A VETERAN politician has called the decision by a council to evict a paralysed man as “truly disgraceful” and “ill-thought out”.

Simon Gray is set to be kicked out of his current accommodation in Burgess Hill and moved to a bungalow in Peacehaven – against his wishes.

After losing an appeal against the East Sussex County Council (ESCC) decision, he has decided to report it to the Government ombudsman.

The 42-year-old, who is paralysed after breaking his neck four years ago, has been living in Ernest Kleinwort Court in Burgess Hill where he receives 24/7 care.

In his new accommodation in Peacehaven, he will receive just 16.5 hours of care per week.

Sir Nicholas Soames, Conservative MP for Mid Sussex, is backing his constituent in the struggle.

He said: “It is my view that this is a truly disgraceful, uncaring and ill-thought out decision.

“In my 32 years as a Member of Parliament I cannot remember or imagine a worse decision being made by a council department.”

He has also had support from Burgess Hill Town Council member Prudence Moore.

Councillor Moore said: “How can it be acceptable to move Simon, with all the ensuing trauma and expense, to temporary accommodation, then to have to go through it all again?

“By their own admission this provision is inadequate, as if it was not deemed so they would not have the word temporary in the agreement.”

Speaking after losing his appeal, Mr Gray said: “I was quite despondent, even though I knew I would lose my appeal to ESCC, but the support that I have received is giving me some optimism.

"I feel the council have given no credence to me or the medical and professional advice they have been given. They have treated me as nothing more than a pound sign.”

Mr Gray cannot move into the bungalow yet, as it has no furniture and the kitchen and boiler are not accessible.

An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: “We are satisfied that we have carried out our statutory duty and considered all the information available to us.

“We are also confident that the property and support offered is suitable to meet Mr Gray’s needs within the community.”