A CARING community is calling on housing bosses to help a homeless man who has been living in a shed for more than a year.

Fears have been raised for Adrian Doherty, who is forced to sleep sitting up due to the lack of space, if he has to spend another winter in the shed.

The 43-year-old has been given permission by the homeowner to stay in the back garden shed of the property, in Brooklands Gardens, Jaywick.

Mr Doherty, who has lived in Jaywick for ten years, was made homeless when his landlord sold his home last year.

The former panel beater said: “It really does get me down as I do suffer from depression.

“It’s been over a year and I’ve really been trying to find a new home and have been speaking to the council’s housing options officer.

“I’m in ill heath and suffer from ulcers on my leg - the pain just gets worse when it’s cold.

“I’m not looking forward to spending another winter out here, but I’m just trying to make it as comfortable as I can.

“I have to sleep in the chair in a sleeping bag.

“Somebody donated the sleeping bag to me when they heard about my plight - I didn’t know him, but he probably saved my life.”

Members of the Jaywick Sands Happy Club, including blogger Danny Sloggett and former councillor Dan Casey, have now called for action to be taken to find him a home.

Mr Casey said: “It’s disgusting that he has to sleep in a chair and he also has to urinate in a bowl.

“I don’t know how he manages to keep himself warm.

“If there is another severe winter, he wouldn’t survive.

“We can’t let him sleep in a shed for another winter.”

After Mr Sloggett posted a video about the campaign online, they were contacted by people from across the country offering help.

Mr Sloggett said: “We need to help our friends.

“In this day and age, no-one should be living in a shed. It’s in our hearts to help him.”

Mr Casey has contacted Tendring Council’s housing department in a bid to find Adrian more suitable accommodation.

It is hoped the authority will help him move into an empty property in nearby Meadow Way.

A Tendring Council spokesman said the authority’s rough sleeper co-ordinator was engaging with him and support was being offered not only by the council, but also other agencies.

It is understood Adrian will also be speaking to a charity to discuss his future.