Crumbling ceiling leaves elderly Greenock couple fearing collapse

Eighty-four-year-old Muriel and Ian Riddell were almost clattered by falling debris in their kitchen - after a similar incident happened in the bathroom.

They say their nightmare has been ongoing for 15 months after work was carried out on the roof of the flats where they have lived for more than 50 years.

The couple say they have been in limbo because they can't get to the source of the problem.

Muriel, of Hope Street, said: "The roof needed fixed and repairs were carried out.

"But water has poured in and the ceiling has come down.

Mr Riddell ceiling collapse in their Hope Street home..

Mr Riddell ceiling collapse in their Hope Street home..

"We need to get to the bottom of it before we can get the ceiling fixed, but we can't get anyone to find out what the cause is.

"We thought the problem was coming from the flat above.

"But it has been empty and we can't get in touch with anyone."

Muriel has lived in the flat with her husband, also 84, since 1965.

She added: "We are worried about what is coming down next.

"We can't do anything and when it rains the water just comes in.

Mr Riddell ceiling collapse in their Hope Street home..

"I was in the kitchen when the ceiling came down.

"It was terrifying, it's a nightmare."

Ian says he has sought help from a local councillor to try and get the problem attended to.

He added: "We need to find out what is causing the leak, or it is just going to do more damage."

Greenock councillor Colin Jackson has stepped in to take up Mr and Mrs Riddell's case.

He said: "I will certainly look in to this to see how I can help."