THE plight of a homeless Taunton woman sleeping rough in a shelter in a seaside town has hit the national headlines.

Pictures of grandmother Diana sleeping rough in Exmouth have shocked internet users around the world.

Diana, who has spina bifida, left her sheltered accommodation in Taunton three months ago and headed for the South Devon seaside.

The site is covered by a private webcam, which is beamed live every day, and Diana's plight has been viewed by people around the world.

Many of them have also visited the site's online forum, logging messages of concern for 60-year-old Diana's welfare - particularly as the winter approaches.

Diana has an electric wheelchair, which she recharges at a local caf, and kind workmen and passers-by have brought her hot drinks and food.

But because Diana made herself homeless by leaving her sheltered accommodation in Taunton and refused help, the authorities say there is nothing they can do.

A Taunton Deane Council spokesman said: "We have done all we can for Diana over the last few years.

"She was previously nominated by the council to Sanctuary Housing Association who provided her with appropriate and suitable accommodation for her needs.

"Unfortunately Diana chose to voluntarily vacate her home and as a result the council provided her with temporary accommodation for many months and subsequently no further duty is owed to her.

"We have tried to meet her needs and this decision was upheld following a statutory review."

A spokesman for East Devon District Council said: "She is classed as intentionally homeless and so neither we nor the council at Taunton have a legal obligation to house her."

This story and all the top news in Taunton Deane can be seen in Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.