THE mother of a six-year-old boy who has been told he needs exercise to ease his painful illness says she has been told she is not a priority to have a house with a garden.

THE mother of a six-year-old boy who has been told he needs exercise to ease his painful illness says she has been told she is not a priority to have a house with a garden.

Gemma Ayres, who lives in a housing association property, Exbourne, in Preanes Green, says her son, Becket Primary School pupil Cameron Niblett, suffers with bowel problems and has to take two types of medication daily.

The 26-year-old who also has a daughter called Abigail, said: “Cameron has been on medication for three years but doctors do not know what is wrong with him. He cries out in pain at night.

“He has to go and see a specialist every two months who says exercise may help his condition.

“When he goes to visit my mum he is so much better because he has somewhere to run around in the garden.

“North Somerset Housing wrote to me to tell me we are 145th on the list and are not a priority for a house with a garden.”

A spokesman for North Somerset Housing, which took control of council houses last year, said: “The resident of the property which is owned and managed by North Somerset Housing has made an application to us to transfer to another property.

“We are aware of the family’s circumstances and the appropriate level of priority has been awarded to their application.

“However, there is a significant shortage of properties within the areas the tenant has requested.

“North Somerset Housing appreciates the concerns that residents may have with regard to the time spent waiting for a more suitable property.

“We will always review any case in view of a change in circumstances or any additional information.”

• Pictured: Gemma Ayres with Abigail and Cameron.