KEN Peacock fears lighting a cigarette as he goes down his stairs could cause him to explode.
That's because the front porches of two blocks of flats on Burton Road less than ten years ago are falling away from the rest of the buildings and they are pulling the gas pipes with them.
Ken said: "I'm an easy going guy. I'm not bothered about it being unsightly. I'm just worried I'll get downstairs with a cigarette and then boom!"
All four porches on the front of the two blocks are cracked and shifting away from the rest of the building.
Chartered surveyor Smiths acts on behalf of the owner of the building. Spokesman David Hudson said: "It is a complicated situation and it does need sorting. Unfortunately, an insurance claim over the matter was turned down. We are now pursuing the matter and trying to locate the builder and the architect to determine who is responsible.
"We are getting quotes for the work and well assess what is the most appropriate way of resolving it."
