Couple fear liability over mine shaft

There are disused mines throughout the West Country

A West Devon couple who discovered a 700-foot mine shaft under their retirement home fear they could be made liable for damages if it collapses.

John and Jean Coulthard left their bungalow in Horrabridge nine weeks ago after a survey showed it was built on a disused copper mine.

Their insurance company has offered them £160,000 - their home's market value.

But the couple believe if they remain owners of the property, they will still be liable if the ground caves in.

Dangerous structure

"If anything dreadful happens when it finally collapses we would be liable for it all," said Mrs Coulthard, 63.

The couple are insisting Zurich Financial Services or West Devon Borough Council should foot the £130,000 bill to make the shaft safe and fence it off from the public.

Currently, the site has a local authority 'dangerous structure notice' placed upon it.

A spokeswoman for Zurich said the company had already made a generous offer.

"The insured value of the property was just under £85,000.

"Ordinarily if anything happens all you are entitled to is the value you are insured for.

"We are paying out £160,000 because we understand these are very difficult circumstances."

The company has paid the Coulthards' accommodation costs since they evacuated their home of 12 years.

David Banks, the council's environmental health officer, said the authority was considering what action to take.

"Obviously in the first instance we would want to see the mineshaft made safe.

"That may involve the council getting more closely involved than it is at the moment."