Council said it made an offer of temporary accommodation at the end of October but said it was refused
Homeless June Edwards aged 61, is sleeping in a bag in a friend’s back garden in Huyton(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A “scared and desperate” woman has been living out of a tent in Huyton for a month. June Edwards, 61, said she has pleaded with Knowsley Council to find her a place to live, but has only been offered accommodation at a YMCA, which would mean having to give up her beloved dog.
June was previously in private rented accommodation, but had to leave after a relationship break-up. June also said she suffered a ferocious attack and was only saved when her two-year-old bulldog intervened and protected her.
She said: “I’m 61 years of age, classed as disabled because of my spine, and it’s been such a tough time and now I’m in this situation.
“The council rehoused me into the Travelodge by the Showcase [cinema] for about two months, and then all of a sudden they told me they’re moving me to the YMCA. One of the conditions was they wanted me to get rid of my dog and I thought, there’s no way i could do that.
Homeless June Edwards aged 61, is sleeping in a friend’s back garden in Huyton(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“If it wasn’t for my dog, I would have got stabbed. If my dog hadn’t stood in front of me and growled and growled…” June’s voice falters with emotion, “Well, I don’t think I’d be here today.
“She’s a bulldog, but she’s only a baby, and I didn’t think she had it in her to be honest because she’s so sweet, but she stepped up and saved my life that day, and she’s kept me alive every day since.
“How can I ever give her up after what we’ve been through? It’s just impossible, I could never do that and I never will.”
Last month, the Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) received Royal Assent, in a move that strengthens the rights of animal owners. Amongst other guarantees, including the abolition of ‘no fault evictions’, a landlord must now consider a request to have a pet and cannot “unreasonably” refuse.
In terms of temporary accommodation, most councils do not allow pets, but are advised to consider the importance of pets in any allocation decisions, particularly in exceptional circumstances.
June said: “Even now, when I’m sleeping in a tent in the freezing cold, the thought of being without her makes me feel sick.
Homeless June Edwards aged 61, is sleeping in a friend’s back garden in Huyton(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“But it shouldn’t be like this, we should be able to have a place together, because they know how important she is, so why offer me places where there’s no dogs allowed?
“I’m scared and just desperate for a bit of help. All I want is a fresh start and a safe place to stay, and live in peace with my dog. Is that too much to ask?”
A spokesperson for Knowsley Council said: “Ms Edwards was placed into a hotel earlier this year after being evicted from her private rental property.
“Temporary accommodation became available at the end of October but she declined this as she would have had to make alternative arrangements for her dog.
“Housing and other services remain open to her for support.”