A GRIEVING husband has just four weeks to leave his family home of 27 years, after a housing association would not let him take over his home.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West has given his backing to Greg Doherty, 57, of Blenheim Chase, Leigh, whose wife Deborah, 58, sadly died of a brain tumour on June 11.

She left behind her husband Greg, four daughters and 13 grandchildren.

Following her death, South Essex Homes said it will not allow Greg to take over the tenancy in his name from his wife because only one change can be made to a tenancy.

Greg said: “Deborah had the home from a previous marriage, she lived here for 33 years.

“She had the house under her previous married name but I have lived here 27 years.

“The house holds so many memories for the children, our grandchildren, and without our home, I feel so lost.

“It is not just me who is losing the home though, I care for my grandson and Debbie’s mother who has dementia lives next door.

“Every day she still comes in and asks how Debbie is, not knowing what has happened.

“If I move away she will not know what to do if I’m not there.”

South Essex Homes said it will not be rehoming Mr Doherty after giving him notice to vacate the property.

Sir David and Laurie Burton, Labour councillor for Blenheim Chase criticised the decision.

Sir David will be taking action himself to contest the decision from South Essex Homes.

He said: “Following the appalling, heartless, irresponsible and disgraceful treatment of Mr Docherty, after he lost his much loved wife just last month, I said I would raise the issue in Parliament today and that is what I intend to do.

“He has enough to contend with regarding his grief and the care of relatives, without the horrendous notice.”

Mr Burton added: “I am beyond shocked at the callous treatment Greg has received.

“I call on South Essex Homes to treat Greg like a person, and do what is right in this situation.

“It cannot be fair to evict a man from his home while he is grieving for his wife, due to a bureaucratic issue. I hope that South Essex Homes will make this right.”

Tony Cox, Southend Council’s cabinet member for adults and housing said the council would not comment on individual cases but advised Mr Doherty to contact the council for support.

He said: “Our housing team is able to offer advice and assistance to anyone who finds him or herself in housing need.”