A STOURPORT mum whose block of flats suffered severe fire damage nearly three weeks ago is concerned for her children’s safety due to debris in the burned-out hallway.

Carol Collins, 36, claims only a small amount of sweeping has been done following the fire on November 3 in the flat opposite hers in Hermitage Way.

She has been told by The Community Housing Group that it will take six to eight weeks for a new front door.

Mrs Collins was diagnosed with autism in 2010 and has found the change to her routine difficult.

Her two children, aged 11 and 14, live with her parents in Stourport and visit at the weekends.

Mrs Collins said: “It still smells of smoke, the walls are black and debris is falling from the ceiling.

“It has distressed me. My husband has to open the door for me as I won’t touch it. I can’t see out of the melted spy hole so I won’t open it if people visit.”

The Community Housing Group acknowledged that the door was damaged but lockable and a new one had been ordered.

Mrs Collins added: “My friends were supposed to be coming for Christmas dinner but it’s not nice. “They [the housing association] are supposed to look after their tenants.”

She has asked for a new home because of the fire but with enough space for her two children to visit.

A statement by the Community Housing Group said: “We appreciate that the communal areas do not look attractive following the smoke damage. We have cleared up rubbish and debris and have tried to clean as much of the wall as we can.

“Further repairs will be carried out when the insurance loss adjuster has completed an investigation.

“Mrs Collins’ support worker and housing officer have been in regular communication with her. She was also offered alternative accommodation which she refused.”