Homeless Grandad Cleans Streets for Council

A grandad who keeps Reading's streets clean is sleeping in his car despite working for the council.

Leroy Roach, 60, is a street cleaner for Reading Borough Council. He is from Jamaica, has lived in England for more than 32 years and became a British citizen in 1992.

He says: "I've been living in my car for the last 12 months, I'm planning to get a house from the council."

He added: "I can't believe it, I'm still homeless - I have to live in a car to save for a deposit. I have seen a house, but I'd need to pay the landlord £1,500 for a deposit and the first month of rent. I was living with my girlfriend, but we split up so I got kicked out."

Mr Roach said: "I make the town clean. I tried to get a deposit through a deposit scheme, but even for that I'd need £800." He also said: "I only go there on special occasions, my son and daughter live here, and I've got six grandkids in Reading. I'm entitled to everything. I don't have any property back home."

On his family's situation he said: "There was discussion about where my mum lived prior to her passing, but it's gone to a different family now. I just wish I had somewhere to sleep."

He is being supported by the St Mungo's homelessness charity and said a landlord had offered him a place for £680. "I have a right to rent. I'm homeless, fighting for somewhere to live," he said.

A Reading Borough Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of Mr Roach's circumstances and recognise that this is a difficult situation for him. Earlier this year, financial support was provided to help him secure private rented accommodation. Following his departure from that accommodation, support is currently available through St Mungo's, who are working with him to identify suitable housing options and help him access accommodation. Mr Roach is welcome to approach the council for housing advice and assistance at any time. We would encourage Mr Roach to continue engaging with the support available through St Mungo's and the council so that all appropriate housing options can be explored. Like many local authorities, Reading faces significant pressures on social housing, with more than 5,500 households on the Housing Register and around 450 properties becoming available each year."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter