A vulnerable man is asking for further support after being evicted. 

Stephen Diamond was served an eviction notice from his home in Girton Way for Friday (March 1), and has since been housed in a Travelodge, as arranged by Ipswich Borough Council.

The 52-year-old was called in for a routine valve replacement two years ago, and during the procedure had a major heart attack and needed resuscitation. 

Mr Diamond was brought back to life in the hospital and put on life support as two valves of his heart were missing, while a donor organ could be found.

During the heart transplant procedure, he suffered a stroke, which has left him with cognitive issues and weakened immune system.

As Mr Diamond is considered at risk, taking several different kinds of medication, he says he cannot share close quarters with many others.

Mr Diamond said: "It's been hellacious. I suffered a brain injury, and the stroke left me with cognitive issues.

"Before this, I had a degree in Cyber Security and was training to become a teacher.

"I was in a coma for four to six weeks, and when I came to I was in intensive care, and fought the odds to survive.

"Now I find that when I need help, I am booked into a hotel with no food and just a kettle.

"I just want a place to live."

A spokesperson from Ipswich Borough Council said: “Mr Diamond approached Ipswich Borough Council to make a homelessness application, following eviction from his private rented accommodation. 

“In line with our statutory duty towards people who are eligible for help if they become homeless, he was provided with interim and accessible accommodation.

 “We’re regularly reviewing Mr Diamond’s situation, to work towards determining how to support him into suitable long-term accommodation.”

According to independent organisation Citizens Advice, tenants can only be evicted where their landlord has followed procedures, which include issuing a valid section 21 or section 8 notice.

Councils must help a resident to try to keep their home or find a new one, if the person qualifies for homeless help, subject to criteria.

If a resident is made homeless, they may apply for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, a loan to help pay for a deposit or help from a local welfare scheme, or a discretionary housing payment (DHP) from the council.