A FAMILY claim their home is at risk of collapsing bringing to an end 200 years of history.

The fisherman’s cottage in Leigh Hill, Leigh, suffered considerable damage last month when a water main burst nearby caused a landslip.

Jackie Lovett was raised at the cottage by her fisherman father and her 80-year-old mother, Jean Emery, continued to live there until she recently moved to a care home.

The cottage was built out of timber from old boats in the 1800s and stands on a brick plinth and is a grade two listed building.

Mrs Lovett, 62, of Southchurch, said: “It’s a complete nightmare. The building is 200 years old and has been in the family for 60 years. It’s a lot of strain to see your family home is going to end up in a pit.”

The family claim some of the problems are down to the multimillion Bell Sands development nearby, but this has been denied by developer Ben Levy, who says works on the luxury apartments and underground car park have had no impact on the fisherman’s cottage.

Mr Levy said: “The works we have done have had no impact on the fisherman’s cottage.

“It’s a historic and vulnerable building that needs to be protected.

“We understand the water main is believed to have burst due to cold weather. Engineers have categorically confirmed our works did not cause the water main to burst.

“Measures have been put in place to protect all surrounding buildings.

“We have a structural engineer involved with the scheme monitoring the site regularly.”

Mrs Lovett claims the council shouldn’t have allowed the development of the site.

She added: “We are looking to the council to help. It should never have allowed this project to go ahead.”

Leigh councillor Peter Wexham said: “The building is listed, but cannot be left the way it is.

“There’s talk of getting structural engineers in and propping it up and underpinning it, but the problem is the family have not got that kind of money.

“I hope English Heritage will be able to help, but the family are completely stumped.”

Essex and Suffolk Water said they were unaware of the landslip.

A spokesman said: “We’re not aware of any details of a landslide relating to the area in question. We would urge any of the parties concerned to contact us and notify us of any concerns.”

A Southend Council spokesman, said: “The decision to give planning permission for this site was taken quite properly and in accordance with planning law. This process includes taking account of all material planning considerations including any representations received.

“The developers have been complying with the relevant building regulations and we are not aware of any foundation issues being created at this site. They are keeping us regularly informed and we are also carrying out regular inspections.

“If residents do have problems then they should take these up with the developer in the first instance and also take advice from their insurers. We can also offer help and advice if necessary.”