AN elderly couple facing eviction say Kirklees Council is not doing enough to help them.

Mollie and Dennis Bower are both seriously ill.

Mollie, 71, has angina and cancer of the oesophagus and recently suffered a heart attack.

Dennis, 77, has emphysema and needs to be on oxygen 24 hours a day.

For three years they have privately rented a three-bedroom terrace house in Milnsbridge, which has been adapted by Kirklees Social Services to include oxygen pipes and a stairlift for Dennis. This, plus support from Mollie's six children, allows her to care for Dennis at home.

But two months ago, their security was shattered. The couple were told they have to leave the house in Lipscombe Street by July 25 because the landlord needs the property.

Mollie and Dennis have been unable to find another private house where they would be allowed to make changes.

Mollie said: "We need something permanent. We want somewhere to live out our days and die in dignity."

She asked Kirklees for help and was told she will not have to move on July 25, because the eviction notice is not an official one.

But the council agreed to find them a home.

Mollie needs a two-bedroom house because she cannot be in a room with Dennis and his oxygen generator.

It dries the air and affects her health.

The couple say a flat would not be suitable because the oxygen generator could be a fire hazard.

Mollie said: "They are insisting we have a flat - but it is not practical.

"If someone started a fire Dennis's oxygen would blow the place up. It would be a fire hazard to others in the building."

She added: "They told me two-bedroom houses are only for families. But this is a three-bedroom and they more or less pay the rent on this through benefits. They also modified it for us.

"If I see a house they say it has been allocated.

"We are in the dark. No-one is giving straight answers," said Mollie

Dennis is also depressed - and even asked the couple's daughter, Kathleen Lodge, to smother him.

Kathleen said: "My dad asked me to put a pillow over his face and said if he wasn't here mum could live where she liked. What do you say to that?"

A Kirklees spokeswoman said the couple were on the homeless list and were a priority for re-housing.

She added: "The notice to quit from the landlord is not valid in law. This will buy them some more time before they have to vacate their present accommodation.

"The couple will be put on the list for the types of property they are eligible for, including flats.

"We will help them consider their areas of choice, to give them the best possible chance of getting an offer within a reasonable time."