A transgender pensioner is living in the bar of an LGBT pub after being left homeless.

Gail Birmingham, 65, lost her job as a taxi driver earlier this year and became concerned she wouldn’t be able to pay her bills.

She had a meeting with Maidstone council when it became clear she would be evicted from her home on Pine Grove.

She says she was told the authority would help her to find alternative housing when she was evicted but as she left her home last Thursday, she contacted the council again, and says she was told she “wasn’t a priority” and the council couldn’t help her.

“I couldn’t believe it, I went to it months ago when I got the court order and staff said they’d help me when I was evicted, but now they won’t,” she said.

The council says it is waiting for key paperwork to be received, which Miss Birmingham believes could be the results of a mental health review.

Her parents have both died and, with no siblings, she has no relatives to turn to for help.

She’s been taken in temporarily by Craig and Leon Burns, landlords of the Queen Anne pub.

Craig said: “We pride ourselves on being a community pub for LGBT people, but it shouldn’t be our place to have to take people in.

“We’re not going to leave a pensioner to live on the streets, and we’re trying to help her as much as can, but the council should help.

“If a 65-year-old woman isn’t a priority, I don’t know who is.”

Miss Birmingham added: “I’m currently sleeping on a bench seat in the bar and, while its not ideal, I’m so grateful to Craig and Leon.”

The couple have also been in touch with the council, and are planning to contact MP Helen Grant.

A Maidstone council spokesperson said: “Our housing team has been in touch with Ms Birmingham since January and we are awaiting a number of key documents in order to assist her further.

"She was reminded of what was required on June 30.

“We hope to receive her paperwork shortly.”