Paralympian Weir ‘denied larger home’

The wheelchair racer, who won four gold medals to help spark a surge in national pride during last summer’s London Paralympic Games, is in social housing because he cannot get a mortgage due to his income largely comprising sponsorship and appearance fees, it was reported.

But the housing association that allocates properties on the Roundshaw Estate in Wallington, south London, has told father-of-three Weir they are unable to find him a home with three bedrooms and a downstairs toilet because they do not want to be accused of favouritism.

Kris Hopkins, who was yesterday made a junior minister in the Department for Communities and Local Government, called authority bosses to explain the reasons behind the decision. He said: “Social landlords should take into account the particular needs of the disabled, and should be helping them lead active, working lives.”

Members of Weir’s family say the sportsman, nicknamed ‘the Weirwolf’, is forced to drag himself upstairs by his arms to use the bathroom. His mother Jacqueline told The Sun: “He’s a national hero but he can’t find a decent house and the council aren’t helping.”

Weir’s fiancee Emily Thorne said he could do without having to make trips up the stairs and “risking a recurring shoulder injury”.

Despite boasting six London Marathon titles and two gold medals from Beijing, Weir went into the London Paralympics still with a relatively low profile. But he emerged as one of its brightest stars, bursting down the back straight to claim three gold medals on the track in the 5,000m, 1,500m and 800m before winning the men’s marathon.

Weir has been unable to use his legs after difficulties at birth because a spine injury left him walking with calipers.

The London Borough of Sutton Council, which has been working with Weir and the housing association, said: “We are hopeful that a suitable property has been identified that could meet the needs of David and his family.”