A ROUGH-sleeper is at risk of being evicted from his self-made yurt in Mudeford Wood amid claims he is not vulnerable enough to warrant permanent housing.

Michael Treadwell, 39, who has been homeless for months claims Christchurch Borough Council have given him until January 13 to move from the area arguing he is sleeping on council-owned land.

But Mr Treadwell - who lives with his one-year-old bulldog Leo - says he keeps the area clean and tidy, cutting only dead wood and collecting rainwater, and will not move away from his three children.

Mr Treadwell is father to three children aged 18, 14 and seven.

"I don't know what they expect me to do," he said. "I have nowhere to go. This is really upsetting for my kids. My family has lived here for hundreds of years - they're in the history books. But my kids are here. I've got roots in Christchurch and I'm not leaving.

"I split up with my partner who I was living with," he added. "I asked for help with housing but was told I wasn't entitled. I have been homeless ever since."

That was nearly a year ago. Since moving from Gus Common after his tent flooded he set up home in Mudeford Wood off the beaten track about three months ago.

"They are basically saying that I'm not entitled to go on the list because I'm not vulnerable. I don't see how I'm not vulnerable but they will make me vulnerable if they take down my yurt.

"They said the council hasn't permitted me to be on their property.

"But I feel almost like I've got a right to have shelter here. I'm a human being on this earth too. I have a right to somewhere warm and dry away from the elements.

"They have said there are no properties but I know of places that are empty," he added. "I want to stay within the community with my kids."

Mr Treadwell has been unable to return to work as a builder after undergoing an operation. He is currently receiving treatment for depression.

"The foodbank has been a help too and the charity shops have helped by giving me blankets to cover the inside of my yurt with," he said. "It's hard graft, especially when you're not well yourself."

Christchurch Borough Councillor Sue Spittle, housing portfolio holder, said: "Mr Treadwell is known to our housing team who have been providing advice and assistance to him in recent months, plus links to additional support agencies who are also assisting him. The housing team will continue to review his situation and work with him to help him secure accommodation in the local area."