Disabled man's home 'unsuitable'

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 18th Mar 2008

A disabled man is being forced to live downstairs because his council home is completely unsuitable, his family says. Malcolm Bowers, from Redditch, Worcs, suffered a stroke 20 months ago and his family has been asking the council to find suitable accommodation.

His sister Dee said he was now unable to walk and the family had to wash him as there was no downstairs shower. Redditch Borough Council said it was working closely with the family to find suitable alternative accommodation. Ms Bowers said her brother had "no privacy" and described the situation was "very bad".

"He has to sleep in the front room," she said. "We have no facilities for washing, for him to take a shower and stuff. He can't walk so we can't take him upstairs to give him a bath." She said there was also no ramps by the front door for a wheelchair.

However, the council said it wanted to ensure "exactly the right type of property" was found. It said: "Unfortunately due to the special requirements of the family it may take some time to find alternative accommodation. It is important to ensure the property is suitable for the long-term needs of the family. "