AN amputee claims he is a prisoner in his own home because Platform Housing has placed him in an inappropriate property.

Gary Sandbrook fears for his safety because he is unable to get out of his bungalow in Rodborough Drive, Warndon, without assistance.

The 55-year-old had his leg amputated 14 weeks ago after complications due to diabetes and Platform Housing found him the bungalow as a more suitable place to live to fit his new set of needs.

But after two weeks in the property, he said he may as well be living in a three-storey building because he cannot leave his home - something which is a basic human right.

He fears if there is a fire in the property he will not be able to get out. 

"For the last 18 months, my life has been hell - not just because of the threshold on the door, but I have been in some dark places," he said.

"My standard of living is nothing as it should be.

Worcester News: The threshold of the door is too high to enable his wheelchair to get over it. The threshold of the door is too high to enable his wheelchair to get over it. (Image: Charlotte Albutt; NQ)"I thought when I moved from my last place, it would be great being able to go from room to room, but now my day revolves around getting out of bed, having a wash and sitting in my living room because I cannot get out of my house.

"My quality of life has gone down. 

"You might as well put me in a flat three storeys high, that's how I look at it."

He added that he was unaware that the threshold on the door was so high before moving in and that this would have restricted him from leaving the house.

Worcester News: STUCK: Mr Sandbrook struggled to even reach his post.STUCK: Mr Sandbrook struggled to even reach his post. (Image: Charlotte Albutt; NQ)Mr Sandbrook said he has now lost his independence and cannot even head to the shops or pick up his post from his letterbox.

He is calling on Platform Housing to make the changes to the property that are needed saying negotiations with them are like going around in a "hamster wheel".

Mr Sandbrook said he is still awaiting a reply from Platform despite multiple attempts to get in contact with them.

Worcester News: HELP: He is calling for Platform Housing to fix the door.HELP: He is calling for Platform Housing to fix the door. (Image: Charlotte Albutt; NQ)A spokesperson for Platform Housing said they worked with Worcester City Council and Mr Sandbrook to find a suitable alternative and no concerns were raised with the property at the viewing.

Platform Housing added it had looked for a place close to Mr Sandbrook's support network, and the bungalow was in line with the recommendations made by Mr Sandbrook’s occupational therapist.

"We are sorry that Mr Sandbrook is experiencing difficulties in his new home, Platform will work with him to understand what is making his new home unsuitable and what resolutions can be found."