Local News

The 60-year-old squatter

If it's not people buying to let, it's old folks hogging good size houses that could be used for a family that are contributing the ongoing housing problems in Exeter.

David Leaman is refusing to move from the two bedroom council house he is occupying to a more reasonably sized home even though he is not the official tennant.

Exeter City Council has given him notice to leave the property but the old codger is fighting tooth and nail despite there being more than 800 families waiting for a two bedroom home in the Exeter area alone.

"Mr Leaman has been offered four properties over the last few months, we have done everything we can to help him" said Council spokesman Steve Warran.

Mr Leaman said "I am aware there are families needing homes, but where am I to go?" Err, perhaps to one of the perfectly reasonable houses the council has officially offered you?

He went on to say "We all have to get old, and the memories are all we have" but seems unprepared to make way and let a new family make new memories of their own.

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