A VETERAN'S charity leader has hit out at a “ticking timebomb” after a 98-year-old war hero was made homeless. 

David Wood, founder Dorset charity Helping Homeless Veterans UK, slammed “decisions made in Westminster” surrounding accommodating veterans who face or are made homeless. 

Alfred Guenigault, a paratrooper who landed in France on D-Day, is living in a hostel which is not suitable for his needs and his declining health after he was evicted from his bungalow.

Dorset Echo: Alfred GuenigaultAlfred Guenigault (Image: Daily Echo)

The charity has helped more than 400 veterans and housed more than 300 in England across Wales.

David said: “Unfortunately, this story came as no shock to our charity. 

“We have a serious issue in our country where we simply no longer have affordable social housing and private rented accommodation.”

David, who has been in contact with Alfred and his family since the weekend, added: “Successive governments have sold off the social housing under the right to buy with the money going back to Westminster and not being used to rebuild new housing stock.  

“Local Housing Allowance has not kept up with the rise in private rents leaving many properties unaffordable for your average family.

Dorset Echo: David Wood, Helping Homeless Veterans UK founderDavid Wood, Helping Homeless Veterans UK founder (Image: Daily Echo)

“These decisions are made by Westminster not our local authorities who seem to have the flack sent their way.  

“We are currently facing a ticking timebomb with many more veterans and the public facing eviction due to landlords either selling up or hiking the rent up due to the current mortgage crisis.” 

Mark Collins, director of casework at the Royal British Legion, said: “Every veteran should have a warm and safe home.

“At the Royal British Legion, we’re proud to offer support to the armed forces community in a range of ways, including with housing.  

“In fact, in the last year we have provided housing support to more than 1,700 people, including those who have served and sacrificed for their country.  

“We’d encourage anyone in the Armed Forces Community who needs our help to get in touch at rbl.org.uk, 0808 802 8080.”