AN Essex family who were victims of aggravated burglary are “in crisis” as there children now share a sofa-bed in cramped emergency accommodation.
The family of four – who we have kept anonymous due to risks to their safety – were attacked during a violent burglary at their home in Colchester in February.
During the ambush a man “badly beat” the father with a crowbar.
After the ordeal the family, who spent a week with their parents, were moved to emergency accommodation outside of Colchester by Colchester Borough Homes.
As a result, the two children - aged ten and 12 - now have to share a sofa bed in a cramped hotel room.
According to their father, this is far from suitable, not least due to one of the children “now wetting the bed” because of the traumatic burglary.
The father, “who has worked his whole life” suffered a back injury during the raid on his home which means he now cannot work, nor earn any money.
He said: “The car has to go back and I don’t how to afford to send the kids to travel to their school in Colchester.”
The man has now hit out at Colchester Borough Homes for the failure in securing them suitable accommodation.
He has also said the nearest shop to the family is a “petrol station” with there being "very limited" provisions for the family of four to cook with.
He also claims after being declined a second room, a “housing solutions person” told him to instead “find private accommodation” if he was not happy.
A spokesman for Colchester Borough Homes said: “We understand the difficult situation this family is facing and recognise the stress and uncertainty temporary accommodation can cause.
“We make every effort to avoid placing families in cramped situations like bed and breakfasts.
"However, on some occasions, when immediate accommodation is needed, and no other options are available, temporary hotel rooms become necessary.
"It’s important to clarify the accommodation provided, though not in central Colchester, falls within the Colchester Council area.
“Family rooms in our contracted hotels typically include a double bed and a sofa bed suitable for sleeping four individuals.
"Additionally, this hotel provides a communal area for preparation and eating meals.
“Allocating extra rooms depends on the available space within a unit.
“If the provided room offers sufficient sleeping arrangements for the entire family, an additional room wouldn’t be possible.”
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