A single mother is facing an accommodation nightmare after being refused help by the city council, writes Alison Bartlett.

Jackie Hendry, 22, who is three months pregnant and has two children aged seven months and 18 months, claims she was turned away by social workers, the Citizens' Advice Bureau and the city council because she has 'no local connections'.

Mrs Hendry and her children are currently living with a friend, but have been asked to leave their temporary residence in Erica Close, Blackbird Leys, by today. Originally from Scotland, Mrs Hendry moved to Oxford when her relationship broke down with her ex-husband, who gave up a tenancy agreement because he could not keep up the rent repayments.

Celia Angel, head of homelessness for the city council, said: "Accommodation is available to Mrs Hendry in Scotland where her last settled address was.

"Oxford City Council has no legal duty to provide her with housing because she has no connections here."

But Mrs Hendry is keen to stay in Oxford where she has relatives who are unable to help her with accommodation. Heather Sykes, a solicitor for Housing Rights, in New Road, Oxford, said: "Mrs Hendry applied to Oxford City Council for accommodation, but her application was refused on the basis that she had made herself intentionally homeless.

"Once a local authority has made such a decision, an appeal must be made within a specified number of days. Unfortunately, Mrs Hendry did not appeal within the time limit.

"In situations like this there is only a limited amount we can do, but we have given Mrs Hendry what advice we can about seeking private rented accommodation in the city and help with a deposit." Mrs Hendry claims that she was unable to appeal against the council's decision because the letter informing her of her rights was sent to her former address in Scotland.