An elderly woman with serious health problems could be made to leave her home if she refuses to pay for repairs that she does not want on her cottage.

Partially-sighted Julie Moser, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and recently had a triple heart bypass, has lived in the Grade-II listed house near Callington for more than 25 years. In July Cornwall Council served Mrs Moser with a Hazard Awareness Notice and an Improvement Notice, which would give her three months to have work done on her cottage or she would have a prohibition order served. Mrs Moser appealed against these notices, meaning that they were suspended until the case is put before a residential property tribunal in September. 'Why should I move? I paid for it,' said Mrs Moser who rescues animals.

'When I told them I would live in a tent in the garden they said I couldn't stay on the land either.

'I have been very worried about it and I will barricade them out if I have to. Martin Gregory, Cornwall Council's healthy homes manager (east), said: 'Cornwall Council has not yet served a Prohibition Notice, which would prevent Mrs Moser from living in the property. However, the premises are in such a state that if the required works are not carried out we will have to issue the Prohibition Notice for Mrs Moser's own well-being.' The latest papers served follow repairs carried out under a grant with the former Caradon District Council.

There is more on the story in this week's Cornish Times.