A PENSIONER has won a 15-month battle to remain independent after he was told he needed to move his mobility scooter.

Rob Houghton was in hospital when Citizen Housing told him to move his electric mobility scooter out of his building's communal area last year.

The resident of Lansdowne Rise, who relies on the scooter to get him around for medical reasons, was told fire safety concerns meant he could no longer keep it in the communal areas.

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It led his wife Debbie to contact local councillors who helped them finally secure scooter storage for all residents at Lansdowne Rise, off Lansdowne Road.

Councillor Karen Lawerence said: “It was awful to hear that there were no facilities provided at all for residents who are reliant on mobility scooters for their independence.

Karen, Rob and Matt by the new scooter store.Karen Lawerence, Rob Houghton and Matthew Jenkins by the new scooter store. (Image: Worcester Green Party) "Not everyone has a car and it was really unacceptable there was this gap in support.

"I am very glad to have been able to help Rob, Debbie and their neighbours get this storage.”

Cllr Lewing said she repeatedly contacted the housing provider for 15 months to resolve the issue.

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It led to a serious concern that Mr Houghton would lose his ability to get around.

In November 2023, Citizen Housing said it would provide safe storage but it was not until October 2024 it was put in place.

There was also a short hiatus where residents were not given keys to their scooter stores.

County Councillor Matthew Jenkins said it is the first step in improving accessibility in the area as he has also requested a dropped kerb outside the  Lansdowne Crescent side of the flats.

"It has taken a long time for everything to be put in place, but we hope these improvements will help residents to get around,” he said.

Peter Gill, director of housing care and support at Citizen, said unfortunately there were delays in installing the mobility scooter store.

“We approached Worcester City Council to see if they would fund it under their Disabled Facilities Grant, but it was not covered by their policy.

"It also took time for us to be satisfied with the design to ensure it complied with fire regulations, and there was an issue with the locks, which resulted in them being changed."