A TEN-week old baby is having to sleep in a cupboard because of lack of space at a Guiseley council house.

Mother, Amanda Birch, 25, said her two-bedroom home in Queensway, was too small for herself, her husband Shane, 30, and their other two children Connor, three, and Carrie, two.

"I have asked Leeds City Council to rehouse my family elsewhere in Guiseley or Yeadon but I have been told we have to stay where we are," she said.

The baby's cot is situated in a small cupboard near to her parents' bed. The cupboard door has been removed.

The Birch's other bedroom is occupied by their other two children Carrie and Connor.

"For safety I cannot put the cot in my other children's room because Connor tries to pick up the baby so we have had to put her in a cupboard.

"I cannot really leave her in a cot downstairs because we would not be able to hear her crying and I would not like to leave the cot on the landing," she added.

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: "Amanda and her family are on our waiting list for a transfer.

"Unfortunately, there are a lot of people ahead of her in the queue.

"Many of these people are in more urgent need, and some are homeless.

"The Aireborough district is very popular with tenants, and turnover of properties is slow. A possible quicker alternative for her would be to try and agree a house- swap with another tenant in the area."

Coun Moira Dunn (Lab, Aireborough), said: "I do sympathise with Mrs Birch and her family and will get in touch with the housing department about the matter.

"The problem of trying to find council houses for people is a nightmare because the waiting list for them is so long.

"There are young couples who are living with parents and it is a case of priority."

Coun Dunn added: "We are doing our best to meet the needs of local people but there are times when there is just nothing available."

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