A MAN has hit out at the 'insensitive' action of the council for asking his father to pay rent for the council house where his grandmother, who lived there for 54 years, has just died.

Darren Jones, e-mailing The Review from Japan where he works and lives, lost his grandmother, Millie Jones, last week.

Within a few days Darren's father, Severn Area Rescue Association volunteer and chairman of the Beachley station Barry Jones, was told that unless the Woolaston house she lived in was cleared by Monday this week (June 21) he would be liable for full rent.

"I believe that an injustice is being done or at the very least the Forest of Dean District Council is displaying an enormous amount of insensitivity," said Mr Jones.

"Along with many other fine people my father has worked to keep our rivers and cliffs safe. But sadly he became ill two years ago and has been unable to work.

"My parents are living on a tight budget. Paying full rent on another house is something they can ill afford at the moment.

"But all this means very little to the council. They only see the bottom line of the balance sheet. They have a property that is technically available, so they want their money from it, regardless of the suffering of others.

"It just seems hypocritical that a council that boasts of trying to boost community spirit on their web pages can then turn their backs on local people."

Mr Jones said his grandmother, who died at the age of 88, had given much to the community, particularly the Senior Citizens' Club.

"She affected so many people's lives for the better and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.

"Maybe I am just a grieving grandson who loves his family very much but I am proud to be so.

"I would hope that members of the council remember that they too have parents and grandparents, and they find the compassion to do the right thing."

The funeral service for Mrs Jones was held at St Andrews, Woolaston, on Monday, when 88 tolls were rung in tribute to her popularity in the parish.

Council spokesman Tim Perrin said that as Mrs Jones' benefits had ceased from the date she died, the house in fact became untenanted and rent did have to be paid until the home was cleared for somebody to move in.

"It is the legal thing unfortunately. If it had been a private tenancy, or if mortgage payments were due the same would apply.

"Obviously we have sympathy for the family and their situation, we're not heartless."