THE SISTER of York houseboat owner John Hunt has said she fears for his health as he waits to be evicted by City of York Council.

John Hunt, 60, was given three weeks to move his houseboat Waterlily, from its mooring near Skeldergate Bridge, after the council was issued with a possession order by York County Court in June.

Mr Hunt and his sister, Wendy Cuthbert, have been searching for an alternative residential mooring for Waterlily, but to no avail.

Mrs Cuthbert said: "I am very worried about him and the effect it will have on his health. I honestly don't know what the outcome's going to be or what's going to happen next. He doesn't want to leave it, it's his home."

Mr Hunt has moored his 57ft 50-ton "dreamboat" on the River Ouse, adjacent to St George's Field car park since July 1998. He was given temporary permission to moor there after an eviction order forced him to move from another part of the river.

Mr Hunt, a postman, said: "Since I lost my legal mooring my life has been a living nightmare, but I've managed to struggle along - somehow.

"Whatever happens now is in the lap of the gods and the council. This experience has been hell on earth. My life is in tatters and my health is in ruins.

"All I can do now is sit around. Sit around and worry and brood. I have to go wherever this boat goes. I'm helpless."

York charity Age Concern recently stepped in to help Mr Hunt.

James Player, Age Concern's deputy chief officer in York, said Mr Hunt's case had given him great cause for concern.

He said: "We've been through all the possible avenues for Mr Hunt. If anybody can help in some way, I would like to hear from them."

A council spokeswoman said: "We have been granted a court order for immediate possession of Mr Hunt's boat and are now waiting for a bailiffs warrant - this is taking a bit longer than the three weeks we expected."

Anybody who can help or advise Mr Hunt should call James Player on 01904 621020.

Updated: 10:59 Wednesday, July 02, 2003