A GRANDFATHER says he has been living a “non-life” after his belongings were confiscated by council officers.

Peter Convery, of St Johnstone House, Woodside Park Road, was told to pack up his house to allow Barnet Homes to carry out electrical works two years ago.

But the 90-year-old, who is deaf and blind, is still waiting for the items – including his birth certificate, his wife’s death certificate and furniture – to be returned.

Retired journalist Mr Convery, who has lived in the house for 15 years, said: “They took my electric kettle, my toaster, my language books, shoes, some medication, and my bus pass.

“For the past year, I have had a non-life. I lie awake at four o’clock in the morning and worry what will happen now?”

While Barnet Homes did warn Mr Convery, a hoarder, it would all need to go into storage he says he received the letters too late.

When he asked when they would be sent back, he claims they threatened to throw them away,

The worry has affected his sleeping and he has lost a stone in weight over the last year as a result.

Mr Convery was born with a perforated ear drum and was labelled blind last year, but receives support from charity Age UK.

His friend, Elizabeth Smith, has now pledged to fight his corner.

She said: “I do not see how people have the right to refuse to return his possessions and the struggle has left him visibly impaired, health-wise.

“He was a sprightly old man but he has degenerated, he has lost a stone in weight and his blindness and loss of hearing has increased.

“I think all this has completely knocked him for six, he used to be so good on his feet.”

A spokesperson for Barnet Homes, who refused to be named, said they would continue to work with Mr Convery in order to find a solution.


"As of 19 April our contractors have confirmed that Mr Convery has recovered all of his personal items which are now back in his flat," they said.


"However we continue to appeal to Mr Convery to co-operate with his Housing Officer and the London Fire Brigade in order to find an acceptable solution to what can legitimately be considered a serious case of hoarding. 


"We take the duty of care owed to Mr Convery and his fellow Sheltered Housing residents extremely seriously and whilst we acknowledge that his belongings are his own, whilst they remain in the property at current levels there is a genuine risk to all residents posed as a result."