A grieving man is being kicked out of the home he has lived in his whole life just three months after the death of his mum.

Gary Brookin, 63, of Vale Crescent, Tilehurst has been struggling emotionally since his mum died in January.

Him and his mum shared their two bedroom semi-detached home with a generously sized garden.

But he is being pressurised to move out as the home is a council house owned by Reading Borough Council.

Mr Brookin said: “I was born in Dellwood Hospital and I’ve only lived here since then.

“They want me out because it’s a two bedroom.

“They want me somewhere smaller, a one bedroom.

“Obviously I don’t want to leave there because I’ve lived there all my life.

“I’ve been to the doctor, I’m on antidepressant tablets because I’ve lost my mum and now this.”

Mr Brookin was under the impression that he would be given six months since his Mum’s death before being encouraged to move on Friday, March 3.

Mr Brooking has been struggling with feeling unwell since his Mum’s death.

He said: “I was her carer for 13 years, 2009 till when she went into hospital on Boxing Day and that was the last time I saw her.

“I don’t want to leave, I’ve been here so long it will hurt me.

“I haven’t been eating or sleeping properly.

“it’s turned me upside down. It’s made me sick. It’s a situation where I don’t want to live any more. My life has gone down hill.

“I’ve just give up.”

He is unable to purchase the property due to his financial situation, however he is willing to pay bedroom tax.

Furthermore, Mr Brookin claimed that according to the Department of Work and Pensions he is listed on the tenancy, which has led him to query whether the council can remove him.

Mr Brookin said: “I’ve paid my rent, I’ve paid my council tax, I’m willing to pay the bedroom tax.

“I’ll be at retirement age in a few years as well.

“If I could stay here, my friend would help me do the garden, but there would be no point if I have to move on.

“I don’t want to live somewhere else. Since I lost my mum it’s gone right down hill. It’s not doing me and my health any good.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Reading Borough Council why its housing officers have begun the process of urging him to move in the difficult time following the death of his mum, and whether it would be willing to let him stay in the home he has lived in all his life.

In response, a council spokesperson said: “A council tenancy is only allowed to pass from one family member to another once, known as a succession.

“In this case a succession has already taken place within the family and therefore no further succession rights are available on this tenancy.

“Mr Brookin has been advised of the laws in place around succession and we are working with him to find him alternative housing options.

“Even in instances where a family member does have the right to succession on a tenancy, they would not be able to remain in a property that was too big for their needs.

“Alternative accommodation of the appropriate size would be found for them, to make the larger property available to a family in need.”

Mr Brooking is being supported by the Christian charity CommuniCare which is based at Cemetery Junction.

With their support, he has so far visited one bungalow in Wheeble Drive, Woodley in Wokingham Borough.