THE family of a heart attack survivor have called it “inhumane” after he was handed an eviction notice by a private rented care home, a month before Christmas.

Brian Mcdonald, 60, an ex-book-keeper, suffered the attack while working in the Waterhouse Business Centre in Cromar Way, Chelmsford three years ago.

Following successful hospital treatment, Mr Mcdonald sought residency at the Chelmsford Care Home in East Hanningfield Road, and hoped to spend the rest of his life receiving support from staff.

But the new owners, Guide Total Care, last week gave him his marching orders due to what a spokesman described as an “expired lease”. 

The eviction triggered a backlash from Mr Mcdonald’s family.

His brother Keith, 63, who works for Chelmsford accountancy firm D8amax, said: “This eviction comes at the worst time of year for anyone - it has been stressful for the family.

“I feel annoyed for him - this company only took charge over a month ago and they’ve done this.

“My brother is a happy-go-lucky chap and he’s extremely upset. 

“He wasn’t given any reason why he’s been evicted, he was just handed a letter from a solicitor saying he has to be out in January – it’s inhumane.”

Keith added he and his brother want to highlight how private care homes are legally within their rights to evict without reason. 

However, Guide Total Care said it has acted “openly and honestly” and required the space for people with more intensive care needs than Mr Mcdonald.

A spokesman said: “We purchased the flats with the aim of bringing them back to their intended use of providing high-quality accommodation for people requiring 24/7 care and support.

“There is a desperate shortage of this important specialist accommodation in Essex, which is having an impact on some of the most vulnerable people in the area. 

“We are passionate about helping to create more of this much-needed provision in Chelmsford and we have always been open and honest about our plans.”