Outrage after grieving woman's eviction notice is sent to dead aunt (From News Shopper)

Outrage after grieving woman's eviction notice is sent to dead aunt

8:41am Monday 21st May 2012 in Bromley By Robert Fisk

Bonny Troncone's eviction letter was sent to her dead aunt

A GRIEVING niece is outraged at the housing association which told her she was to be evicted by sending a letter to her dead aunt.

Bonny Troncone has always thought of her aunt Lillian Lindsay as being a mother figure after her own mum died 36 years ago.

When her aunt had a stroke in 2005, Ms Troncone did not hesitate in moving back into the home she had first lived in when she was 15 in Mells Crescent, Mottingham, to look after her.

Ms Troncone had hoped she would be allowed to take over her aunt’s tenancy after her death because she was like a daughter to her.

But then she received the eviction letter, which was addressed to her dead aunt.

Ms Troncone, 51, said: “When I got the letter through I said ‘how can they address it to my aunt?’ “My stomach just turned over.

“To get the letter to my aunt was devastating.”

The grandmother-of-18 added: “She looked after me when I was a kid and so I looked after her.

“Now it seems like it thinks my work is done and I have to go.”

Sarah Paton, head of housing London for Affinity Sutton, said: “We were very sorry to hear Mrs Lindsay had died and apologise for any distress caused to Ms Troncone as a result of the letter.

“In line with our policy on non-statutory succession we have asked Ms Troncone to provide us with confirmation of proof of residency to demonstrate she had lived with her aunt for 12 months before she passed away.

“We have also advised her, providing no eligible family members wishes to apply; she will be able to succeed the tenancy.

“If Ms Troncone is unable to prove she has lived at address she would then have to apply to the London Borough of Bromley Housing Options Team who would consider her request and provide advice and guidance on all of her housing options.

“There is a huge demand for affordable housing in Bromley, with around 6,000 people on the housing waiting list, and our policies are designed to ensure fairness. ”

But Ms Troncone says she has yet to receive a straight answer about whether she can stay in her home and will be meeting with her housing officer today (Wednesday May 23) to discuss the issue.