A HOMELESS man who transformed a former railway signal box where he was sleeping rough into a cosy home is being threatened with eviction.

Simon Coomer, 37, has been living in the signal box of The Old Troy Station, Mitchel Troy, for two years, transforming it from a derelict shack into a comfortable residence.

He has installed new windows with shutters, a shower, bed and water butt, felted the roof, cleared up the rubbish outside and planted flowers.

But Monmouthshire county council want him evicted.

Mr Coomer said: "They say the signal box is not fit for human habitation because it does not have a toilet or running water."

He said the thought of being back on the street "makes me want to kill myself".

He has been issued with a trespassing notice by the owner, together with a £360 eviction fee, and has been asked to attend Newport county court on Friday.

Owner Robert Davies, a solicitor of Gold Tops, Newport, says he reluctantly issued the notice after the planning authority threatened to serve enforcement proceedings after receiving complaints from residents.

Mr Davies said: "The local planning authority have threatened to serve enforcement proceedings as there is no planning consent for use as a residential unit.

"I am sorry Simon is in this predicament. Quite clearly if I do not take action, the local authority will then charge me."

Mr Coomer, originally from Monmouthshire, says he has been homeless on and off for 26 years.

A county council spokesman said: "The owners requested that we do not do anything and they would take repossession themselves."