AN amputee who feels like a prisoner in his own home is being helped by a concerned councillor who is worried about what will happen to him in an emergency.

Gary Sandbrook said he is unable to get out of his bungalow in Rodborough Drive, Warndon, without help but has received support from Cllr Jill Desayrah who met him at his home to first hand the challenges of his situation.

Worcester News: PRISONER: Gary Sandbrook is trapped at the front door of his bungalow. PRISONER: Gary Sandbrook is trapped at the front door of his bungalow. (Image: Newsquest)

As previously reported, the 55-year-old had his leg amputated 14 weeks ago after complications due to diabetes and Platform Housing found him the bungalow as a more suitable place to live to fit his new set of needs.

But after two weeks in the property, he said he may as well be living in a three-storey building because he cannot leave his home - something which is a basic human right.

He fears if there is a fire in the property he will not be able to get out. 

Cllr Desayrah said: “I am concerned by Gary's situation and that Platform Housing has not sorted out access in his new home. When I raised it with them I was told an Occupational Health Therapist report was needed before any work would be authorised.

"This may be part of the normal process, but given the situation I would have hoped for a fast track solution. I am worried about the safety aspects and his inability to exit the property in the event of an emergency. I encouraged him to request a free home safety check from the fire service and he has arranged for this to happen. There is also the issue of isolation and his inability to meet friends and family freely. I sincerely hope that Platform will find a way to resolve this situation quickly.”

Mr Sandbrook said: "For the last 18 months, my life has been hell - not just because of the threshold on the door, but I have been in some dark places," he said.

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"My standard of living is nothing as it should be.

The threshold of the door is too high to enable his wheelchair to get over it. 

"My quality of life has gone down. 

"You might as well put me in a flat three storeys high, that's how I look at it."

A spokesperson for Platform Housing said in a previous statement that they worked with Worcester City Council and Mr Sandbrook to find a suitable alternative and no concerns were raised with the property at the viewing.

Platform Housing added it had looked for a place close to Mr Sandbrook's support network, and the bungalow was in line with the recommendations made by Mr Sandbrook’s occupational therapist.

"We are sorry that Mr Sandbrook is experiencing difficulties in his new home, Platform will work with him to understand what is making his new home unsuitable and what resolutions can be found."