A man with a lung disease said he is suicidal at the prospect of becoming homeless after the council decided he is 'not in priority need' for housing.

Lewisham Council decided to 'terminate' David Bone's place at its hostel in Sydenham Hill because he doesn't meet the appropriate legal definition of 'physical or mental impairment' needed to be listed as in priority need for homing by the council.

Mr Bone previously lived in a van for 10 months after he got divorced. He was given a space in the hostel six months ago and said he will now have to move out on October 26.

The council said he has the option to request a review of its decision.

Mr Bone suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - a lung disease that causes breathing difficulties - and has arthritis in both knees, his lower back and his left shoulder. He has Atrial Fibrillation - a heart condition that gives him an irregular heartbeat - and suffers from depression, for which he has been sent for counselling by his GP.

He has been given a disabled blue badge by Lewisham Council that expires next July and he also receives Disability Living Allowance.

The 64-year-old said if he is moved out on October 26, he will sleep rough in his van.

Mr Bone said: “When I found out I was dazed and angry.

“It makes me feel suicidal. I’m going to lose everything, my mobility vehicle and my driving license.

“I don’t know how I will get around. I’ve asked for a bus pass but I can’t have one because I need an address. Where am I going to go?"

Mr Bone said: “Living in the van was really hard. I’m under doctor’s orders to exercise every day or my knees will seize up.

“I can go to a gym at the moment, but I’m worried I’ll lose access to it, and I need to go for my health.”

A Lewisham Council spokesperson said: “After a detailed assessment of Mr Bone’s case, it was found that he was not in priority need as determined by the Housing Act 1996 Part 7 Section 189(1)(c).

“Mr Bone has the statutory right to request a review of this decision if he disagrees with it.

“We are unable to go into further details about individual cases.”