Cramped Livingston family plead to be rehoused

Jan 21 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A FAMILY of four who are living in a one-bedroom flat are pleading with West Lothian Council to rehome them.

Cheryl Spencer and partner Alan Brock share the flat in Deans, Livingston, with Christopher, 3, and six-month-old Callum.

The couple are forced to sleep in the living room while the boys have the flat’s only bedroom.

Cheryl suffers from severe back pain and has been told by health visitors and her GP that sleeping on a mattress on the floor is not helping her condition.

And Alan, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, says he can’t have his daughter to stay overnight with him as there is no room for her.

The pair say they have been dealing with council housing officers for months in order to get a bigger place.

They contacted the Courier after being told they would not get a move as they didn’t have enough points.

However, a spokesman for the council said the Livingston couple would be considered for a home if one became available.

Cheryl said: “We asked to be upgraded as we are crammed into the flat. It’s not fair on the boys really.

“The health visitor was appalled at the conditions we are living in and both her and my GP have written letters to the council in support of us getting a move.

“But the council keep saying we don’t have enough points and will just have to wait.

“I have bad back problems and depression yet don’t qualify for medical points as I’m not in care led by a psychiatrist. It just seems like they don’t care.”

Alan said the situation was affecting all the family.

He said: “My daughter gets quite upset when I tell her I can’t have her over to stay.

“The council told us that under their regulations a child doesn’t need to have their own room until they are 10 years old so it looks like we will have to wait another seven years till Christopher is 10.

“They haven’t said that but reading between the lines that seems likely.

“It seems like we are doing everything right but we get nothing in return.

“We are willing to pay them rent and we just want someone to take notice as we feel like we are banging our heads off a brick wall at the moment.”

A council spokesman said the couple’s’ housing need had been assessed in accordance with the council’s allocations policy.

He added: “Based on their current circumstances they will be considered for a suitable vacant property when one becomes available. Other options will also be discussed with the family.

“Council homes in West Lothian, in common with all areas, are in short supply.

“West Lothian Council are building over 700 new council houses over the next three years which will assist in meeting housing need.”