A defiant pregnant mother who faced being booted out of her temporary accommodation by council chiefs today has been given new hope today amid protests.
Brent Council have agreed to review the case of Jahnice Marshall and her two children after she gained support from the community following an article by the Times.
The 27-year-old, was due to be evicted from her bedsit in a hostel in Priory Park Road, Kilburn, where she has lived for seven months after she turned down offers of alternative accommodation in a number of different locations through fear of violence.
Ms Marshall, who is six months pregnant, is caring for Shannan, 16, and Raymond, 13, after their mother was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
In a desperate attempt to avoid eviction Ms Marshall barricaded herself and her family in her room while members of Brent Housing Action (BHA) staged a protest outside to lend their support.
She said: “It has been a big pressure on us. The fact that I am pregnant- I never thought I would be go through so much stress. It is horrible how these people have treated us.
“This is a great start. I feel like maybe things will turn out for the best.”
Robin Sivapalan from BHA claims the whole situation is “farcical” and may have put the health of Ms Marshall and her unborn child in danger.
He said: “We shouldn’t be here today? Why should a pregnant woman go through this,” he said
“The council owes her a massive apology for all the stress they have put her under.
“Hopefully now that there has been some light shed on it and some noise been made about it and the public know through The Times the council will actually carry out their duty of care they should have done months ago.”
Kilburn councillor Mary Arnold visited Ms Marshall and spoke to her over the phone from outside of her barricaded room.
She said she was horrified when she learned of the situation and requested for a stay of execution and review.
She told the Times: “I am very shocked that this family has had such a disastrous experience.
“It’s not rocket science to find out about the family’s housing needs and the support for the children and we really need to get our act together to coordinate a good solution.”
The police were called to the address to confront the peaceful protest but left short after, making no arrest.
Ms Marshall, who previously lived in Neasden, said she was extremely gratefully for the support she has received.
“I and my children will like to thank the Times, Brent Housing Action and Mary for all your support,” she said.
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