A GRANDMOTHER with strong North-East ties has spoken of her fears after Government officials confirmed she is facing deportation.

Irene Clennell, who lives in Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, in County Durham, has been told she will be removed from the country and sent back to Singapore.

But the 52-year-old, who first came to the UK in 1988, has built a life in England and has a husband, two sons and a baby granddaughter.

She has been told by Home Office officials to prepare to fly almost 7,000 miles away from her family and friends.

Mrs Clennell said: “I have got no family in Singapore and I have no property in Singapore. My parents are dead. My only family is a sister, and she is working in India. My husband is British. I do not see why I cannot stay.”

Mrs Clennell, who does not claim state benefits and is not allowed to work, is supported by her husband, John, 50, who is a gas engineer but is in poor health.

He has had a bypass operation following a blockage in his arteries, as well as treatment for a hernia, and relies on his wife of 26 years for support while he recovers.

The pair have two grown up children and have spent almost 25 years living between the UK and Singapore, due to work and family commitments.

Mrs Clennell, who has spent several long periods in her homeland in that time, says has spent over £2,000 on applications to remain in the country as a resident, but they have been refused.

Now her most recent appeal has been rejected she is facing arrest and detention prior to deportation.

Her husband said: “It is mental torture, because of the stress. Both of her kids were born here. They are British citizens and she is the biological mother.

“I cannot see any reason why she cannot stay. I have paid more than enough taxes. She has a lot of friends here.”

Mrs Clennell reports to an office in Middlesbrough every two weeks, but has not been given a final date so has no idea when she will be arrested.

She said: “They have told me to make arrangements to leave and if not they will use force to get me removed. I do not have anywhere to go. It is not right.”

Mrs Clennell has written to North Durham MP Kevan Jones and Prime Minister Theresa May, asking them for help.

A Home Office spokesman said: “All applications for leave to remain in the UK are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules.”