A disabled woman has spoken of her shock at being asked to move out of her specially adapted house in order to make way for a new housing development.

Dawn Clarke, 48, who suffers from HTLV Myopethy - a rare condition similar to multiple sclerosis - has rented her bungalow in Wendon Street, Bow for two years.

In November, the property was sold from specialist disabled housing association Ability to Tower Hamlets Community Housing.

At the time the sale was made, Ms Clarke and her neighbour, who is also disabled, were assured that they would be entitled to remain in their bungalows for the foreseeable future.

However, on May 25 she received a visit from a THCH housing officer, who she described as “abusive,” informing her that she must sign forms allowing them to move her to alternative accommodation or face court action and eviction. She refused to sign the forms after seeking advice from housing charity Shelter.

Ms Clarke, who lives alone and requires daily visits from a carer, said: “I’m shocked. We had always been told that this place was a long term tenancy and that it would never be sold. I would hate to be forced to move, because I get on very well with my neighbours, and have a good relationship with lots of people in the community.”

She added that her condition had worsened as a result of the stress of the situation, while her neighbour had been battling cervical cancer in recent months.

“I’ve been experiencing chronic fatigue as a result of inflammations in my brain which is made worse by stress, so it’s not been easy to get on with things,” she added.

She now has a meeting planned in the coming weeks with Peter Exton, THCH’s director of development, to try to find out how she can remain in her home.

He said: “We understand these types of situations can be a difficult and sometimes traumatic experience for some residents and I am only too happy to sit down with Ms Clarke to discuss how we can be as supportive as possible.”