A COUPLE whose two children have been struck down with a killer disease say housing bosses have told them they “don’t qualify” for a bigger home.

Claire and Martin Greenwood have battled North Ayrshire Council for the past two years to have their family moved to more suitable accommodation which would help them cope with the complex needs of daughter Jessica, 12, and son Liam,11.

But the couple have been told by housing chiefs that they do not have “enough points” for a swap or move to another house - despite being told that both children suffer from Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia (PCH) - a terminal illness which will leave them both needing round-the-clock care.

Claire told the Times the couple have reached the end of their tether.

She said: “We love our home and our neighbours are great. We have a great support network here but the house is just too small for all the equipment we need just now, never mind when Liam’s condition worsens and we will need more.

“It is so stressful with everything else we are having to deal with just now. I just don’t know if I can go on fighting anymore.”

Claire says although the family home is equipped with wheelchair ramps and a wetroom, it is still not safe for her kids.

She said: “We have carers who come and stay to give us respite and at the moment they sleep on a pull out mattress on Jessica’s floor which is just not night. In fact, I’m not even sure it’s legal. Surely those carers should have their own room?

“The access to the house is also an issue. I can hardly get Jess turned in our ramp at the side door and turning into the hall is tight.

“My walls are all marked and access into kitchen is dangerous. I cant fit both kids in the kitchen at the same time to do family things. We just need a new home.”

The Irvine Times exclusively revealed last week that Claire and Martin’s world was shattered when doctors told the couple that both their children are dying.

The illness has left Jessica unable to walk, talk, swallow or communicate and the James MacFarlane School pupil is receiving palliative care.

Liam currently uses a walking frame but doctors have told the Dreghorn couple that his condition will deteriorate eventually too.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We have already made a significant number of adaptations to the home and will continue to do everything possible to ensure the family’s needs are met.

“While we generally don’t discuss individual cases, we can confirm that occupational therapists have arranged to visit the house in the coming days to discuss the next steps.”