Grandad, 65, living in car after losing job and home says: 'I've worked hard for 40 years'

Alan, a 65 year old grandfather, has been living in his Renault Clio after becoming homeless due to hardship following the loss of his job and home. Alan Jukes previously worked for Tesco as a delivery driver until an injured shoulder forced him out of the job - and he couldn't afford to pay his rent.

He called himself homeless and originally received help from Newcastle Borough Council, who arranged for him to stay in Travelodge hotels while Aspire Housing sought suitable accommodations for him. However, since early February, Alan has resided in his car, rejecting three offers for places to live and even enjoying a four-night all-inclusive holiday in Benidorm kindly gifted by one of his children.

The situation has seen Alan incur parking fines at both the Morrisons in Newcastle and Stafford Service stations as he searches for somewhere safe to rest each night. Living in his small Renault Clio is proving detrimental to his health, with Alan saying: "It's a small Renault. There are two seats at the back and two at the front. It isn't very big for sleeping in. My shoulders, back and hips are knackered."

Despite everything, Alan rejects the idea of accepting housing in unfamiliar towns like Kidsgrove where he doesn't have family or friends, especially if Aspire Housing demand an upfront payment of £500. His bitter experience made him comment: "I've worked hard for over 40 years and this is how I get treated."

Alan, who recently required treatment at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, said: "It's a horrible thought to think that you can't get a place to live out your final years. I've been finished on medical grounds at all of my last four jobs.", reports Stoke on Trent Live.

"I just would like to be treated like a human being. When you find yourself trying to get benefits, you're fighting against the system all over with no break of light anywhere."

North Staffordshire older persons outreach team has made the council aware of Alan's treatment.

The council has confirmed Alan remains on its housing register. It no longer has to house Alan in a hotel at taxpayers' expense after he turned down one of the properties without, it says, a legitimate reason.

Councillor Gill Heesom, cabinet member for community safety and wellbeing, said: "Two appropriate properties were offered and rejected for reasons that were considered reasonable, while a third has now also been refused without a valid reason being offered. In certain circumstances we do provide help with rent in advance, which was discussed with Mr Jukes and confirmed in writing to the housing provider. We work closely with Aspire Housing and Mr Jukes remains on the housing register and can bid for properties. He has also been pointed towards other housing providers."

Alun Bragg, Aspire Housing's director of communities, commented on the situation: "We are aware of Mr Jukes' homelessness application through Newcastle Borough Council and we have been working closely with them to find a suitable home that meets his needs. Two homes have been offered so far through Aspire Housing, as well as a separate offer of a non-Aspire home, but these offers have not been accepted by Mr Jukes."

He further added, "We appreciate that there are a number of challenges around finding a home and we have a flexible approach when supporting homeless customers. On this occasion, we had agreed funding support with the council to allow Mr Jukes to proceed with a property. We will continue to support Newcastle Borough Council in any way we can to find Mr Jukes an appropriate home."