Couple's despair as five share one bedroom
Phil Woolnough with
children, from left, Bradley, eight, Alfie, four, and
seven-month-old Bryony
A couple with three children and
another one on the way, living in a one-bed flat, say they need to
move.
Phil Woolnough, 30, says he and his
partner Louise Blackston, 27, are squashed into the tiny flat in
Rayners Court, Northfleet.
As well as children Bradley, eight,
Alfie, four, and Bryony, seven months, another baby is expected by
the end of June.
Louise said: "We all have to sleep in
one bedroom. It’s not fair on the children.
"I had Bryony in June 2012 so now in
our bedroom there is one double bed, one cot and a set of bunk beds
and a single cabinet and bedside cabinet to put our clothing
in.
"At the end of June, I’ve got to try
to fit another cot in the bedroom.
"When it’s the kid’s bedtime, one of
the boys always wakes the baby up so she can’t settle into a
routine."
Louise has lived in the flat since
August 2004, when she was expecting her first son from a previous
relationship.
Alfie followed in July 2008, and
Louise, who became a single parent in March 2009, said: "I’ve been
bidding on other flats since September 2011 and I have only been
given 20 housing points, but 20 points doesn’t get me anywhere
because my two boys at least need a room to share.
"I would like the council to treat
everyone fairly.
"It would be nice for my children not
to have to share a room with myself and my partner."
She added: "Me being pregnant
again was a complete accident but on the other hand just because
the council cant treat people fairly don’t mean you have to put
your life on hold and can’t have any children.
"Apart from that my eldest son
who is eight should have his own room even if he has to share with
his brother.
"They should not be in the same
room as their mum and her partner who is also not their
father."
A spokesman for Gravesham council
said: "The council’s policy is not to discuss personal details of
our tenants in the media.
"In this instance, our tenant at this
flat has specifically asked that we do not reveal or discuss her
circumstances."
24/01/13
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