A 98-year-old D-day veteran has been evicted from his rented bungalow in Ferndown, Dorset, and moved into a single room in a hostel. Alfred Guenigault lived there for seven years with his daughter Deb Dean, who is his carer, and her husband Bernard Dean. They were served a no-fault eviction notice by their landlord.
Dorset Council told Guenigault, who has cancer, kidney disease and a broken hip, that it could be months before they can rehouse the three of them. The family now share a single room in St Gabriel's hostel in Verwood, with Guenigault sleeping on a hospital-style bed and sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Deb Dean said the landlord, an elderly friend, is in ill health and his children decided to sell. “They have followed the correct process so our issue is not so much with them but with Dorset council. We are told we could be in a hostel for six to eight months. My concern is that in six months he may not even be here any more.”
Guenigault said: “I don’t want to make a fuss. I suppose life goes on. The problem is I have lived too long.” Dorset Council said it would work with the family to find suitable accommodation, but acknowledged homelessness brings disruption.
Christopher Chope, MP for Christchurch, criticised the council for prioritising asylum seekers over local veterans. Jimmy Dukes of charity UK Homes 4 Heroes called the situation “a disgrace”.
