A MAN who was forced to sleep rough fears he will end up back on the streets after being evicted from a homeless hostel.

Osmond James has lived at Branches Hostel in Forest Road, Walthamstow, since October 2014.

The 58-year-old was housed in the hostel after sleeping on the streets of Walthamstow for weeks.

He claims the management told him he will be evicted on Monday (February 13) to make way for more homeless people.

Although he has been offered a flat in Greenwich, Mr James said it is not big enough for him and wants a larger place to accommodate his needs.

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Mr James said: “I would like to have a flat in the Waltham Forest area to be near my community and I am very disappointed with the whole set up.

“I am anxious and worried and I ended up over-dosing on tablets in January and had to go to hospital.

“It was all too much for me and I felt alone and I had no help.”

Mr James lived in the Paradigm Hostel in Lea Bridge Road in Leyton for six years before being evicted in September 2014 after he was the victim of  violent behaviour.

He then spent three weeks sleeping rough in Walthamstow bus station before being given a room at Branches hostel.

The published author, who grew up in Cricklewood, said after he was given three months’ notice of eviction from Branches he was in denial.

He said: “I didn’t start looking for a place until January because I was in a state of shock and I was in denial.

“When I moved in they promised me they would find suitable accommodation when I leave but all they have offered me is boxes to pack up my things.

“It is now very likely I will end up on the street again. I had to sleep on a bench with one eye open in case someone attacked me. It was awful.”

Mr James who suffers from depression, arthritis and asthma is unemployed and claims disability allowance.

He claims Waltham Forest Council has refused to provide him with emergency accommodation saying it is the role of Branches.

Martin Goodsell, campaigns officer at East London Unite Community, is helping Mr James raise awareness about his situation.

Mr Goodsell said: “For a Christian charity they are certainly not having a Christian ethos with the way they are treating him.

“The place he was offered is not suitable and he needs supported accommodation to meet his needs.

“The support from Branches has been minimal.”

Waltham Forest Council and Branches have been contacted for comments.