A CANVEY couple left “living in dread” after being hit with an eviction notice have asked the court for a stay of execution before they leave.

Alan Slawson, 76, and his 75-year-old wife, Sandra, claim they were ordered to leave Thorney Bay Village at the end of April, but they have stayed put and fear they have nowhere else to go.

The couple, who have been placed under huge stress during their ordeal, have received a letter from Southend Magistrates’ Court, which they have responded to, asking if they can have until October 26 to leave the home that they envisioned settling down for good in.

Alan is suffering with prostate cancer and recently had a stroke, as well as having glaucoma in one eye.

Sandra suffers with type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis in the knees and issues related to high-blood pressure.

Alan has spoken of fears that the couple will be placed in inadequate living for their complex medical conditions and has signed up to nine estate agents to try and find somewhere to live.

He said: “We got a letter from the court that I had to fill in and they asked different things. I put all of our medical conditions in and, basically, we asked for more time. I have to wait and find out if that is accepted.

“We haven’t got much back at all and what I did hear from someone on the site is they wait until you get a court date and then start arranging things.

“We are worried about homelessness, but the council has said they won’t let us become homeless, it could be a case of a BnB or a hotel stay, or something like that.

“We know we need to wait for the court to decide, we have been told rumours that because of our medical conditions and our ages, they can be sympathetic and give more time.”

Alan added that he and his wife’s futures remain “up in the air” while they await news from estate agents.

He said: “Some say that you have to have an income of between £35,000 and £40,000 to even be considered.”

In a letter seen by the Echo, Alan was told by legal firm Cunningtons that his tenancy was “being brought to an end”. Thorney Bay Village is owned by Thorney Bay Park LTD.

All the companies involved have been repeatedly contacted by the Echo, but have failed to respond.