Gainsborough: Thanks for quick thinking neighbour

A quick thinking neighbour has been thanked for lending a helping hand after a dangerous wall came down in Gainsborough.
Patrick Warner (left), Tony Ella and Coun Irmgard ParrottPatrick Warner (left), Tony Ella and Coun Irmgard Parrott
Patrick Warner (left), Tony Ella and Coun Irmgard Parrott

West Lindsey District Council was called to Melrose Road to assess a wall which has been reported by members of the public as dangerous.

Tony Ella, 65, is known in the area for helping his neighbours and had reported the dangerous wall to the council.

He said: “At first I thought my eyes were going funny but I soon realised the wall was shaking in the wind. It is close to a rear alley which is used as an access way for people who use mobility scooters. I knew something needed sorting and quickly called the council for help.”

But his actions did not stop there, once the wall was down, Mr Ella stayed to help the officer on duty to sweep away any debris from the pathway.

Chairman of the council, Coun Irmgard Parrott, said: “To me what Mr Ella did was absolutely brilliant.”

“So many people would not have reported it let alone stay and help clean up some of the mess but he was a true Samaritan.”

“I wanted to meet Tony in person to give my personal thanks on behalf of the council.”

Trevor Durant, principal building control surveyor at the council, said: “The council has a statutory duty under the Building Act to assure public safety and our officer started to remove the danger, when a member of the public, who was aware of the situation came to help clean up the rubble.”