HOUSEBOAT owner John Hunt said that he was "terrified" today after he was given three weeks to leave his River Ouse home in York.

The 59-year-old postman must now find an alternative location for his boat, Waterlily, after Judge Peter Hunt, sitting at York County Court, issued City of York Council with a possession order on the St George's Field site.

The court heard that Mr Hunt, who is currently on sick leave, was given temporary permission to moor Waterlily at the site in July 1998, and had received a number of notices asking him to vacate the site.

Philip Callow, a property surveyor for the council, told the court that in 1995 the council had investigated the St George's Field site as a possible permanent mooring and that planning permission was granted subject to several issues being resolved.

Mr Callow said: "Then Mr Hunt came along in 1998. I discussed with him at the time that as a temporary measure he could moor there.

"I explained that it was his responsibility to sort out a permanent mooring.

"We were still discussing in 1998 whether the site was suitable. But it's not suitable for a number of reasons."

Mr Callow said the planning permission lapsed and was not renewed.

Mr Hunt said: "I would agree broadly with what Mr Callow said.

"But I've never been given any guidance whether planning permission was proceeded with or not.

"I was given notice to quit immediately and nothing was explained."

Judge Hunt said: "The licence that was granted to you on a temporary basis came to an end. I'm left with no option but to grant City of York Council the possession order it seeks."

Updated: 14:30 Thursday, June 12, 2003