A COUNTY Durham mother-of-five has been left “devastated” and “isolated” after being moved miles away from her hometown and forced to share three single beds between six of them.
Linzie Farrell was moved from her house using a section 21 notice on Friday (May 27) after she was informed that her landlord would be selling the property in Newton Aycliffe that she had lived in for several years.
Despite being given a number of months to move out by her landlord, something she said she is “grateful” and “fortunate” for, finding another home in 2022 has been a tough task for the family.
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After requiring a four-bedroom property to accommodate her five children Ella, Oscar, Lucas, Eli and Ewan, the mother could not secure a house before the looming move out date.
Instead, after working with Livin Housing, via Durham County Council, they were offered a three-bedroom house in Norton, Stockton; a whole 13 miles away from Aycliffe, where the family live, work, go to school, and have friends and family.
Moving in on Saturday (May 28), it soon became apparent to the family that their new home was not fit for purpose after being greeted with three single beds to fit all six of them in.
Even though the eldest child, Ewan, 19, has gone to live with his grandparents, it still leaves Ella, Oscar, Lucas, Eli, and Linzie to share three single beds – something that the mum of five has called “impossible” and “a real struggle”.
This is not the only issue that has greeted the family of six, though.
Due to the location of their new property, Mrs Farrell, who has been employed by Rose Lodge Care Home for the last 17 years, has been able to get to work and earn money because of the new commute, and her children will have struggles going to school.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, she has described her new life as “lonely”.
She said: “The landlord told me last year that he was selling the property – that was fine but finding a new home has been less than ideal.
“We’ve been offered three houses in Stockton since we first started looking, despite houses coming up in Aycliffe that would be perfect for us.
“It’s infuriating, disgusting and unfair.
“There’s nothing going now, and I feel at the end of my tether.
“We’ve had no choice but to take this house, and we are so unhappy here.”
In the new house, the children and Linzie have had to top and tail in the single beds, while the children’s father has stepped in to take the children to school but only as a temporary measure.
Her 14-month baby has also had to cram into a cot in one of the bedrooms.
Mrs Farrell added: “There’s no way I can get to work and earn money, it’s a vicious circle that won’t fix unless we’re back in Newton Aycliffe.”
In response, Durham County Council explained why the family-of-six have come to live outside the authority area.
Lynn Hall, Durham County Council’s strategic manager for housing, said: “When we receive a request for emergency temporary accommodation, we always aim to locate someone in an area of their choice.
"Unfortunately, this is not always possible and the only accommodation that is sometimes available is outside of our authority area. In these circumstances, we provide regular support to those affected. This includes advice with regards to school transport and other support needs.
“Alongside this, we also work to find alternative accommodation within the county at the earliest opportunity and provide advice and signposting to support individuals into long-term accommodation.”
Livin was approached for comment.
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