I have lived in Dartmouth since 1975, when, as a single parent, I was given a mortgage by South Hams District Council, enabling me to buy my own home – a small property in Newcomen Road. It is my great good fortune that I have paid off that mortgage and now own my home outright.

I am in pretty good health, although, of course, a lot older now – but recently I was waiting outside Sainsbury’s for a bus back to the bottom of town, when I suddenly blacked out.

Evidently I fell down, not once but twice.

However, a middle-aged gentleman, who was also waiting for the bus, gently picked me up, helped me onto the bus, then walked me home when the bus arrived at the pontoon.

As I had twisted my ankle slightly, I don’t think I would have got home without his help.

He wouldn’t come in for a cup of tea, because he had to get to work, but made sure I could manage my bags before leaving me on my doorstep. What a friend in need!

On the way to my home, he told me his own story.

Locally born and bred, in the 1950s, in 2009 he was living in a three-bedroomed house, rented from the council.

As his children had grown up and moved away, he volunteered to move into a smaller house, so giving up his former home to a bigger family. The council accepted his very kind offer, and housed him temporarily in a caravan, until a house became available.

Well, more fool him! Eight years later, he is still living in the same caravan. It is very poorly insulated, much too hot in summer, and freezing cold in winter. When he has asked, in desperation, about moving back into a house, he has been told that he is not eligible, as the caravan, so the council says, meets all his housing needs, for example bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, toilet, and a little kitchen. Nothing about the lack of insulation, with the very real danger to his health that implies.

I was heartsick over the story of this kind and generous human being – and thoroughly ashamed of South Hams District Council for treating him in this way – when it had been so helpful to me in former years.

I would like them to let me know, as a matter of urgency, when it plans to honour its original promise, and move him back into reasonable accommodation, that will help to keep him healthy, as he inevitably becomes more frail in his old age.

Felicity Craig

Newcomen Road, Dartmouth