Mum injured by ceiling collapse in New Look, Libery Shopping Centre, Romford
Angela McStanhope with her children Kemdia, left, Aloezie, Juchi, and Chiemela at her home in Hainault. - Credit: Archant
A mother of four who was injured when part of a shop ceiling collapsed on her is seeking damages from a store and shopping centre.
Angela McStanhope, 44, was inside New Look in the Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, when part of the ceiling, debris and electrical wires fell on to her head.
She was treated by paramedics for shock and later visited her GP for treatment.
She says she has suffered regular headaches since the incident on August 30, 2012.
Mrs McStanhope, of Elmbridge Road, Hainault, said: “The roof collapse was such a traumatic experience.
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“I stood like a statue for more than 10 minutes covered in dust and debris, and the shock lasted much longer.
“I was with my 80-year-old mother, who was visiting from Jamaica for the first time in seven years.
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“It was supposed to be a joyous and happy family reunion for us, but the roof collapse made it a very stressful time.
“I’m still suffering from terrible headaches and just want the situation resolved.”
Law firm Slater and Gordon is representing Mrs McStanhope in her legal action against New Look and the Liberty Shopping Centre, which deny liability in the case.
Mrs McStanhope, who works with vulnerable adults, said: “It’s not about the money, it’s about the principle.
“I just want the shopping centre management and New Look to apologise to me for the trauma and hurt I suffered as a result of the accident.”
Lawyer Michael Latner, who is representing Mrs McStanhope, said: “We’ve already seen documentation confirming that water was leaking from the toilets above the store and that pipes were subsequently removed.”
Jonathan Poole, Liberty centre manager, said: “Whilst the safety and well-being of visitors to the centre is our highest priority, in these circumstances it is appropriate that the individual concerned deals directly with the retailer concerned.”
New Look said it would not comment at this stage of proceedings.
