A GRIEVING woman from Thornbury has been told she is to be evicted from her childhood home only days after the death of her father.

Ann Elliot’s father Peter passed away on March 31, an sad and untimely death at the age of 60 leaving her alone in the three-bedroom home owned by housing association Merlin Housing Society.

Three days later Ann contacted Merlin to let them know that her father, the registered tenant, had died. But only four hours later, a notice was posted through her front door, saying she would be evicted.

The 30-year-old chip shop employee, who is still waiting on a cause of death from the coroner, said: “It was just a kick in the teeth really, I couldn’t believe they could be so heartless, so inhumane.

“I don’t even have a reason yet on why he has died and they are already kicking me out.”

Having lived in the home, whilst growing up, Ann moved back into the house in 2013 to help care for Peter who was struggling with depression following the loss of her mother Jennifer.

“He was finding it quite hard, struggling to cook, clean and look after himself. He just went to sleep and didn’t wake up again.

“I now have only a couple of weeks to clear a three-bedroom house with more than 30 years of belongings as well as go to work and find a new place to live.”

She said that when she went to South Gloucestershire Council for assistance in finding a new home, they told her she “was not a priority” to be rehoused, making her situation that much more difficult and making her feel like she was “not important enough” to warrant their help.

“I completely understand that I don’t need a three-bedroom house, because there are families that need it more, but I need somewhere to live,” she said.

“I don’t want the house, it has too many bad memories, but they haven’t given me much time to find somewhere else. It seems like they don’t care to be honest.”

She added that moving was further complicated by the fact she had two dogs, one belonging to Peter named Tenisha, who would most likely need to be put down, and her dog Lolly, who she said she didn’t want to give away, having helped her through the deaths of both of her parents.

Since being approached by the Gazette, Merlin and South Gloucestershire Council have both said they have offered their condolences to Ms Elliot.

A Merlin spokeswoman said: “We continue to work closely with Ms Elliot to explore her future rehousing options and have a number of options that we are discussing with her”.

A council spokesman added: “After being notified of Ms Elliot’s circumstances, officers from our housing advice service are providing her with guidance and assistance regarding her future housing options.”