Former solider feels helpless over housing issue (From Haringey Independent)

Former solider feels helpless over housing issue

11:19am Friday 26th October 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

A former British Army serviceman says the life of his disabled son is becoming unbearable in their small family home.

Denzel Palmer, 35, has lived in a small two bedroom flat with his wife and four children for the last year but says the strain is becoming too much for them and his disabled son Carl.

Mr Palmer, who served in the British Army as an infantryman in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world, moved into the property, in Howard Road, Tottenham, five-years-ago.

Four-year-old Carl was born with water on the brain and is partially paralyzed requiring the use of a wheelchair and attends the Vale School, in Trulock Road.

Mr Palmer said: “There is no access for my son to the flat; I have to carry him when he gets to the door.

“There isn’t even access to the bath for him. It’s just too much for us and it is not safe for him and he is only going to get bigger.

“He has a lot of equipment to help him but the flat is so small we have to keep it in the hallway so it’s not safe for the other children.

“We shouldn’t have to live like this, it’s just a strain on all of us and I feel helpless.

“I served my country for eight years fought in wars but this isn’t what I was fighting for. I thought I would get support but we haven’t had anything.”

Mr Palmer said he has seen rats in the property which he is worried will contaminate food and make his children ill.

The property is operated by Homes for Haringey and Mr Palmer has been told a decision will be made about his situation soon but there is no guarantee he will be moved and he and his family could be in the flat for another year.

The Haringey Independent has contacted Homes for Haringey about Mr Palmer’s situation and is awaiting a reply.