Home is where my heart is
Reporter: Lewis Jones
Date published: 08 February 2012
And that’s where Steven is staying thanks to campaign
A HEARTBROKEN widower has spoken of his relief after a U-turn decision will allow him to stay in the home he shared with his late wife.
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has withdrawn its request for Steven George to move out of the cherished home he has lived in for 12 years.
His whole family were in shock from the sudden death of his wife Jackie, who died aged 48 on December 29, having suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage.
But the heartbreak was made all the more difficult when he received a letter less than four weeks later explaining how he would have to move out of his home in Crow Hill View, Holts, due to under-occupancy.
But since the Chronicle contacted the local housing association, Steven (41) has been told he can stay in the three-bedroomed property where he raised his three daughters.
He said: “I am absolutely over the moon, I’m just thrilled with the outcome and will hopefully get to stay here for years to come.
“Jackie’s death came completely out of the blue for the entire family and this has just come at an awful time.
“This is our home and it would have been a real wrench to leave it, there are so many memories here.”
Jackie had lived in the house for 20 years, raising her three daughters that Steven had taken on as his own.
The couple had lived alone for the last three years since their daughters flew the nest, but had accommodated them and their five grandchildren
The bombshell letter explained how, under the 1988 Housing Act, as Jackie’s husband he would succeed tenancy but would be offered an alternative two-bedroom property.
It also stated legal action would be investigated should he turn down other properties without reasonable grounds.
It prompted friends and family, young and old to rally round in support, brandishing placards to help him stay.
Steven added: “I don’t understand why this happened, living on my own now I’m not using any fewer or any more rooms than we did together.
“I am grateful that they have changed their minds though.”
A spokeswoman for First Choice Homes Oldham said: “To be clear, this was a case concerning Mr George’s succession to the tenancy, not downsizing.
“We have worked closely with Mr George to ensure a satisfactory resolution in this case.
“Mr George has now succeeded the property and is very happy with the outcome.”
