A 45-year-old man from Millisle has been living in his car for most of the time since 4 November after sewage flooded his flat on the Ballywalter Road. Stephen Martin, who has the spinal cord condition syringomyelia, said the flood was caused by a blocked toilet in his wetroom.

Martin said the apartment was damaged and he lost possessions including a disability riser recliner chair. One of his sons developed rashes after the flooding and required hospital treatment. He has lost more than two stone and has given up a call centre job because of stress.

His 17-year-old son acts as his carer. Martin has three children, two of whom live with his estranged wife near Millisle. Ark Housing offered him alternative accommodation in West Belfast or Portaferry, but he said he could not accept those offers because he relies on his son and needs to be near his children.

Martin said Ark Housing has not declared him homeless, which he believes would allow the Housing Executive to secure him a home. He wants to be placed under the Housing Executive and given a safe accessible home. Meanwhile, he continues to pay about £188 per week in rent from his Universal Credit while sleeping in his car.

Repairs were carried out after the flood, but Martin said the smell of sewage persists. He believes sewage penetrated the concrete floors and walls, and the contaminated flooring needs to be removed and replaced. Police have moved him on when he has slept at local lay-bys and beauty spots, and he has spent money on hotels.

Martin said he has to drive around to find somewhere private to use a toilet. He has hidden the extent of his situation from family and friends when they offered him a room because he fears becoming a burden. His health has deteriorated, and he said a previous prognosis of about ten years of good health is now at risk.

He said he wants a safe home where he can prepare for surgery and spend time with his children.