A PENSIONER with cancer who is living in a one bedroom home along with his brain-damaged son has today issued a desperate plea for help from housing bosses.

John Harrington has been forced to sleep on his couch for months in his tenancy on Slaemuir Avenue as he has no spare room.

He has lived there for over 20 years and his 33-year old son Stewart had to move in with him several months ago.

The 70-year-old says his landlords River Clyde Homes have been 'ignoring' his requests for a bigger property while also charging rent for his son, despite the address being too small for both of them.

Mr Harrington, who has prostate cancer, says he is now in rent arrears as a result because he did not realise about the extra charge.

John told the Tele: "I'm really frustrated and at my wits end.

"I came to the Telegraph as I didn't know where to turn.

"I don't know why I'm being charged more rent for my son when we're stuck in a one bedroom home.

"I've been on the couch since Stewart moved in.

"We're living on top of each other and we need more space."

The Port man says he has spoken with housing bosses numerous times about a potential move, to no avail.

He said: "I call then I never hear anything back and nothing comes of it.

"It is a lot to deal with at the moment as I don't keep very well."

John says he had no option but to take his son in and feels he is being penalised.

He said: "Stewart was left brain damaged a few years ago, so I couldn't exactly see him with nowhere to live.

"We are at breaking point and we can't go on like this."

River Clyde Homes bosses say that they have advised Mr Harrington to bid for houses in other areas to expand his choices and chance of finding a new property.

But the pensioner insists the 'Port is his home' and says he needs the support he gets from the people living around him.

He added: "I don't want to leave the Port, I've lived here all my life.

"This is where my friends are.

"This is where I've built a life and I would much rather stay here surrounded by people I know."

A spokesperson for River Clyde Homes said: "We would encourage Mr Harrington to widen his choice of local areas as this will increase the number of available properties that he can bid on.

"We will also contact Mr Harrington to discuss his housing options and ensure his housing application is up to date."