OAP faces eviction despite cleaning up house he's lived in since 1955 as he refuses to give up 'unsafe' DIY power supply
AN OAP is facing eviction despite cleaning up the house he's lived in since 1955 as he refuses to give up his "unsafe" DIY power supply.
Eccentric pensioner Ken May, 67, uses a homemade petrol generator to charge car batteries and keeps gas canisters in his home on Standfield Gardens in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.
But now the 67-year-old faces losing his childhood home because of his bootleg power supply.
Earlier this month, he was given 28 days to vacate his ramshackle home over concerns storing the fuel is dangerous – but he has since been granted a six-month reprieve.
He was also forced to clear his clutter from inside and around his home – which he has now done.
However, Gateshead Council have demanded that if he is to remain in his childhood home Mr May must clean it, remove "unsafe items", reconnect to mains electric and allow inspections.
With the help of his neighbours Mr May, who has lived at the home since he was a baby, has now painted his walls and tidied up his garden.
The hugely popular OAP has also had a haircut and been bought a brand new bed and set of clothes.
But there are fears this might not be enough to keep him in the home – despite his best efforts to clean up.
Mr May, who was in the Merchant Navy before he retired, said: "I still have this eviction notice hanging over my head.
"I am happy to try my best to reconnect to the mains electricity but I don't see why I should lose my petrol generator.
"What I am hoping to do is to fuse the mains supply with my home made supply. Essentially, I only need 50 watts to power my whole house.
"However, I don't always get enough to do other things, like send attachments with emails.
"I am not doing anything wrong. The council have no legal right to force me to remove the power supply.
"The council have threatened to kick me out. It's an awful situation to be in.
POWER STRUGGLE
"They said they will consider letting me stay it all the provisions are met to their satisfaction. But 'consider' is the key work there.
"I would be absolutely devastated if I had to leave. I've lived here since 1955 for a reason, I like it here. I've been around the world and I love living in Wardley. I have a right to stay in Standfield Gardens.
"If a liar tells you that you have six months, how long do you really have?
"I think the main issue is the council want me to tidy it up so they don't have to pay for it themselves if someone else moves in."
Mr May's electricity supply was cut off in 2019 over concerns he was bypassing the system with his own power.
After news of the eviction threat spread, a group of 30 kind volunteers came to the rescue and have vowed to help him in his property.
Yesterday, the Sun Online encountered ten good samaritans painting the walls of his home and clearing out his garden and bedrooms in a bid to allow him to remain.
Mr May added: "I've got to be a good boy. I've got to clean the house, cut the garden down and get rid of the electric system.
"I'm very thankful for all the help. I've been astounded by the kindness of strangers.
"Over the years I've always helped people, if someone had a problem they would come to me.
FACING EVICTION
"But I am still very surprised I have been given all this help. There are
people who make me feel like the world is a better place."
In a letter sent to Mr May on October 21, Gateshead Council confirmed they "will not apply for a warrant of possession for the next six months".
The letter adds: "If we are satisfied that the property is a safe and
acceptable state when we reach six months, and you have demonstrated a commitment to maintain it in that condition, we will consider whether we would agree to an application to vary the possession order."
Gateshead Council have been contacted for a comment.
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