A DISABLED pensioner forced to wash in his sink can finally have a hot shower after a frustrating five-year wait for a wet room.

John Hughes was too afraid to have a bath at his flat in Sheepscombe Drive, Warndon, Worcester, in case he could not get out again.

The 80-year-old has been washing in his sink for the last half decade so he does not run the risk of getting stuck in the bath, now ripped out.

However, his landlords, Platform Housing, have had contractors in and the work is due to be finished on the new wet room on Thursday, including new tiles, a new floor and a shower and handrails.

"It was really difficult to get in and out of the bath. Sometimes I was in so much pain I could not get out. It got to the stage where I knew if I got in the bath I would never get out. I was also worried about having a fall.

"They're finishing it today - and I hope I can have a shower in the morning. It's five-and-a-half years since I've had a proper hot shower," he said.

He said he had been told he was going to be moved - something he had not wanted after living at the flat for the last 25 years.

Worcester News: PROGRESS: The finishing touches are put on the new wet room in Sheepscombe Drive in Warndon by contractors PROGRESS: The finishing touches are put on the new wet room in Sheepscombe Drive in Warndon by contractors (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The city-born great-grandfather was a former gardener and groundsman who had worked for Worcester City Council at Brickfields Park and Cripplegate Park before he retired.

Since then he has suffered a series of health problems including a leaking heart valve, angina, arthritis, diabetes and a damaged spine which means he has to use a mobility scooter if he wants to get about.

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His mobility was impaired still further around six weeks ago when he says he was struck by a car as he crossed the road in St Swithin's Street in Worcester city centre. He suffered severe bruising to his leg and had to be x-rayed at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

But his problems getting in and out of the bath predate this and became worse after he suffered a fall and broke his hip in 2021.

Worcester News: FLASHBACK: John Hughes in his Warndon bathroom before it was turned into a wet room FLASHBACK: John Hughes in his Warndon bathroom before it was turned into a wet room (Image: Newsquest)

The work on the new wet room began on Monday.

"I'm glad I have got it. I have won in the end - but it's taken five and half years," he said.

Mr Hughes, who has been supported by Warndon city councillor Jill Desayrah, said doctors had written to Platform about his mobility issues previously as he asked for a wet room to be installed. Mr Hughes thanked Cllr Desayrah along with contractors County Contract Flooring and SR Humphries Bathrooms Ltd based in Malvern. However, he described Platform's response to his calls for a wet room as 'rubbish.'

"They just forgot me," he said.

The work was welcomed by Cllr Desayrah. She said: "It's been a long haul but now he will be able to enjoy this essential facility in his home."

A spokesperson for Platform Housing said: "We’re really very sorry Mr Hughes's bathroom has taken so long, and we are pleased he is happy now the works are finally complete.  We acknowledge it has been an inconvenient and upsetting time for him."