NHS worker from Falmouth told to quit home by end of year

Graham Milne, 60, says he was devastated after he was served notice by his landlord to leave his home in Rose Cottage in Penwerris Lane by December 31. He has lived there for eight years.

Mr Milne has lived in Falmouth for 30 years and works at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro as a clinical imaging assistant in the radiography department. He says trying to find somewhere to live has really opened his eyes to the housing crisis in Cornwall.

"I went to look at one property in Falmouth last week," he told the Packet. "We really liked it but was told there were already 75 people who have expressed an interest in it."

In desperation he turned to social media to try and find help, posting an appeal on Falmouth,Penryn And Surrounding Areas Community Information group.

"I'm essentially quite a private person and I have never done this sort of thing before or appealed to anybody on social media for help," he said.

"But one thing I have learned today is that I am definitely not the only one in this position.

"There is a real serious, scandalous housing crisis in Cornwall."

Mr Milne has been told to vacate his home in Rose Cottage by December 31. Picture Google Maps

He said it hurt to be asked to leave. "I have been a very good tenant, very loyal," he said. "In fairness they've been great landlords too, and that has to be said."

He said the speed things had been happening had been 'absolutely jaw dropping'. "It's heartbreaking, catastrophic," he said.

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Mr Milne has a 15-year-old son Charlie who is with him every weekend. His son is preparing for his GCSEs and also represents Cornwall playing basketball in a national league and also SW England. Every weekend they travel the country for basketball matches.

"He could really do without the worry going on in my life," said Mr Milne.

He contacted Cornwall Council who said his case wouldn't be looked at for 28 days and he joined a queue of 18,000 people looking for homes.

"I have written to my MP Cherilyn Mackrory," said Mr Milne "She has got to realise there is a serious housing crisis in Cornwall especially for people who prop up the infrastructure like me.

Mr Milne has been at Treliske since 2012 and been in this job since 2018. "It's been my dream job," he said. "For the first time in my life I love going to work."

His other son Jack Milne, a talented musician, was diagnosed with cancer when he was 14 and died when he was 20 in 2007 just days after marrying his childhood sweetheart.

"I spent so many hours at Treliske, I just sat in awe of the staff there and thought I want to be part of that and just had a complete right turn in my career. I initially joined the post room with my eye on clinical imaging.

"I have lost several colleagues in last few months in exactly same position as me and they have moved away because they couldn't find somewhere to live.

"From my point of view I wanted a place for my retirement but prices are way out of my reach for a one bedroomed apartment or flat so I have to go in with my house mate."

He said he had been 'overwhelmed' and 'blown away' by the response since his Facebook post. "Well wishers people with possible contacts, but also there are so many people in my position and I reiterate it is a scandal," he said.

"Cherilyn Mackrory has to address this issue which seems to be at absolute crisis in Cornwall."

Anyone who thinks they can help can contact Graham by email at gramilne1961@gmail.com.

Responding ina statement Cherilyn Mackrory told the Packet: “There have always been issues with affordability of housing in Cornwall, as a long-term renter I know this first hand, but recent impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic have created a perfect storm of pressures which is affecting both the regular housing market as well as the private and social rental sectors.”

“Resolving the housing crisis is a top priority of the newly elected Conservative administration at Cornwall Council, and of this Government. There are long term issues in the housing sector that have been left unaddressed for some time but the new administration will now work with the Government to sort out this issue. A lot of hard work is going in to addressing it but it is not going to happen overnight.”