‘Treated like trash’: Public Self Storage Scorseby fire victims fear losing treasured possessions twice
Consumer advocates and impacted clients are calling on Public Self Storage Scoresby (PSSS), to do the right thing and bring ‘complete peace of mind’ to their hundreds of customers impacted by a devastating fire on 3rd July.
“People were storing everything from business goods to irreplaceable mementos at the Scoresby PSSS, and they have been left in the dark about the fire’s impact on their treasured possessions. Now they fear PSSS will dump their possession into landfill, like trash,” said Stephanie Tonkin, Consumer Action Law Centre CEO.
PSSS has told customers that goods in the most damaged area of the facility will be disposed of starting today unless they pay for a very expensive assessment. For some, this assessment has been quoted as high as $10,000.
Ms Tonkin said it’s also bewildering that dozens of people whose storage units were largely undamaged aren’t being allowed to access their goods.
“That simply can’t be right, they are being told they have to wait for ‘hygiene assessment’ while fears of water damage and spreading mould are causing stress and deep concern 6 weeks after the fire.
“People put their goods into storage to keep them safe, so they should not have to pay exorbitant fees when something out of their control happens to the building,” Ms Tonkin said.
“I’m calling on PSSS to stay true to their own website words where they describe themselves as a business ‘…built to give you complete peace of mind’. PSSS must provide more options for the people impacted so they can be reunited with their precious belongings.”
ENDS
Media contact: media@consumeraction.org.au or 0413 299 567