A BASINGSTOKE mother has criticised the borough council for the delay in finding a suitable home for her and her eight children - two of whom have special needs.

Kerry Killick, 38, of Westbrook Court, Worting, is a single parent reliant on income support. She has been living in temporary accommodation for two-and-a-half years despite reassurances from the council's housing and renewal department that a suitable property will be found.

The Killick family - comprising Ms Killick and her children Jacob, 18, Samuel, 16, Maderlaina, 13, Paddy, 12, Nicolas, 11, Millicent, eight, Constance, seven, and Felicity, two - are currently living in a three-bedroomed house supplied by Kingfisher Housing Association.

Ms Killick said: "Because I have so many children, the council finds it really hard to house me and I'm still at stage one after two-and-a-half years."

She claimed the council's inability to find them a permanent home has had a serious effect on her children's wellbeing.

"The children feel ashamed because they can't invite their friends around to a house in this state," she said. "The teenagers are also disturbed because their lives are so cramped."

She added: "I would like the two special needs children, Constance and Maderlaina, to have their own room. They come under the autistic spectrum and can get very stressed and have panic attacks because they can't relax. The level of stress in this house is extremely high and I have been to the doctor for depression in the past."

Ms Killick was advised by the council in July that a six-bedroomed property in Flaxfield Road, Basingstoke, which is owned by Downland Housing Association, has been allocated to her family. The property is currently used by Mencap and needs extensive renovation.

Ms Killick said: "I'm quite sceptical. Until I have written confirmation, I feel I'm in the same position I have been for the last two years."

Despite Ms Killick's concerns, the council is confident the family can be re-homed in the near future.

Isabella Jamieson, a council spokeswoman, said: "The council has spoken to Downland Housing Association with regard to the property and a timetable for works and allocation. The property is vacant from October 20, but will require adaptation."