A devastated hairdresser has been forced to flee his home after a sewer collapsed under the property.

Marcello Marino, who lives above his Ramsgate salon, had to temporarily relocate his family at the end of October after the building was deemed unsafe.

Southern Water, the firm responsible for the sewage network, promised to compensate the 54-year-old for loss of earnings, accommodation and food.

But the owner of Marcello Hair Salon in West Cliffe Road says he feels mocked by the firm which has failed to compensate him, with no move-in date in sight.

Southern Water has today apologised to the family for the upheaval but stressed customer safety “is paramount” to its operations.

Speaking from temporary accommodation also housing his wife and three children, Mr Marino told KentOnline he must “beg friends” for money to live.

“We were only given two hours' notice [to leave],” he said.

“I have two daughters and an eight-month-old baby boy and it's so stressful. I think it’s ridiculous.

“I’ve not seen any money yet - that’s the problem.

“Nothing at all, just from my friends who have been helping me out.

“They keep saying they are going to pay me and they haven’t yet. I’ve lost my business and have no money coming in.”

Southern Water started work in front of the salon near the end of October.

Mr Marino claims during a meeting with the firm about compensation, he was told the family “had to eat at Wetherspoons” if they wanted a meal out.

Recalling the sudden upheaval, he said: “I couldn't believe they were laughing and joking and taking the mickey.

“I have a baby and two other children and in my lifestyle I usually go to Waitrose every so often and now I’m not allowed.”

Mr Marino says he is currently living in a budget flat with his 16-year-old daughter Marcella, 14-year-old daughter Marina and young son Marcello.

He claims Southern Water has not given a date for when his family can move back in or his business reopen.

Each year, in the run-up to Christmas, Mr Marino charitably cuts hair for free to help those struggling.

Explaining this year will be no different, he said: “Even if I don’t have a roof over my head I will still do it.

“I’ll cut hair outside if I have to!”

The closure of his salon and the loss of his home has left Mr Marino “more than heartbroken”.

“My shop is my life – it’s my baby,” he explained.

“It has destroyed me.

“I’m a very strong person but now I have no home or business. It’s one of the worst things that could ever happen to a person.”

Mr Marino, who has had his business for more than 30 years, said he was told his food would be paid for while he had no house.

But, he claims a Southern Water employee told him he was not allowed to shop at the nearest store - Waitrose.

A spokesman for Southern Water said today the intricate repair works should be complete within the next two weeks and it is currently in talks with Mr Marino.

“We’re very sorry for the disruption and distress caused,” they added.

“The safety of our customers is paramount, which is why it has been necessary for this family to temporarily move to other accommodation while we carry out essential repairs to a collapsed sewer.

“Our customer team is in regular contact with this family to ensure adequate support is provided.

“We are meeting them again today to discuss any concerns and answer any questions.”