Calls made to help a 'vulnerable frail old man' in Rochdale

An appeal for help from the general public for a man facing homelessness after he had his life savings "stolen" has been made.

The man, who has been described as a “vulnerable frail old man”, was using money from the sale of his home to rent a smaller property with the hopes of buying a smaller house in due course, however, over the course of his tenancy the gentleman “ran out of funds.”

It is understood that the gentleman has been manipulated into parting with his money and has lost his £50,000 life savings within the space of four months.

Michael Stewart, from Stewart and Woodbridge Estate & Letting Agents, who has been helping the gentleman, said: “It didn’t seem right that he ran out of money and I suspected foul play.”

Michael and the team at Stewart and Woodbridge have since been trying to help the gentleman receive benefits or find help in receiving assistance from an agency specified in helping the elderly.

Michael added: “This man has no family at all and every door has been shut in our faces.”

Michael has now taken it upon himself to help the gentleman and has paid last month's rent to help the man.

Stewart and Woodbridge have also arranged for the gentleman to take up a short term lease in a small apartment where Michael will continue to pay the rent until other funds are available.

Michael said: “I can not in all consciousness allow this man to be left on the street.”

Michael is now looking for some assistance from the general public:

• People to help move the gentleman’s last few possessions into the new property.
• Anyone who can help with vulnerable adults.
• Any advice as to social clubs in the area for elderly people with no family or friends.
• Potential medical assistance.

Anyone who thinks they can help Michael can contact him at Stewart and Woodbridge.

01706 523322

Rochdale Online has passed the gentleman's name onto the Council and a council spokesman said the Council will look into the circumstances and do what they can to help.