A PENSIONER left homeless after his roof collapsed into his bedroom is to be rehomed.

But Norman Lyons, 72, said the disaster at his home in Elizabeth Street, Nelson, had ‘ruined his life’.

Mr Lyons left home just 10 minutes before the roof came crashing down on four properties, including his, which he owned, and three neighbouring derelict council houses at around 8.30pm on Saturday, April 13.

Since the incident, Mr Lyons has been living with his fiancée, Jean Williams, in Extwistle Street.

He said he would be moving into a council bungalow on August 9.

He said: “It has taken them 14 weeks to rehome me so it has taken a while.

“The last few months have ruined my life. Quite a few nights I have sat there and cried my eyes out thinking about what has happened.”

Mr Lyons had lived in the house for 30 years but it now lies empty as arguments continue about who is responsible for repairs.

He said: “I’ve managed to get some of my stuff out and put it in storage. It is still my house but there is nothing I can do with it at the moment.

“I had an independent report done which said it collapsed because of the chimneys and the gable end.

“I’ve got a solicitor who is talking to the council but they haven’t admitted it is their fault so there is nothing happening with it at the moment.

“Pendle Council said they had an obligation to me because I was now technically homeless, but once I move in to the bungalow then their obligation is done.

“It’s been an incredibly stressful time and has cost me a lot of money.

“I’ve spent thousands on having to buy things that were lost when the roof collapsed.

“I wouldn’t wish what I have gone through on anybody.”

No-one from Pendle Council was available to comment yesterday.

Previously, the council said no structural problems needing urgent action were found in previous inspections of the houses.