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Glyn Dixon and partner Paul Wood with baby Connor, who feared for their safety after their neighbour had two fires in two days

A DISABLED pensioner who was the victim of two house fires in two days is unlikely to be allowed back into his housing association home.

The 65-year-old man, who lived in Little England in Chippenham, reported a fire at his home on Wednesday at 5pm.

Fire crews, police and paramedics rushed to the ground floor flat and took the wheelchair bound man to hospital.

Neighbours saw the man return to his home the next morning but were shocked to see smoke billowing from the window of his home just hours later.

On both occasions paramedics had to use oxygen to revive the disabled pensioner.

It is believed the pensioner was moved out of his Westlea Housing Association home in Calne five years ago after a fire.

His neighbour, mother-of-three Glyn Dixon, has spoken of her horror at the two fires.

Ms Dixon, who has a four-month-old baby, called fire crews after smelling smoke on Wednesday at 5pm.

Ms Dixon, 30, who lives with her partner Paul Wood, 23, and her twin daughters Tania and Tamzin, said: "I have been a victim of a house fire before when the twins were small and it was absolutely terrifying.

"When the fire crews came on Wednesday it was shocking enough but when we saw the same guys the next day I started to get worried.

"The first time I was walking home and I smelt smoke and then I heard my neighbour screaming help so I called the fire brigade who pulled him out.

"I could not believe it when I heard the smoke alarm going off the next day. I thought, this can't be happening again.

"I began to get worried for my children, especially baby Connor.

"Although the inspector told us the walls between the flats are thick, the smoke could come through. It is such a hazard."

Ms Dixon said: "It is such a relief that he is gone. I was beginning to think he was a fire hazard because they always say bad luck comes in threes."

Neighbour Chris Andrew said: "I feel sorry for him really. I know that after his wife died his health got worse.

"Months ago he used to walk with two sticks but then he got an electric wheelchair.

"But it was stolen from a pub and he had to be carried home by other regulars.

"The only relative I have ever seen was his younger brother who visited on the day of the second fire."

A Wiltshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of this man after we were called to fires at his home twice in two days.

"Investigations are continuing into the cause of the fires, the first having been contained in the living room and the second in the bathroom."

Westlea neighbourhood services manager Mark Lake said: "We are working together with the Fire Service, police and Social Services to review this situation and agree what needs to happen next.

"There are several key issues for us to consider including the vulnerability of the resident involved, the damage to our property and, of course, the ongoing safety of other residents in the neighbourhood. I am hopeful that we will be able to agree on a course of action that takes note of all of these."

8:59am Friday 2nd May 2008

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