TWO brothers are being forced to leave the house they have spent a lifetime in after their father died. 

Wayne Reeves, 50, has lived with his brother Darren, 48, in Nadder Terrace, Wilton, since the 1970s.

But after their dad Roger died in August 2022, aged 73, the pair have been told by Wiltshire Council that they must leave. 

The council said this is because only two of them live in the three-bedroom house, meaning it is "under-occupied".

Wayne suffers from Crohn's Disease and relies on benefits while his brother works but has mental health problems.

Salisbury Journal: Wayne Reeves outside his home.Wayne Reeves outside his home. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

They were issued a Notice to Quit which ran out on Monday, March 13, and Wayne is hesitant to sign any documents fearing he could lose his home but said he's "sick of hiding in the shadows".

Wayne told the Journal he and his brother feel "helpless", adding: "I have been here a lifetime but I feel like I’m at the worst time in my life ever.

"I think my condition will kill me eventually, and I feel like I’m falling apart physically.

"My brother’s problems will never go away and I think this will push him over the edge."

The next steps would involve the council repossessing the house and Wayne has been advised to register on Homes4Wiltshire to move but he feels as though he has been "roadblocked" since saying he doesn't want to move.

Before evicting the brothers, the council must get an order for possession from the court.

"I'm just in limbo waiting for the dreaded thing through the post," Wayne added.

Salisbury Journal: Inside Wayne Reeves' house.Inside Wayne Reeves' house. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

There were £981.69 of rent arrears following the death of Roger but Wayne said he was able to settle them when he found out.

Moving house would involve digging up the past and the stress of this has affected the ability to grieve, according to Wayne.

There's a lifetime worth of stuff in this house and a lot of memories here.

Councillor Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We offer our condolences to the family at this difficult time. In situations like this, as a council, we are obliged to ensure the appropriate use of our housing stock.

"Following the passing of the tenancy holder, we have unfortunately had to advise the current occupants that they are unable to remain in the property due to it being larger than they reasonably require at this time."

Cllr Alford added that the council is engaging with the family to support them into secure alternative accommodation which will better meet their needs.

He said: "We are aware of the difficult circumstances and we’ll do what we can to ensure this process is carried out as sensitively as possible.”