A SINGLE MUM and her four children have been saved from becoming homeless ... thanks to the Western Telegraph.

Julie Davies, who has four children under 12, was faced with homelessness after the three-bedroomed house she was offered was withdrawn by Pembrokeshire Housing Association.

She had already handed in her notice to her present landlord.

A distressed Ms Davies was advised by Pembrokeshire County Council to apply to the authority to be made officially homeless.

However, after the Western Telegraph became involved, the council has offered Julie a three-bedroom council property in Fishguard.

"I'm certain that without the Western Telegraph's help I wouldn't have got the house," she said.

Julie, who currently lives in Scleddau, applied for a council house earlier this year. On March 11th, she received written confirmation from the Housing Association that she had been found a house.

Julie claims she was also advised by the association to notify her present landlord of the offer.

However, on March 23rd, she was informed she could not have the house, as the present residents were no longer able to move.

"The association should have waited until the house was empty before telling me it was mine," said Julie.

"I've got four children, three cats and an elderly alsatian, and I thought we were all homeless. This should never have happened. I've been put through hell!"

Director of Pembrokeshire Housing Association, Graham Holmes, said: "It is very regrettable we had to withdraw the offer, but the letter is worded carefully, stating it was a provisional offer, subject to contract.

"We are dreadfully sorry Ms Davies had ended up in this unfortunate situation, but it is not our fault. It is an unusual set of circumstances which had very unfortunate consequences.

"I refute claims that Ms Davies was advised to notify her landlord by us.

"We tried to find a substitute offer straightaway, but unfortunately we have no other suitable properties available."

Mr Holmes explained that the association operates a dual housing scheme, which could have prevented this situation and that they had a welfare benefits advisor.

However, Julie Davies says she was not made aware of either service.