A BLIND 97-year-old Second World War veteran will be allowed to return home after a High Court battle with the council.

Former Royal Navy gunner Douglas Meyers, who lives near Southend, told a judge he was unhappy in his care facility and wanted to end his life in the bungalow he had called home for 40 years.

But social services bosses at Southend Council, who have welfare responsibility for Mr Meyers, asked the courts to make a decision about what is in the veteran’s best interests.

Last week, Mr Justice Hayden concluded the “ideal solution” would be for Mr Meyers to return home with a “suitable package of support” but stopped short of giving a definitive ruling and left the matter with the council to decide.

Southend Council has now confirmed they will assist Mr Meyers with his wishes.

Tony Cox, councillor for adults and housing, said: “Every social care case is individual and is treated as such and as an authority we strive to investigate and consider all aspects of a case before reaching an outcome for those involved.

"In this instance we requested the courts become involved in the decision-making process due to the complex nature of Mr Meyers’ situation.

"While we agree Mr Meyers is fully able to make his own decisions, the adult social services team had a duty to act when welfare concerns were raised.

"We have fully supported his request to go home and have gone above and beyond to work with him and the courts to reach the right outcome.

"We are pleased for Mr Meyers that this long court process has finally concluded and his wish to return home has been granted.

"We will continue to work closely with Mr Meyers to offer a range of support to cover all his social care and healthcare needs once he has returned to his home.”