A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND widower and former Droitwich mayor faces daily dangers at home because a disability grant is under review.

John Clark has struggled to look after himself and his Westlands property since his wife and sole carer Sheila died.

Her death at Christmas left him with the stark decision of moving into a nursing home or having his bungalow altered so he can live independently.

The grieving 51-year-old wanted to stay in Farriers Corner but needed major improvements to his bathroom and smaller enhancements throughout his home.

In January, he applied for a Local Authority Social Housing Grant (LASHG) - a central Government cash pot which Wychavon District Council and Spa Housing Association rely on for home adaptations.

After weeks of waiting, Mr Clark discovered the Government is abolishing LASHG handouts and applications are delayed while new arrangements are drawn up.

"I have now been left in limbo," Mr Clark, a double amputee, said. He added that around 30 other people across Wychavon were facing a similar problem.

"I'm struggling to keep on top of everything but the bathroom is my biggest nightmare.

Equipment

"I don't have equipment suitable for a disabled person living alone. I've suffered four falls already and I can't cope for much longer."

Appeals to social services for help with shopping and cleaning have been unsuccessful and Mr Clark, town mayor in 1996/97, currently tries to hoover and polish from his wheelchair.

Wychavon confirmed Mr Clark was to have received a LASHG grant but the application was held up when in February, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's announced its intention to axe the scheme by June 2003.

Authorities were told to expect transitional arrangements but Wychavon is still awaiting written confirmation of these.

A Spa Housing spokeswoman said Mr Clark's request, like many others across the country, had come at a difficult time because of the review. She expected guidelines soon.

The spokesman added: "LASHG schemes begun by March 31 will qualify for funding and the new bids deadline had been extended to June 31.

"However, applications need planning permission before they can be ready for approval."

However, the Deputy Prime Minister's spokesman could not throw any extra light on the long-term future of Government funding for adaptations to homes under social housing schemes.