Woman found living in hedge for three YEARS because she couldn't face leaving her cat

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A tree surgeon was left stunned after discovering a woman living in a hedge. Gareth Olsen was clearing a field in Chester when he stumbled upon the woman, believed to be in her 50s, sleeping rough.

She told Gareth she had lived there for up to three years because she couldn't bear to be parted from her 'soulmate' cat and landlords wouldn't accept her pet, Cheshire Live reports.

The woman slept in a sleeping bag in a tarpaulin shelter surrounded by bags and boxes. Gareth said: "It's such a sad story. I felt so shocked and sorry for her.  Read more: Residents fury at 'absolute nightmare' roadworks set to last for SIX MONTHS "I was clearing a piece of land for a private landlord and it hadn't been touched for years.

One of our guys was in a tractor and a little hand appeared out of the hedge waving and saying 'I live here'." The woman's makeshift home was built with tarpaulin, umbrellas, an old sleeping bag and blankets, and cushions, while her possessions were laid all around her in bags and boxes.