Couple living in Camber caravan after losing Robertsbridge home

A couple do not know where to turn after becoming homeless and being forced to live out of their car and rent caravans to keep a roof over their heads.
Steven Bramble and Lesley Taylor outside their caravan in CamberSteven Bramble and Lesley Taylor outside their caravan in Camber
Steven Bramble and Lesley Taylor outside their caravan in Camber

Lesley Taylor and Steven Bramble fell into rental arrears when living in Robertsbridge as Lesley lost her job and Steven suffered a back injury meaning he could not work.

The 58 year olds can only afford to stay at Park Resorts Camber Sands Holiday Park until today, after previous stays at Coghurst Hall Holiday Park outside Hastings and others.

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“It’s been absolutely horrendous – I’ve never experienced anything like it in my time,” Lesley said.

“I’ve lived in my own house before and never suffered anything like this.”

The pair moved to Willow Bank from the midlands two-and-a-half years ago and until two weeks ago everything was fine.

But after Lesley lost her job and Steve’s injury, they struggled to pay the rent and eventually were forced to leave by the landlord on Tuesday, March 8.

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Ever since, they have been hiring caravans with the little money Lesley makes working part-time at Sainsbury’s in St Leonards, even living out of the car at times.

Lesley and Steven tried to get some help from Rother District Council to try to pay towards a deposit and first month’s rent.

Although the application was initially successful, the couple were not deemed high enough priority to receive the benefit.

A Rother District Council spokesman said: “We are unable to comment on individual cases.

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“In around half of the cases where a homeless application is made, Rother District Council does not have a duty to provide housing.

“All applications we receive are assessed and dealt with in accordance with housing law.”

The couple are trying to get similar help from Hastings Borough Council but need to find a house first. They have tried to find a new home but no landlords have been willing to take them on because of their debt.

“We’re going round and round just trying to get out of it but it’s hard and so stressful,” Lesley said.

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“We need some emergency accommodation just for a bit to get back on our feet, then I can get more hours at work and Steve can look for a job too.”

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