A MAN is urging a homebuilder to take better care inspecting their show homes after falling down the stairs at a new development in Chelford.

Dermot Finnigan was inside the show home at David Wilson Homes’ Galloway Grange on May 26 when a handrail on the stairs came away from the wall, causing him to fall from near the top.

He has since been in constant pain and is discussing treatment with his doctor.

“I made enquiries about a new house at Galloway Grange and I was invited to inspect the show home,” Dermot explained.

“Due to Covid, it was a solo viewing. I viewed the downstairs and I started to climb the stairs.

“It was quite steep and I was relying on the handrail when it came away from the wall.

“I fell backwards and luckily I didn’t land on my head, I landed on my lower back and bounced down the stairs.

“I managed to stop myself and I pushed myself down the rest of the stairs out into the main lounge.

“There was no emergency procedure in place but I had a brochure and I rang the number.”

A first aider came over to help Dermot following the call and the show home was shut.

Dermot has since struggled to get in touch with David Wilson Homes regarding the incident.

He added: “I haven’t heard from anyone in relation to the accident and they refused to give me the contact details of the person who fitted the handrail. There was no damage to the wall – the screws were just slack in the holes.

“They have yet to accept any responsibility for my accident.

“They have done absolutely nothing.

“The fixing arrangements for the handrail are criminal.

“I am lucky it didn’t kill me.”

Pictures taken of the handrail fitting show a three-screw bracket fixture – but only two screws appeared to have been drilled into the wall.

Dermot is now calling on David Wilson Homes to improve their procedures when inspecting showhomes before they are opened to the public.

A David Wilson Homes North West spokesman said the company takes safety ‘very seriously’ and the issue had been passed to insurers.

They said: “We were very sorry to hear about the accident in our show home at Galloway Grange.

“As a five star housebuilder we take health and safety very seriously and have strict quality control processes in place at all of our developments.

“The issue is now being handled through insurers, who are in touch with legal representatives and we will continue to work with them to bring matters to a conclusion as quickly as possible.”