Desperate Dad Fights for Son's Home Needs

A dad in Reading is desperate for his council flat to be fixed after a community garden he created was removed because it was put up without permission.

Steve Ellis, a tenant at a ground-floor flat in Bamburgh Close, Whitley, says the garden was taken down on Tuesday, September 15. He'd also added ramps so his wheelchair-bound son Tyrese could get in and out.

Ellis says the ramps and the space helped with physiotherapy and that Tyrese has sometimes been trapped and had to scream when he couldn't get out.

He wants better adaptations and repairs, complaining about damp whenever the neighbour upstairs showers, poor communication from the council and delayed repairs. "All I want is what's allocated for my son - he'd be walking if I had more time with him."

Tyrese plays wheelchair basketball and has written a book of poems called 'Letters to the Universe'. "My parents didn't raise me to sit back and watch, my parents raised me to be a leader and climb to the top."

Mr Ellis says he cares for Tyrese three days a week, has six children in total and fears there isn't enough support for his son.

A council spokesperson said they have been in contact with Mr Ellis, have investigated where appropriate and remain "committed to addressing housing management, repairs and safety concerns where they are legitimate". They added that a live disrepair claim limits public comment and encouraged Mr Ellis to contact them directly so issues can be assessed through the right channels.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter