Grieving mum, 71, set to be evicted from house she’s lived in for 52 years after plans approved to turn it into a children’s home

A 71-year-old grieving mum is set to be evicted from her home of more than 50 years after planning permission was granted to convert it into a children’s home. Marie Hargreaves, of Dowry Street, Fitton Hill, Oldham, has received a court approved eviction notice instigated by her landlord telling her she will be evicted from the house on Thursday, January 16.

Marie, who suffers from anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has lived in the house for 52 years, but sold the property four years ago. She continued to reside in the house as a tenant, an arrangement landlord Jade Sherlock claims was for a temporary period.

But Marie’s right to continue to live there has now been successfully challenged with Manchester County Court issuing an eviction notice for Thursday (January 16). Last September, Ms Sherlock, applied to Oldham council for a change of use for the property from a private dwelling to a residential children’s home to accommodate up to two children and two carers.

Those plans were approved. Ms Sherlock said she has ‘the utmost empathy for Marie’, but said the court had reviewed the case thoroughly and upheld her right to regain possession of her property.

Gary Leese, 61, is Mrs Hargreaves’ carer and is assisting her with her affairs. He said: “Marie does not have the capacity to deal with things in her daily life.

“To be told she has to leave her beloved home has devastated her. It’s the only home Marie’s ever known.

“She is very confused about the situation and she doesn’t have anywhere else to go.” Mrs Hargreaves was left devastated in July 2022 after her son Lee Carter, 48, was found dead in a Stockport car park after a seven-day search.

Mr Leese is hoping to get a court hearing at