A HOMELESS man who was living in dilapidated shed during the severe weather conditions is ecstatic over his temporary move.

Earlier this month, John Masser, 42, contacted the Echo to say he had been refused a room to stay in by Basildon Council, despite the fact he was staying in a small shed in Long Riding, Basildon, during the freezing conditions.

After the Echo contacted the council over the matter, they moved Mr Masser into a bedsit in Arne Court, Laindon.

During his stay in the shed Mr Masser, who has been homeless for four years, said he felt like he could die any second because it was getting so cold. He said he was spending his nights crying and feeling lonely.

Now he is staying in a small bedsit, provided by the council via housing association Family Mosaic, with a bed, kitchen and living area.

Mr Masser said he was “so happy” to have a proper roof over his head.

He said: “I am really pleased and obviously things are a lot better since I was in that shed.

“The day after speaking to the Echo, the council rang me up and told me they had found some room for me and I went straight over there.

“I am 42 and I could have died in that shed. If it wasn’t for the Echo I might not be here now.”

Despite having temporary accommodation for now, Mr Masser still does not know how long he is going to be allowed to stay there.

Government guidelines to local councils stipulate they must provide rough sleepers a warm place to stay if there are sub-zero temperatures for three or more consecutive nights.