Eviction after 63 years could kill me, says pensioner

Ron Adams, 72, was served with a notice giving him until Monday to leave his flat in Walthamstow or face being thrown out by bailiffs. More than 1,000 residents on the Priory Court Estate have signed a petition asking housing chiefs to let him stay.

Waltham Forest council offered a temporary reprieve today but insisted he must leave because the three-bedroom property is "underoccupied" following the deaths of his mother and older brother.

Mr Adams was eight when he moved in with his parents and three siblings in August 1947.

The retired labourer, who has had a stroke and suffers from depression and panic attacks, broke down in tears as he told the Standard: "I've nowhere else to go and I'm frightened.

"This is my home, all my memories are here. All I want is to live out my days here in peace. To be treated like this after 63 years is a disgrace. Legally they might be right but morally it's wrong.

"It's made my very stressed and upset. I'm thinking dark thoughts I shouldn't think. If I have to leave it will finish me off."

Mr Adams's brother Brian, who died last year, took over the tenancy after their mother died aged 93 and housing chiefs say it cannot be inherited twice. They want to give the flat to a family.

Mr Adams rejected an offer of a one-bedroom flat in a nearby block which he says is plagued by gang violence.

Neighbour Gillian Jacob, 60, said: "Ron is an ideal tenant and an absolute gentleman but he's crying all the time over this. If he has to move he'll take his life, I'm sure. What the council is doing to him is cruel."

Mr Adams's psychiatrist Dr Andrew Winnett told the council that the move "should not be countenanced" as it would seriously affect his health.

Marie Pye, Waltham Forest's cabinet member for housing, said: "Given Mr Adams's personal situation we are temporarily putting eviction proceedings on hold so that we can discuss his options with him and get a better understanding of his needs.

"Our ultimate aim is to find a solution that helps Mr Adams but will allow us to make best possible use of a much-needed family property for some of the 7,000 people currently living in overcrowded accommodation."

"Frightened": Ron Adams, 72, moved into his flat in Walthamstow when he was eight