A PENSIONER from Amesbury says he has reached the end of his tether after living in a damp council house for the past decade.

Joseph Schofield (66), of Coltsfoot Close, Amesbury, said that living in a wet and cold house was taking its toll on his health.

He claims he has had to put up with leaking ceilings for more than ten years.

Mr Schofield, a part-time taxi-driver, lives with his wife Isabel at the house.

He has lived there since 1977 and says the property has steadily declined over the years.

"The council have tried to repair the roof many times but the problem just keeps on returning."

Salisbury district council housing manager Rod Lock said the problem with the roof was being investigated but that he did not know of any particular longstanding difficulty with the house.

"There is a job outstanding at the moment on the roof and I am waiting for a report back from the contractor.