Spalding man feels let down after sleeping rough in barn and car for ten months

A Spalding man who has been sleeping rough in a barn and in his car for the past ten months says he feels let down by South Holland District Council.

Jeff* (55) found himself homeless after his job came to an end and following a relationship breakdown.

He had been renting a property but after splitting with his partner he moved into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) where he ‘feared for his life’ and left.

In that property, in North Hykeham, he said he was ‘punched and threatened with a knife.”

When he contacted South Holland District Council he said ‘they never got back to me.’

Following a visit to the housing department Jeff, who has been sleeping in a barn in Deeping St Nicholas, in his car, and occasionally at the house of his 86-year-old father, said: “The council have refused me duty of care. I feel suicidal.

“I feel totally let down by the council, they don’t want to give me a place.

“The council is just not bothered.”

Jeff had been struggling with health issues including low vitamin D, Type II diabetes, high calcium, psoriasis and depression.

He said: “My job at RAF Waddington came to an end and I was struggling with my health issues and I lost my property after my job finished. I have a disability and sticky blood so I have to drink plenty of water or I can collapse due to blood starvation.

“I have worked all my life and the council says if you’re homeless to contact them, look at the way they treated Colette (Law, whose body was found in the Spalding parish churchyard).

“I saw someone from housing but they didn't care.

“I have been told not to work by my doctor and a specialist, if I work I am tired.

“My doctor said they would write a letter to the council saying I have got problems but the council is just not bothered.”

Jeff claims universal credit and personal independence payments (PIP) and says his mental health has suffered.

“I put something silly on social media and because they thought I was suicidal had the police out.

“For ten months I have slept in my car or in a farm building. I have spent the odd night at my father’s but he is 86 and he can’t let me stay there permanently.”

South Holland District Council said homelessness is a ‘national issue’ and that cases are ‘extremely sensitive and complex life events’, with each case varying significantly with many influencing factors.

A spokesman said: “SHDC ensures that as part of its Homelessness Reduction Team, there is always someone on duty to provide advice and assistance to emergency cases on a daily basis. SHDC are also part of a group of councils that provide the ‘Change4Lincs’ service, which is specifically set up to offer support and outreach to rough sleepers and to continue to engage with them even when this can become challenging.

“Should anyone be concerned about becoming homeless or are already homeless please do call the council on 01775 761161 for assistance.”

*Name changed to preserve the man’s anonymity.

*You can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 at any time or get in touch via email to jo@samaritans.org. You can also visit www.samaritans.org for more information.