Telvina Simons, who was originally scheduled to vacate a cottage belonging to St. Mark's Church in Smith's Parish on January 31, told The Royal Gazette the eviction deadline has been extended until the end of this month.

But 66-year-old Mrs. Simons stressed that her hope of finding another home was running out with time.

"I do not have anywhere to go,'' she said. "It's urgent that I find somewhere for me and my dog.'' St. Mark's Church sent a letter to Mrs. Simons on New Year's Eve, ordering her to vacate the church property.

The church wardens and rector have stated that much work needs to be done to the cottage which has been deemed unfit to live in.

However, Mrs. Simons -- who shares the two-bedroom dwelling with her 26-year-old son and her Pomeranian dog "Peekaboo'' -- said she suspected the church wanted her out of the cottage so that they could rent it to someone else. But St. Mark's minister Father Robert Thacker has stated that it would be impossible for a person to live in the house while the essential and extensive renovations took place.

Mrs. Simons, with the help of lawyer Richard Horseman, managed to get the church to extend her occupancy until the end of February. And yesterday Mrs.

Simons said Mr. Horseman was instrumental in securing the most recent extension.