VIDEO: Finally hope for couple after river wall and lives collapse

By The Newsroom
Published 7th Feb 2018, 17:55 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 03:19 BST
The river wall collapse could be a very costly repair. Pictures: Kate ShemiltThe river wall collapse could be a very costly repair. Pictures: Kate Shemilt
The river wall collapse could be a very costly repair. Pictures: Kate Shemilt
A couple whose lives '˜collapsed' along with the flood defences by their home may finally have hope thanks to the Arundel community.

Johnny and Belinda Boylan’s house in River Road boasts idyllic views of the River Arun but when the river wall protecting their home collapsed in January 2016, their lives were turned upside down.

However, determined Arundel resident Kim Parkes is spearheading an action group to raise money to repair the wall, which could cost up to £5.5million.

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Johnny said: “Without any explanation it all collapsed one night and, along with it, our lives.

The river wall collapse could be a very costly repair. Pictures: Kate ShemiltThe river wall collapse could be a very costly repair. Pictures: Kate Shemilt
The river wall collapse could be a very costly repair. Pictures: Kate Shemilt

“We have been living on the edge of the river in Arundel for two years now with pretty much no help from anyone.

“We can’t do it, we can’t afford it. We don’t have a million pounds to repair this disaster.”

At the time the Environment Agency said repair work could range between £1.8million and £5.5million, offering the couple £200,000 towards the fix.