A care worker is facing losing her pets and childhood home following the death of her grandmother.

Chloe Cuthbert says she has been asked to leave her council-owned Spashett Road home, in Lowestoft, where she has lived since 2005 after her grandmother, Annette Matthews, passed away on May 19.

A spokesperson for East Suffolk Council said Miss Cuthbert, and other families on the housing register, must be placed in the most suitable home.

Miss Cuthbert, 23, said: “I grew up in this house and it holds so many memories. It’s not just a house, it’s my home.

“She died really unexpectedly because of heart failure, she wasn’t even ill.

“A week later the council gave my a Notice to Quit and wanted me to relocate because they wanted the house for another family.

“I have said I will pay the extra for the bedroom, and I have suggested moving a family member in who is also on the council’s waiting list for housing.”

An ESC spokesperson vowed to work with Miss Cuthbert to help her move to a suitable one bedroom property with her pets.

They said: “We entirely understand her concerns and we will work closely with her to ensure her situation is resolved in the fairest way possible.

“However we have reminded her, as a council tenant, that we must ensure she is housed in a property that best suits her needs.

“It is important that we make the best use of the properties we have available as there are many people on the Housing Register who need a two bedroom house.

“Should Miss Cuthbert’s current situation change and, for example, another family member move in with her, then we would review the situation. However, at present, Miss Cuthbert remains the sole occupant of this two bedroom home.”

Miss Cuthbert has two cats and a dog, as well as her nan’s dog, and says the council have told her it may be difficult to find alternative accommodation which will accept her pets.

She said: “I would hate to have to rehome any of the pets because they are all a part of our family and of her.

“My nan was my rock and anyone who knew her knows how much she was willing to help anyone.

“She always put others before herself and she always knew how to make someone smile.

“We are only allowed 10 people at the funeral and this breaks my heart because I know my nan would want the biggest send off possible.

“She even said ‘make sure people dont wear black because it’s a sad colour.’”