A Wimbledon couple, without proof of residential status, is living in fear of removal from the UK after the December 2020 Brexit deadline.
85-year-old Madame Cholet, who insists that she is British by birth, has lived and worked as a cook in the Wimbledon area since the 1960’s. She is appealing to the Home Office for leniency in the absence of the relevant paperwork, which she said was lost in a spring clean in the 1970’s.
“It is a very frightening time pour moi,” said the elderly pensioner in an interview with the BBC. “I ‘ave lived ‘ere for many years, but maintenant I feel like I am very unwelcome.”
A close neighbour, affectionately known locally as 'Uncle' Bulgaria, says he too feels under threat.
“I’ve been cleaning up the local Common for over 300 years, so this is a complete and utter travesty. Under the new immigration points-system I will be classed as an unskilled worker and, after three centuries living here I’d be totally buggered in Bulgaria because I don't know anyone there.”
Best friend, inventor and local engineer, Mr Tobermory is currently working with the elderly couple to help them in their predicament.
“I can’t promise I can do anything,” he said, “but I’ll do my best. As for me, when Scotland gets its independence, I’ll be back up there in a shot. Then, if the worst comes to the worst they can come and live me.”
When pressed for a resolution to the problem, Home Secretary, Priti Patel promised to investigate. However, critics have said she isn’t in any Windrush to do so.
