened to a pensioner or someone with no savings, they would be really stuck right now.

"I am annoyed because I was told that I was covered and I went ahead with the repairs on that understanding.