A FORCES charity has criticised Bournemouth council for abandoning a homeless Army veteran on the streets.

Matthew Dennis, 39, served for nine years with the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment before moving to Bournemouth and working as a builder and plasterer for 12 years.

Last month Mr Dennis lost his job as a kitchen fitter and was evicted from his flat, but after a week on the streets he was told by the council he was not on the priority list for temporary accommodation.

Charity UK Homes 4 Heroes said the council had failed in its duty to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant.

“I do feel let down,” said Mr Dennis.

“There are a lot of ex-servicemen out on the streets. Many find it difficult to ask for help, others just say ‘that’s life’ and deal with it.

“I went to the council for help. They said since I don’t have any problems with drugs or alcohol, I am not a priority.”

The council has claimed Mr Dennis was provided with advice and offered the option of applying for supported housing and refused, but he has denied this, saying little useful information was provided.

Since the weekend he has been provided with temporary accommodation funded by UK Homes 4 Heroes – which helps rehouse and rehabilitate ex-service personnel who have fallen on hard times.

Local co-ordinator David Wood said: “The covenant, which was enshrined in law in 2011, outlines a duty of care our society owes our armed services, who have represented the country.

“Part of that duty is to ensure they are a priority for housing when they are vulnerable, as they are when they are on the streets exposed to the elements and attacks by others.

“I am hugely frustrated and angry, we are a small charity and putting up Matthew will cost us £95 per week.

“The local authority should be applying the covenant as the government intended.

“Something is wrong when we can house 150 asylum seekers for seven days, but a person who served their country for nine years, needing help from the state for the first time, can’t even get bed and breakfast.”

Kelly Ansell, the council’s senior strategic housing manager, said the homeless were assessed “case by case”.

“When specifically dealing with former HM Forces personnel our decisions take account of the military covenant and homelessness legislation which was applied in this case,” she said.

“Mr Dennis has the right to request a review of the decision made and we would be happy to revisit the discussion on his housing options with him.”