A SPA mum says she and her three young sons have been left homeless because she cannot afford temporary council accommodation.

Mum-of-three Eleanor Checketts has been separated from her sons Luke, aged 16, Nicholas, 15, and Kyle, eight, as they rely on different friends to provide a roof over their heads.

"We can't carry on like this, sleeping on friends' floors," said Eleanor.

"It is killing me to be parted from my sons. I miss them so much. I just want somewhere to call home again."

Divorce prompted Eleanor to sell her home in Falmouth Court, Westlands, in June. She received £18,000 profit from the sale but seven private letting agents have refused to give her a property because eventually she will have to use benefits to pay for the rent.

She says the lump sum has also meant other people gaining priority on the Wychavon Council housing list and, as such, she and her sons are now homeless.

Wychavon District Council has offered her a bed and breakfast place but it would cost £77 per night - and she cannot afford it.

The boys and their mum are now separated around friends' houses, with Eleanor moving to a different location every three days so as not to be a burden on them.

Housing services manager from Wychavon District Council Kath Smith explained that housing needs are means tested and after a certain amount people are asked to make a contribution.

She said: "We have offered Mrs Checketts temporary accommodation but we have asked her to make a contribution towards it. She declined our offer and said she would sort herself out."