Marie Hargreaves, 71, who faces eviction from her home this week (Image: undefined)
A 71 year old , mourning and battling issues, is facing eviction from her home of over half a century following the approval to transform her residence into a children’s home. Marie Hargreaves, who resides on Dowry Street in Fitton Hill, Oldham, has been served with a court-sanctioned eviction notice by her , which demands she vacates the property by Thursday, January 16.
Suffering from , depression, and PTSD, Marie has called the house her home for 52 years but sold it four years ago, remaining as a tenant under what landlord Jade Sherlock asserts was meant to be a temporary arrangement. However, Manchester County has now issued an eviction order for Thursday, January 16.
Last year, Ms Sherlock sought permission from Oldham Council to repurpose the dwelling into a residential facility for children, accommodating up to two minors and their carers, a request that was granted. While expressing ‘the utmost empathy for Marie’, Ms Sherlock highlighted that the court had meticulously examined the case and supported her claim to retake possession of the property.
Gary Leese, aged 61 and acting as Mrs Hargreaves’ carer, is aiding her with her personal matters. He commented: “Marie does not have the capacity to deal with things in her daily life. To be told she has to leave her beloved home has devastated her. It’s the only home Marie’s ever known. She is very confused about the situation and she doesn’t have anywhere else to go,” reports
Marie’s home is on Dowry Street, Fitton Hill, Oldham (Image: undefined)
Mrs Hargreaves was left heartbroken in July 2022 when her son Lee Carter, aged 48, was discovered deceased in a Stockport car park following an extensive seven-day search. Mr Leese is now seeking a court hearing at Manchester Civil Justice Centre to halt or delay the eviction, citing four medical reports from psychiatrists which assert that Mrs Hargreaves lacks the mental capacity to manage her daily affairs.
Mr Leese also mentioned that he and Marie had approached Oldham council regarding emergency temporary housing in case of homelessness, only to be informed that there was no certainty of accommodation within the borough of Oldham. Ms Jade Sherlock stated: “I followed every step of the legal process carefully and in full compliance with the law. The possession order was granted after I served the proper notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
“The courts reviewed the case thoroughly and upheld my right to regain possession of my property at every stage, rejecting the tenant’s repeated attempts to challenge the proceedings. This has been a long and difficult process for me.I incurred substantial legal fees.
“I remained committed to acting within the law at every point. Despite everything I have endured throughout this process, I continue to have the utmost empathy for Marie. I am aware of her difficult childhood, her mental anguish, and the devastating loss of her son. I cannot fully comprehend the pain she has endured.”