Living out of a carrier bag - Fife man forced out of home after car smash

Willie Wallace, who is in a wheelchair, was forced to leave his flat on the corner of Erskine Street in Methil last month after the crash left it structurally unsafe.

And then his home was ransacked with cash, jewellery and gadgets stolen.

He has been forced to move in with brother Alan, who was only able to grab a solitary plastic bag of clothing for Willie when he was able to get into the damaged flat.

Willie (53), who turned down a B&B in Kirkcaldy because of his needs and to be close to family, said: “I’m really depressed, I’m in a bad way.”

Before the incident, Willie had been able to get about by himself thanks to an electric scooter. “But it was damaged in the crash,” he said, “So I don’t get out now.”

Willie’s sister-in-law Myra Connelly said it had been a ‘damn disgrace’ the way he had been treated, while Councillor John O’Brien, who has been supporting the family, called on the council to make people its priority.

Alistair Black, housing manager (Levenmouth), said they had been working closely with Willie since the crash, and will continue to do so.

He explained that while the B&B accommodation in Kirkcaldy would have been a temporary measure, while alternative accommodation was prepared, Mr Wallace chose not to accept the offer.

Mr Black added: “We had advised Mr Wallace that we would have suitable, alternative accommodation in Leven available for him within a fortnight. We now understand that he does not wish to be offered alternative accommodation in Leven and would prefer to be accommodated in Buckhaven instead. At present there is no suitable accommodation in Buckhaven.

“Mr Wallace has been told he won’t be able to return to his old home for at least six months. We set up a number of meetings with him and the building engineer to give him access to gather property from his old home. Unfortunately, we were unable to progress any of these visits to everyone’s satisfaction.”