AN ELDERLY woman was left living in a caravan in a council car park without electricity and water after being asked to leave a caravan site.

Joyce Bycroft, 85, has been staying in her caravan in the car park behind West Dorset District Council's offices in Dorchester since Tuesday.

The council said it was a 'complex' housing case.

She had previously been staying at Giants Head Caravan and Camping Park in Cerne Abbas. She claims she was forced to leave by staff.

Mrs Bycroft had been staying on the site for the past six months along with her five cats. Prior to this, she had been living in France with her husband, Sidney.

Mrs Bycroft was taken to the council car park by Giants Head Caravan and Camping Park staff.

She said: “It is dreadful being here: no toilet access, no water, and no electricity. It's not possible to live like this.

“It's the worst place they could have put me.

“I don't feel well. I think I'm vulnerable here.”

Caroline Paul, of Giants Head Caravan and Camping Park, confirmed Mrs Bycroft arrived at the site in April.

She said Mrs Bycroft was asked to leave as the site was set to close for the season later this month.

Ms Paul said Mrs Bycroft had asked Ms Paul's father, Roy, to take her to the council car park.

She said: “She asked him to take her down. It was her choice to go in there to try and take action.”

Mrs Boycroft said she has little money to her name and is at risk of entering her overdraft.

She said: “I have pension and an attendance allowance and that comes to £360 for the month, which is nothing.

“I can't get my pension credit or it might be four months if they decide I can have it.

“Without money it's impossible to do anything.”

Kate Ryan, director of communities for West Dorset District Council, said: “The council cannot discuss the detail of individual circumstances. “Like many housing cases this is a complex situation. The individual involved has been offered temporary accommodation while her case is reviewed.

“A number of agencies are involved in this case, and we are working with them to find a solution.”

Mrs Bycroft is expected to move to Bagwell Farm Touring Park this morning.