Disabled woman 'trapped' in home since Christmas

Carol Richardson can no longer manage the steps leading to and from her bungalow

A woman has described being "effectively trapped" by the steps leading to her home after becoming reliant on a wheelchair while waiting for new social housing.

Carol Richardson, from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, has seen her health decline in recent years and says she has only managed to leave her rented property twice since Christmas.

The 68-year-old began applying for new properties through a local housing association two years ago when it became clear her home was no longer suitable and couldn't be adapted.

Vico Homes, formerly known as Wakefield District Housing, said it empathised with her situation and encouraged her to continue to bid on its homes and with other providers.

The former supermarket worker suffered a stroke when she was six, which affected the right side of her body.

She has lived independently for most of her life, but has struggled with mobility in recent years.

"I'm not living, I'm existing," she said.

"I shut the curtains and its just me until the next morning and it's frightening and scary."

Mrs Richardson became dependent on a wheelchair last year and can no longer manage the steps leading to the property or use the toilet and separate bathroom without difficulty.

She has lived in the bungalow for 12 years, but the landlord had always made it clear that fully adapting the property would not be possible, which is why she started applying for social housing.

"It's soul destroying, if there's a fire and I can't get out I'm just going to burn," she said.

Her GP has stated in a letter that the situation is "severely affecting her mood" and has left her "depressed".

Mrs Richardson says being stuck in her home has become 'soul destroying'

Mrs Richardson has been applying for new housing through Vico Homes since 2023 but has had no success, despite being assessed as "high priority" for eight months.

She contacted the BBC after reading about amputee patient David Taylor, who has been stuck in Pontefract Hospital since January because of difficulties finding suitable housing.

Councillor Pete Girt, who represents Knottingley on Wakefield Council, said in his experience there seemed to be "a lack of focus" to solve these types of issues.

"I've been a councillor for a little over three years and I've lost count of the number of cases of people that have contacted me," he said.

"I've been successful helping some people get rehoused, but for the vast majority it's still ongoing."

"There needs to be more focus on building or adapting properties for disabled people," he added.

Lee Thompson, Wakefield Council's interim service director for adult social care, said: "Our social work team continues to support Carol with applications to Vico Homes and other organisations who are responsible for providing housing."

A Vico Homes spokesperson said: "We empathise with Mrs Richardson's situation and would encourage her to continue to bid on homes with us and other providers in the area to find a home as quickly as possible."

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