Catherine Smith says she has had to "rough it" on playing fields in Colne when she has out-stayed her welcome at the homes of friends. There is an empty flat in Cleveland Street available but, due to Housing Pendle's policy on large pets in confined places and her reluctance to give up her 12-year-old companion, her wait does not look like ending soon.

Suffering from back pain following a fractured spine, as well as having to use crutches because of a damaged ankle from an accident several years ago, the 40-year-old has "reached the end of her tether".

"I've been on the housing list for 18 months and there has been a vacant flat in Cleveland Street I've been after for four months," she said. "The problem is there are four flats using one communal entrance and I've got a dog.

"I've got suicidal about it. I'm really beside myself. The town hall is doing nothing. I'm at the end of my tether. I can't keep asking friends if I can stay with them, as they're getting sick of me. My dog is 12 now and I want him to have his last few years somewhere steady, where the roof can't be moved."

Housing Pendle executive director Ian Clark said: "We recognise Catherine's plight but we have a clear policy agreed with our customers that we do not re-house people who own dogs in flats with communal entrances.

"A large proportion of our customers are elderly and appreciate being able to live their lives without the problems large pets in confined places can sometimes cause.

"We will continue to work to find suitable accommodation for Catherine with its own entrance. However, the high price of houses has meant the waiting list for Housing Pendle properties has massively increased and people are, sadly, having to wait longer to get accommodation with us."