Eltham: Fatal house fire like a horror book, says councillor

Neighbours say rats, foxes and pigeons are drawn to the home by fly-tipped rubbish

The "horror" of a house fire that took a woman's life is being relived by residents every day as the property is yet to be repaired, a councillor said.

Flames broke out at the mid-terrace house on Alderwood Road, Eltham, south-east London, on 29 September 2022.

A man and child managed to escape the building. Firefighters rescued the woman but she later died at hospital.

Conservative councillor Pat Greenwell said the burnt-out husk looked "like something out of a horror book".

Ms Greenwell, who represents the Eltham Town and Avery Hill ward for Greenwich Council, said pigeons were now living in the derelict building and the state of the building was having a detrimental effect on the mental health of other residents.

"It's awful," she said.

"Each time the residents come out, it brings it back - the awful tragic incident where somebody was killed in the fire."

At the time of the incident, six engines and about 40 firefighters from Eltham, Sidcup, Lee Green, Bexley and Plumstead fire stations attended the scene.

London Fire Brigade said half the ground floor and most of the first floor and roof were destroyed.

'Constant reminder'

Ms Greenwell asked if the council could take over fixing the house, even though it is a private property - but Labour councillor Pat Slattery said she "can't in all conscience spend tenants' rent on helping with private accommodation".

"I do understand that it's a constant reminder but I do think certainly my powers as a cabinet member for housing are limited in that area," she added.

'Foxes on the roof'

One woman, who moved to the street about a week before the fire, said people dump rubbish outside the house, encouraging vermin.

"I've even seen foxes on the roof. It's crazy, we have a lot of animals and over time I can just see it getting worse and worse," she said.

Ms Slattery said nuisances, including fly-tipping, could be reported to the council's environmental health team.

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