A homeless man was housed in a hotel so cold paramedics were called to help him breathe.

Barry Wilkinson was put in the Great Western Hotel, opposite the train station, after he had difficulty finding a place he could stay together with his beloved dog.

But the 40-year-old says the room Swindon Borough Council put him in was so cold an ambulance was called after he "couldn't breathe".

He said: “I’m grateful for the roof over my head but it was warmer in the tent. It was absolutely freezing.”Great Western Hotel, SwindonGreat Western Hotel, Swindon

He moved in on November 1 and became increasingly sick over three nights as his existing asthma and breathing problems worsened.

South Western Ambulance Service confirmed they sent a double-crewed ambulance to an incident at Great Western Hotel on Monday, November 4 at 10.46pm.

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He was not hospitalised but was given an asthma inhaler. The council gave Barry a heater and later on an electric blanket.

Another resident in the hotel has said the heating is only on at nighttime.Barry was given an electric heater after complaining about the cold (Image: Barry Wilkinson)

The Advertiser asked the council for comment, after which Barry received calls asking why he was talking to the press about his issues.

He said: “I’m worried about my health. I’ve been put in a cold hotel - I need help.”

A council spokesperson said: “We’re working closely with Mr Wilkinson and have no concerns about the quality of his accommodation. We will discuss any issues he has about his accommodation with him directly.”

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Great Western Hotel refused to comment, saying they were not involved.

Barry became homeless after falling out with his family and partner and stayed for a while in homeless shelters. Barry's dog, Gypsy, is 'so much happier' in the hotel room despite the cold (Image: Barry Wilkinson)

However, he could not bear to be separated from his dog, Gypsy, and so opted for a tent where he could be with her, until the council found him the hotel where they could be together.

He is grateful for the council’s help, saying: “Gypsy’s happy. She gets me through day to day.”

However, he struggles with not knowing how long he will be in the hotel where he is not allowed to leave the dog alone in the room, preventing him from finding work.

Barry said: “I'm trying to go forward with my life and with them keeping me here I’m not going to be able to get back into work or sort myself out.”

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