EARLIER this week we reported Melanie Pyke, along with her three children and her late sister's two children, were being forced to live in a single room in a bed and breakfast in Abertillery.

The article prompted a heated debate on the Argus website, with more then 200 comments left.

Although many sympathised with the family's plight, many others questioned why the taxpayer should have to shell out to support them.

Here's a selection of the comments.

Surely, with all the private landlords available, cant the council find something for her?

Where are the dads to these kids to help out? Also, what about her sisters 'share' of the pub... is she entitled to live in the pub or have a financial share?

Hope it works out for you guys

meddylad

Where are the dad's and paternal grandparents allowing their grandchildren to live like this?

Sid Bonkers

Unfortunately, this is what happens day in, day out, up and down the country, and this family are far from being the exception.

There are quite simply not enough houses to go around.

Every local authority is doing its best with very limited resources.

This is temporary accommodation, and there are many homeless people not being provided with any accommodation at all as they don't have children, or are not vulnerable enough.

So rather than a headline which essentially says 'this poor woman and her children are being accommodated in a B&B', maybe it should say 'isn't this woman lucky that the local authority are giving her a lifeline due to her unforeseen circumstances.

Starley85

Typical, live off the state, loads of kids, everyone elses problem, namely the hard working tax payer who has to fund this lot and millions like them!

Jack Regan flying squad

The council need to step up given the circumstances.

Tell it as it is.

Something about this story doesn't seem right............ If she was so desperate for a home she would be looking into private renting or council properties in other boroughs - Caerphilly Torfaen or Blaenau Gwent.

I don't know why anyone would want to live in Newport anyway!

Lunalady

It's the three dads that should be taking the responsibility, instead I have to pay tax on my taxed money to fund a lifestyle for others, while looking after my own children and paying my bills.

Free childcare announced in Newport and Torfaen today. Guess that means these people at home all day can drop the "full time mum" role and earn some, if its not taking up precious time for socialising.

Shabnams2

Irrespective of whether the fathers are involved or not she is still in a single room with five children.

That is the issue that needs to be sorted out straight away and then worry about everything else later.

I am pretty sure that someone is going to say "the father's should pay for private renting", but they may not be in a position to do this and I am pretty sure if there was another option she would take it rather than have to bring this story to the press.

Pafkay

Regardless of everything these are five children who need stability.

Two have lost their mother and have been through enough without moving from the area they know, their school and friends.

This is a tragic story, she's caring for her late sisters children and she needs a break.

She's not a sob story.

I hope all turns out okay

rgh

Just shows how messed up our society is that housing has become a commodity run by private profit making organisations.

There is no reason why houses can't be built to ensure families don't have to be at the mercy of private landlords etc.

Round by me houses are knocked up seemingly over a weekend.

I have spent time in a b and b as a child at it was foul, akin to a prison crossed with a drugs den.

Shame on the housing associations, councils and governments.

Hope it works out for you quickly.

cantbelieveitsnotbetter

It would appear as if local authorities are expected to pay for decisions taken by women to have children via multiple fathers as some 'right', that same right should also mean the fathers pay for their kids' upkeep, has the law changed to allow them to opt out?

mervynjames224

WOW, what a load of heartless out of touch readers, do you know how much it will cost to rent private housing?

The children need security in the same area that they feel secure in. This mum is not at fault, she is doing the best she can to support her family, pat her on her back for fighting the system that is unfair.

Angel 55

I hope all works out ok for the family

riverebbw

An awful situation to be in, life is just so hard and cruel at times

Really livid

Good luck Mel I really hope you get back down here where you are liked by a lot of people. I am really sorry for your loss and good luck x.

SIOBHAN 51