A pregnant Swindon couple who were forced to live in a tent while waiting for a home will now be rehoused.
Bradley Smith and Bethany Price were residing in the tent for two weeks together as they waited for permanent council accommodation.
At ten weeks pregnant, the 24-year-old and her partner were keen to sort out some form of housing to ensure the best possible life for their child.
After initially declining an offer of emergency housing from Swindon Borough Council, the pair have now accepted a place to live.
The couple spoke to the Adver about their experience while still living in the tent in a woodland off of a Swindon suburb.
“It’s really hard to live in the tent and we’ve been taking it day by day,” said Bradley.
“I’ve been bitten all over my body but that is a part of tent life.”
The pair found themselves in the situation after Bradley was evicted from his sheltered accommodation.
While a place remained for Bethany, she said she would not leave her partner's side.
Bethany said: “I have really bad anxiety, I can’t leave his side because of it.
“This whole situation has made me extremely anxious and annoyed as I feel like I’m treated differently as I’m pregnant.”
Living in a tent meant the couple had to find alternative sources of electricity and water while out in the open.
“We have had to go to a local hotel near us to charge our power banks there,” said Bradley.
“For showering we have been using big bottles of water to wash.”
The couple have a long history having dated in the past but only recently rekindled their love in the autumn of last year.
With a baby now on the way, the pair are hoping that the future will be brighter than the present.
“We’re hoping for a girl but we don’t know yet,” said Bethany.
Bradley, who has a history of convictions before 2018 but says he has moved on from his chequered past, added: “We are desperate to find somewhere before our child is born as I don’t want to raise my kid on the street without a birth certificate, I want to do it properly.”
A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: “Working with individuals who present themselves as homeless can be incredibly complex and, in some cases, there is no quick fix.
“We engaged with Mr Smith following his eviction, as well as Ms Price, and made offers to house both of them in emergency accommodation, which they initially declined.
“However, we carried out a further assessment on Tuesday, June 27, and we are pleased to report that they will now be moving into emergency accommodation provided by the council.”
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