A DORCHESTER family feared they could end up homeless after claiming they were told they did not qualify for social housing.

Wilbur Hayes, his wife Pauline and 26-year-old disabled son Alan have been asked to leave their rented flat in Prince of Wales Road by October 8, after wrangles with other tenants over car parking spaces.

Despite being on the housing register for six months, the family was shocked to be told by the West Dorset Housing Partnership in High East Street that they would not be considered for a property.

Canadian-American Mr Hayes, 63, who works in the Safeways supermarket in Weymouth, said: "We can't get another private flat because we won't get a reference from our current landlord and can't afford the deposit on another place.

"But when we went to get help from West Dorset Housing Partnership, I was told we did not qualify because we are not refugees, we do not have dependants and I have a job.

"Alan suffers from cerebral palsy, is prone to asthma attacks and is 100 per cent dependent on us and we desperately need a place to look after him properly.

"I was actually advised that I would stand a better chance of getting a house if I quit my job - that just defies common sense."

Distressed Pauline, 56, a full-time carer for their son, added: "It was beyond a joke - we were left in a state of trauma and fear."

But after the Dorset Echo stepped in, staff from West Dorset Housing Partnership took positive action to look at the Hayes' file.

Temporary manager Natalie Wigman said: "The person the Hayes family initially spoke to has gone on sick leave, so it is difficult to get a full update on what is going on.

"But we want to see how we can further assist and I have spoken to Mr and Mrs Hayes and made sure they are seeing another homeless officer."

She added: "I am confident they will be assisted, and if we are unable to help we will help them to secure alternative accommodation."