A WHEELCHAIR-bound woman has been left "trapped" in her own home because council bosses will not pay to instal a ramp.

Angry Hyndburn MP Greg Pope today took up the case of Eveline Price and said he despaired at the local authority's attitude.

Mrs Price, 60, a diabetes sufferer, had both her legs amputated two years ago after complications with the disease.

Now she says the front and back door steps stop her getting the wheelchair outside.

She bought the bungalow in Dowry Street, Accrington, 10 months ago and applied for a council grant for an access ramp.

But Hyndburn Council has told her she will have to wait until next year - because they haven't got enough money.

She said: "I moved back to Accrington from Wakefield last year because this is where I was born and I needed a more manageable house.

"The council said I could have a ramp this year and they came to measure up. "But they've just told me they can't afford to do any work on the house. They were going to widen the doors as well because they are too narrow for my chair.

"If a fire starts, I won't be able to get out. I'm trapped in the house 24 hours a day. I can't face another Christmas stuck in here.

"I have a home help who does my shopping, but there's not even anyone to pick up my disability allowance.

"I never had this trouble in my old house - they put a ramp and handles up for me before I came out of hospital."

Mr Pope, who is a former Hyndburn Labour councillor, said: "I am getting really fed up with Hyndburn Council's attitude to these things.

"I just don't believe they can't find £5,000 to help this woman. If they can't prioritise a woman without any legs who needs a ramp to get out, then I despair."

"I will try and persuade Hyndburn Council to instal the ramp, before Christmas if humanly possible."

Hyndburn Council's urban renewal manager, Julian Hickinbottom, said: "There is no denying Mrs Price needs a grant, but the problem is we haven't got enough money and the amount we have received from the Government for these grants has gone down.

"It's her condition compared with everyone else that's important.

"We look at each case individually and take medical advice off the health authority and social services when assessing people.

"They are put on a waiting list which is prioritised by how each person's condition will be altered by house adaptations."

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