Resident spurns house in favour of shed

Forklift truck driver Jim Massey, 49, lives on Wright Street in Newark, Nottinghamshire, two houses along from the house that blew up on May 19, killing Leslie Rourke, 71, and his daughter-in-law, Jeanette Rourke, 40.

Houses on either side of are set to be pulled down which means structural work is necessary on Mr Massey’s house.

He was offered temporary accommodation but turned it down in favour of his garden shed which he shares his parrots Bertie and Roxy.

“I’m very attached to my house,” he said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time and money making it my home. It’s where I feel safe.

“I have worked on the garden, creating an allotment where I grow lots of vegetables, and I’ve got a patio, a shed and a greenhouse, so the whole thing looks really good.

“I don’t want to have to move somewhere else because I wouldn’t be able to tend to my garden every day.”

Mr Massey, who was homeless until six years ago, is showering with a watering can, cooking on a gas stove and falls asleep in a sleeping bag.

“It’s just like camping really. I’ve lived on the streets so I know how to look after myself. I’ve got no electricity, water or gas but I’m making do.

“When I first heard what had to happen I couldn’t sleep all night wondering what I was going to do. Now I’ve made the decision that I want to stay, I’m feeling much more happy and settled.”

He was happy to reject the offer of temporary accommodation, he said.

“Although it was a very kind offer I just don’t want to leave my house. It could be up to three months I was told, so I’m much happier staying put.

“I’ve got everything I want here, and I’m happy until I can get back into my house.”