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John Lehaney, was a private tenant on Universal Credit until a month ago, but he says he had to flee his accommodation after being threatened by another resident.

John says he can't return for fear of his life, but says the council have told him he doesn't qualify for emergency accommodation as it was his choice to leave.

Separately, John is awaiting the outcome of a criminal court case, although he denies the charges against him which are unrelated to his living situation.

Whilst unable to comment on specific details, a Tendring District Council (TDC) spokesperson confirmed the Council have been actively supporting the Mr Lehaney who, they say, does have a valid tenancy and they encourage him to return to the property.

The spokesperson says that the council 鈥渋s invested in supporting residents find safe and suitable accommodation and this is not an action we take lightly. It is unfortunate that the district has a shortage of both affordable and social housing in line with the rest of the country 鈥� with 1,609 people on the waiting list鈥�.

鈥淚n the short-term we are just about to begin a redevelopment of a former sheltered housing facility in Walton-on-the-Naze to provide temporary accommodation for families who are homeless, and we have also been working with providers in the sector on other short-term accommodation.

鈥淲e advise that the resident reports any criminal behaviour to the police and seeks support from Victim Support if appropriate.鈥�

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