Wolverhampton Ring Road Hermit.....
Discussion
An 83-year-old hermit, who has lived in the middle of a ring road in Wolverhampton for 35 years, has received a new tent.
In an operation involving the army, the police, social services and environmental health, Josef Stawinoga was re-housed on Tuesday.
The Polish war veteran, who lives alone on the central reservation, had to have his tent replaced because it posed a health risk.
Social services and the Territorial Army had to replace the tent as well as clear a lot of rubbish that Mr Stawinoga had collected.
Juliusz Leonowicz, who worked with Mr Stawinoga at a steel works in Bilston in the 1950s, said before the tent was removed "sparks would fly".
"He doesn't appreciate anyone in uniform," he said.
"He's not going to be happy about his rubbish being cleared either because he believes a lot of this rubbish is in his care.
"He thinks people bring it to him to look after."
Mr Stawinoga has lived under canvas for 35 years. Although the city council does not normally tolerate squatters, officers have made an exception for Mr Stawinoga due to his phobia of confined spaces, thought to have been caused by his ordeal as a prisoner of war during World War II.
In a statement, the council said: "Mr Stawinoga has lived on the ring road in Wolverhampton for over 30 years and although this is not an ideal situation, it has been accepted as the best option for him.
"We have taken into account his personal history and the fact that whilst located there, he can be visited daily by the city council's meals on wheels service. "Mr Stawinoga is a very private person and does not like attention from people he does not know.
"The replacement of his tent has been done as quickly and efficiently as practicable so as not to unduly distress or agitate him, so that he can continue to live quietly and peacefully as he chooses."
Saw this on the news last night, I think it is great
In an operation involving the army, the police, social services and environmental health, Josef Stawinoga was re-housed on Tuesday.
The Polish war veteran, who lives alone on the central reservation, had to have his tent replaced because it posed a health risk.
Social services and the Territorial Army had to replace the tent as well as clear a lot of rubbish that Mr Stawinoga had collected.
Juliusz Leonowicz, who worked with Mr Stawinoga at a steel works in Bilston in the 1950s, said before the tent was removed "sparks would fly".
"He doesn't appreciate anyone in uniform," he said.
"He's not going to be happy about his rubbish being cleared either because he believes a lot of this rubbish is in his care.
"He thinks people bring it to him to look after."
Mr Stawinoga has lived under canvas for 35 years. Although the city council does not normally tolerate squatters, officers have made an exception for Mr Stawinoga due to his phobia of confined spaces, thought to have been caused by his ordeal as a prisoner of war during World War II.
In a statement, the council said: "Mr Stawinoga has lived on the ring road in Wolverhampton for over 30 years and although this is not an ideal situation, it has been accepted as the best option for him.
"We have taken into account his personal history and the fact that whilst located there, he can be visited daily by the city council's meals on wheels service. "Mr Stawinoga is a very private person and does not like attention from people he does not know.
"The replacement of his tent has been done as quickly and efficiently as practicable so as not to unduly distress or agitate him, so that he can continue to live quietly and peacefully as he chooses."
Saw this on the news last night, I think it is great
mrs fish said:
Psychobert said: I wonder what he lived through 60 odd years ago that made him hoarde anything that might be vaguely useful later on?
Probably more than you or I could ever imagine
Afraid so Mrs Fish.. If anything he either needs help, or leaving alone, not a sky digibox. Thats a sure fire way of him never wanting to emerge into the world again. one evening of that is enough to put anyone off venturing outside ever again..
Psychobert said:
mrs fish said:
Psychobert said: I wonder what he lived through 60 odd years ago that made him hoarde anything that might be vaguely useful later on?
Probably more than you or I could ever imagine
Afraid so Mrs Fish.. If anything he either needs help, or leaving alone, not a sky digibox. Thats a sure fire way of him never wanting to emerge into the world again. one evening of that is enough to put anyone off venturing outside ever again..
With you on that one.
Basically, he is tolerated because he doesn't cause any harm, and is seen as a local Character.
He wants/needs to be left alone really, although a new tent which might even be waterproof isn't a bad idea for his personal longevity.
Still there then. I was at Poly in Wolves (the shame!) 14 years ago - people used to leave him sarnies and milk.
Good on the council for leaving him be for all these years, 14 years ago I would have expected them to let him alone, these days I would expect some council busybody to either tax him or move him.
Good on the council for leaving him be for all these years, 14 years ago I would have expected them to let him alone, these days I would expect some council busybody to either tax him or move him.
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