Community help rebuild arson home

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A couple whose insurance policy didn't pay out because their son had burned their house down are being helped to rebuild their home by neighbours.

Elaine and Martin Williams from Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy, have been living in one room of a relative's house since May.

The couple set about rebuilding their home themselves but said they have been "overwhelmed" by local people rallying round with help and materials.

Their son, Wayne Davies, 19, was jailed for four years for the arson attack.

The fire was started by their son following a family argument.

I don't think I've even come to terms with exactly what's happened, to be honest, because we've been so busy Elaine Williams

He was sent to prison for four years for the attack, and the court was told he had personality difficulties.

His mother said of the damage: "The main bedroom, it was just a shell, everything in it, there was no ceiling, the room had gone. We lost absolutely everything in there.

Mrs Williams said she had not properly dealt with the emotional aftermath of what had happened.

"I don't think I'm angry any more," she said.

"I think once it all quietens down, that's when it'll hit home," she added.

Mr Williams has been working nights while "slogging" at the house during the day, said his wife.

"I don't know how he's survived," she added.

On hearing their plight, the couple were overwhelmed with the generosity of their local community - with free felt and batons for the roof, free scaffolding, and free paint and offers of electrical hardware.

Others have volunteered their time including local builder, and town councillor, John Oddie.

A photograph shows the damage at the time

"Martin's done most of the work himself, and he's not a builder, but I've been amazed at what he's learned over the last few weeks," said Mr Oddie.

"He's done a tremendous job, and he's still working hard."

Colwyn Bay town mayor, Phil Edwards, is also helping the couple.

"We really need to get hold of 5,000 roofing tiles as soon as possible, certainly before the onset of winter," he said.

Mr Williams said he was overwhelmed by the support they had received.

"I didn't believe it. From everybody. From work to people I've never known, they've just come in and said, 'we can do this for you, we can do that for you'.

"It's just great, we don't know how to thank everybody," he added.