A COURTROOM showdown between a landlord and his elderly tenants has been avoided.

Irene and Louis Day, from Bradley, were due at Huddersfield County Court yesterday.

The 78-year-olds had been taken to court by Arthur Morton, of York.

He wanted to get into his Oak Road house to carry out improvements.

The couple, who have lived in the house for 18 years and never missed a rent payment, hoped to stay.

Mr Day is bedridden and the couple feared that if they had to move it would be highly distressing.

But now the proceedings have been discontinued.

Kirklees Council has found the couple an alternative home nearby.

Mrs Day said: "We got in touch with the council to see if we had a chance of moving.

"We were just absolutely fed up with the situation.

"We were very upset and worried about it.

"The council said: `We'll put your name down, but we can't guarantee you a house.'

"I said `fair enough' and we just went on with the case."

Mrs Day added: t"We got lots of petitions up, people have been so kind.

"We just thought it would have to go on.

"Then, out of the blue, the council rang me and said: `Would you like to see this little bungalow?'

"We thought that rather than be out on the streets we'll have to take it."

Mrs Day said: "We thought about it a lot and we decided that we would.

"We've still got a few weeks because it's all to decorate."

The new house, also in Bradley, is near the Badger pub.

Asked if they were happy with the arrangement Mrs Day replied: "There's nothing we can do now.

"We're both very upset and I think my husband has got worse, because he's been all worried and what have you."

But she added: "I talked it over with my family and they said they didn't think I could win.

"They were frightened to death that we would be left with nowhere to go."

Mrs Day wished to thank everyone who has helped her and her husband. "We feel appreciative of what everyone's tried to do for us."

Mr Morton had no comment to make.