A CHEPSTOW man suffering from a mental health condition he says was caused by army service was threatened with eviction as he couldn't afford to pay his rent until his benefits came through.

This came on top of the ongoing wait he's enduring until he can see a psychologist for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as there isn't one in his area.

As revealed exclusively in the Argus, Richard Brown, 36, of Middle Way, had his life torn apart by PTSD brought on by the atrocities he witnessed in the army.

Mr Brown's wife, Elaine, 36, said their family, including four children aged one to seven, were threatened with eviction a fortnight ago as they waited for their claim for benefits to be processed.

She said she was devastated and described the whole situation as "a nightmare," adding: "I'm absolutely disgusted, I could swear, that's how angry they make me."

Mr Brown is unable to work as part of his condition means he has problems respecting authority and taking orders.

Their claim has now been processed and the couple have paid their outstanding rent arrears.

A spokeswoman for Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) said: "We cannot comment on individual cases but MHA do not serve notices seeking possession lightly. We will only do so following very careful consideration of individual cases."

Mr Brown, a former Lance Corporal in the prestigious Coldstream Guards, said there has been no progress on securing a psychologist in the past seven weeks.

His symptoms include having vivid dreams and nightmares where he believes he is back in the Army, and these can be triggered by a number of things, including noises and smells including petrol or diesel, he can also lose his temper very quickly, which he said changes him into a nasty person.

He currently takes anti-depressants and sees an occupational therapist, but they don't have the expertise to provide him with counselling.

He said he is concerned about the ongoing wait for a psychologist to be appointed in south Monmouthshire.

"I'm annoyed, how can you have a mental health team with no psychologist ," he said.

A spokesman for Gwent NHS healthcare trust said: "Interviews will be taking place next week for the position to cover South Monmouthshire.

"As a result of the success of this kind of treatment demand for psychology services nationally is considerable, so coping with high levels of demand is likely to be an ongoing challenge for the NHS."