A PETITION set up to help a devoted grandson keep his grandmother's council house in the family has been signed by 600 people.

In just two days the emotional plea of Dalton couple Craig Marshall and Faye Cairns, who have been campaigning to move into a council property which has been in their family for generations, has spread through the Furness community.

Support has poured in for Mr Marshall who is determined to swap his three bedroom council property in Thirlmere Close, Dalton for his grandmother Gladys's three bedroom council house in Coronation Drive.

He said: "I'm really sick of this now, fair enough there are procedures but what I want isn't causing any harm- there's just no give.

"They've lost a grip on what they stand for as a council. They are there to help the public but it's just a point blank no.

"It's in the public interest now to do something about it but they aren't willing to budge."

Dalton man pleads to keep poorly grandmother's council house in the family - WITH VIDEO

Mr Marshall has lived in his current property for four years but says it is his grandmother's house which "feels like home."

Speaking about the petition, he added: "We thought there would be lots of negativity but the only negativity has come from the council.

"I just getting depressed now and I'm not eating, or sleeping properly."

A spokesman for Barrow Borough Council said that the family did not qualify for what is known as a "mutual exchange" as Mrs Marshall would not be moving in to her grandon's property.

Colin Garnett is the assistant director for housing and said the council are only acting within the law.

He added: "I can understand exactly how they feel about it, but we have to operate within the procedures."

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Here's what you thought:

Pam Whittle: If gran is of sound mind she can also raise this with the Council. Can't see the problem anyway it's a straight swap and like has been said....no one will lose out as the Council will still have a three bedroom to let. Keep on at them and definitely get the MP involved. Good luck!!

Brian Sinclair: I can't offer any advice, but I do know that persistence sometimes pays off. Good luck to you and your family. Xx

Sarah Tinker Allinson: I don't get why he just can't swap it makes no sense at all I hope they get to keep it x

Danielle Hellon: I hope the lad gets his Grandmother's house. Memories are precious and more memories should be made by his children in his Grandmother's house.....good luck hope it's a success

Andrea Mulholland: I've signed the petition, good luck I hope the council sees that it really makes no difference to anybody but the family xx

Sign the petition here