A WHEELCHAIR-bound-woman in fear of losing her home has sparked a call for her to be made a special case for flood compensation. Irene Perry.

As the Government writes cheques to cover the expense of local authorities and puts aside £51 million for flood defence, 80-year-old Irene Perry, of Severnside South, Bewdley, is getting no help with huge personal costs that could destroy her life.

Mrs Perry is severely disabled because of polio in childhood, and says her home by the river "is more important to me than anything".

But charges of between £300 and £400 a week for having to go into a nursing home whenever the Severn floods could see her forced to sell up after 30 years.

Her carers have highlighted her case as an example of someone in need of special help. The former accountant is a leaseholder at Eastham Court and her insurance company has done nothing for her in the latest round of flooding.

Unlike other residents whose hotel bills are picked up by insurers when they move out, she has received no help because her home has not flooded. It is the combination of her condition and the threat of flooding that has forced her to abandon her home.

Back home on Sunday after five days in a Bewdley nursing home, Mrs Perry said: "I am afraid if this goes on and we get more floods I will be forced to sell up to pay for the cost of a nursing home."

Amanda Paine, a partner in A & M Bewdley Care Service, said: "Mrs Perry has been so brave it makes me angry she should be in this position.

"We have to do everything for her from getting up in the morning to going to bed but she is always so cheerful.

"Of all the people who have suffered from these floods, there cannot be many who deserve financial help more than her. Her home is everything to her. I cannot think of a stronger case for compensation."