Homeless couple sleeping rough in Newark fear for their future

A couple who are sleeping rough in Newark say have nowhere to go, nobody to help them and fear for their future.

Terry Williams, 38, is particularly concerned about his 36-year-old partner, who asked not to be named.

She has schizotypal personality disorders, borderline intellectual/developmental disorders and is also being treated for depression.

The couple have been together for a year and initially stayed with Terry's dad in Knight's Court but because it was a one bedroom property they were told they had to leave.

They then spent six months with Terry's cousin in a four bedroom property on Staunton Road, Newark.

He has now been rehoused to a one bedroom flat on Yorke Drive leaving the couple homeless since Saturday.

They had been sleeping in Terry's car but on Monday it was impounded by the police.

Since then they have been sleeping rough where ever they can find somewhere that they feel safe.

Terry said they had asked Newark and Sherwood Homes for help but have been told they are classed as Band Three which is low priority.

"We can't go on like this," said Terry.

The woman said the situation was making her medical condition worse.

"We just need somebody to help us," she said. "I want somewhere that I can feel safe and I can call my own."

Both are on benefits but say they can not rent privately because they need somebody to be a guarantor and money for a bond which they don't have.

Terry said they had been told they can not go to homeless accommodation at Seven Hills because they are not eligible and because they are a couple they can not go to the Framework premises in Newark.

"There doesn't seem to be anything in the system that can help us," said Terry.

A spokeswoman for Newark and Sherwood Homes said the couple registered with them on August 16 and are correctly banded for their circumstances.

"Those requiring emergency accommodation should contact Newark and Sherwood District Council's Housing Options Team," she said.

A spokesman for the district council said they can not comment on individual circumstances for reasons of confidentiality.

He said anybody who presents themselves to the council as homeless is asked to sign a consent form to enable detailed inquiries to be made into their circumstances so a thorough assessment can be made and they can respond accordingly.

"In cases where the council is satisfied that a temporary accommodation duty is owed this is provided," he said.

"Our main aim though remains to work with individuals to prevent homelessness where ever possible."