A HOUSING association has taken the first step towards revamping two homes damaged in an alleged arson attack. A consultant surveyor from Drum Housing Association visited nos 14 and 16 Florence Way, Alton, on Monday to assess the damage caused by the blaze on January 22. As previously reported by The Herald, flames ripped through no 16, destroying most of it. At the time, the housing association, which owns both homes, said the roof would definitely need to be replaced and it was not clear if the entire home would need to be rebuilt. Luckily, a fire wall stopped the flames spreading to no 14, but it was severely smoke damaged, forcing the young family to move out. A report will now be prepared, setting out the work that needs to be done to both homes. Spokesman for Drum Housing Association Maria Garside said the priority was to make no 14 liveable again so the family could move back. "We will clean up no 14 as soon as possible so that the people can move back in," she said. "We will put tarpaulin between the properties to allow us to complete the refurbishing/ reconstructing to no 16, which is very badly damaged. The tarpaulin is to make sure that the debris does not impact on no 14." l Nicholas Craig Guy, of Florence Way, Alton, has been charged with arson after the blaze. He is due to enter his plea at Winchester Crown Court on March 27.
