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.”
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.
READ MORE: More than 50 firefighters attend burning former nightclub
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.
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.”
Flash Sale!🌟
— Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) November 1, 2024
Get closer to Swindon's stories with The Swindon Advertiser
Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80% fewer ads.
Subscribe now for a seamless news experience - https://t.co/ayrpkI4RBy#StayInformed pic.twitter.com/0RPJk3hDqF
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.”
READ MORE: Major music festival announces shock cancellation of 2025 event
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.
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.”
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/
As a digital subscriber, you will get:
- Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website
- Advert-light access
- Reader rewards
- Full access to our app
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel