AS winds of up to 80 mph whistled over the Farnham area on Monday, bringing down trees and power lines, Farnham households could relax in the comfort that at least the storm was safely outdoors.

But for one homeless man, who has lived in a van in Farnham Park and Frensham Ponds alternatively since March, such a luxury was not an option and the storm was quite literally on his doorstep.

The 45-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of his family finding out about his situation, has been on Waverley Borough Council's housing register since 2009 and has unsuccessfully applied for around 100 empty homes during that time.

With the cold winter months closing in and little prospect of finding a home due to Waverley's intense housing demand, the man's situation grows worse by the day and has added considerably to his severe health issues.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.