A grandmother whose home and most treasured possessions were destroyed after a tree smashed through the roof is still in temporary accommodation - nearly a year later.

May Hennessy's home in Catling Close, Forest Hill, was left uninhabitable after the 50-tonne oak collapsed on to the building during last October's storms.

But her daughter Claire Singleton, 45, of Maran Way, Thamesmead, now faces a legal fight with property-owners Lewisham Homes after Mrs Hennessy's prized possessions were left inside the damaged building to be destroyed by the elements.

Even those items that were rescued and were subsequently taken to a private garage, were damaged after water got into that building too.

Now, 11 months on, the 66-year-old grandmother-of-seven is still in a temporary home, no work has started on her old home and she has "lost everything".

Ms Singleton explained: "After the storm, the roof wasn't covered for a long time and it wasn't safe to go in so water from the storms got into the house and damaged my mum's property.

"They moved any saved furniture out of the house and put it into a garage for safe storage. A few months later we found it was all destroyed too."

She went on: "She's lost all her precious possessions. Some of the things aren't worth money but they're worth a lot to her, like her wedding photo albums and her mum and dad's albums.

"It's just disgusting. She's lost everything.

"She's not coping. Because of the stress she ended up in hospital. She's had a hell of a time."

Ms Singleton, whose mother was not insured, is considering legal action against Lewisham Homes, which has dismissed claims they were responsible for the initial damage at Catling Close and told her to contact the owners of the tree instead.

According to the housing organisation, staff could not enter the building until a week after the incident, while stormy weather could have blown any tarpaulin covering the roof onto nearby rail tracks.

But Ms Singleton said: "It's absolutely appalling. All her neighbours in the close said they would stand up and help her fight this."

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"Sympathy"

A spokesman for Lewisham Homes said: "We sympathise with Mrs Hennessey and her family during these difficult circumstances caused by the bad weather last winter. 

"The extent of the damage caused by the tree falling through the roof meant the site was too dangerous to enter and her belongings were damaged. 

"We quickly arranged a temporary home for the family to move into and the storage of some items, however, unfortunately due to water penetration there was further damage. 

"We accept responsibility for the stored items that were damaged and have offered compensation for this.

"Lewisham Homes is carrying out a range of repairs and improvements to ensure Mrs Hennessey’s home is comfortable when she returns. 

"We encourage all our residents to take advantage of the affordable contents insurance provided through Lewisham Council."