A HOMELESS Blandford man says he is being forced to live in a tent because housing chiefs are ignoring his pleas to find him a home.

Andrew Thomson, aged 30, says his health has deteriorated and he has lost weight since he started living rough six months ago. And he is worried for his three-year-old son Oakley, whom he looks after in the two-room canvas structure when his ex-partner and the child's mother are at work.

Mr Thomson, whose tent is pitched on council-owned land at the rear of Somerfield supermarket in East Street, said: "It's been horrific as I've been through all the lightning storms and the weather is going to get worse.

"I'm a genuine guy just wanting a house where I can be with my son. I have found myself starting to go down the slippery slope as I feel like my life is falling apart."

He said housing chiefs at North Dorset District Council had turned a blind eye to his plight.

"If I was a pregnant, single mum I'm sure they would have found me a place. I've never had rent arrears and can't see why they can't house me," he told the Daily Echo.

Mr Thomson said his tent had been vandalised and tools he used for his gardening job had been stolen since he moved to the site about two months ago.

"I can't work because I'm afraid of leaving my tent and because I was self-employed I can't claim any benefits," he added.

Housing manager at North Dorset District Council Cyril Downing said: "We have interviewed Mr Thomson and dealt with him in accordance with the provisions of the legislation. We have given him the appropriate advice as to where to look for accommodation."

There was a serious shortage of accommodation for rent across the district, he added.

First published: October 14