Brian Clenshaw outside his Mt Ephraim home after his eviction

by James Snaith

A compulsive hoarder has been evicted from his property after losing a court battle.

Brian Clenshaw’s landlord feared his huge collection of newspapers, magazines and books had become a fire hazard at the flat, in Mount Ephraim, and a threat to the building's safety.

A.E.Chattell & Sons, whose offices are based in the building where Brian lives, won an order last year from Tunbridge Wells County Court for him to be evicted.

Despite now being officially homeless the 52-year-old said he wanted to look at the eviction in a positive light to help put an end to his hoarding days.

He said: “One day I’d like to come back and shake hands with (landlord) James Chattell and say thank you because I was in a rut.

"This is a turning point, it’s a watershed in my life, I am scared, of course, but I’ve got my health.

“I’ve collected the good stuff like coins and stamps, which I can sell, but I want to come back for photos, my degree certificate, my CV because I want to get back out working.”

Brian Clenshaw surrounded by his collections when he lived in his home

Despite continued conflict with Mr Clenshaw, landlord James Chattell hopes he can move on with his life.

He said: “We are desperately sorry we have had to take this action to evict Brian. We wish him the very best for the future.

“The flat was a real fire risk, in terms of protecting the building and other occupiers of the building we have had to take this action to make the building safe.”