A DAD has been left “sofa surfing” for months after his council flat was “broken into and trashed” while he was in hospital following a fall at home.

Steven McGran, 51, has been “living in a nightmare” for years and claims to have had countless issues with his council flat, managed by Basildon Council.

His family has claimed he has been hit with repeated issues with mould, damp and flooding but issues came to a head last year when the flat was broken into, trashed, and flooded by yobs while he was in hospital with a broken leg.

Steven’s daughter, Chelsea, says the last six months have been “worse than ever” and fears for her dad’s safety if he returns to the flat.

Now, he is sofa surfing with family and friends.

Basildon Council has confirmed it changed the locks on the flat following the break-in last August.

She said: “The house is full of mould, even to the point of the door handles, you can’t even touch them.

“We have been fighting this issue for years trying to get him moved. He also has mobility issues so struggles to get up to his flat on the fourth floor.

“Within days of returning to his flat after mental health treatment, he fell down the stairs and broke his leg in five places due to his mobility issues.

“He spent weeks in hospital. While in hospital, youngsters broke into his flat, flooded the property, threw paint, and destroyed it. The council changed the locks but still won’t move him.

“I am at my wits end. It is horrendous.”

After coming out of hospital, Chelsea and her family paid for Steven to stay in a hotel while they continued to push Basildon Council for a new home.

However they were unable to afford long-term accommodation and have been relying on family and friends since.

Chelsea added: “We need the council to help us. He can’t use stairs; he has a lot of health issues.”

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “We are currently assessing Mr McGran’s transfer housing application received on March 4, 2024 and he will be formally notified of the outcome.

“Basildon Council will make contact to arrange a mutually convenient appointment for the internal property to be inspected.”