‘It’s a nightmare’ - disabled woman claims bungalow unsuitable for her needs

Wheelchair bound Faye Eastwood struggles to reach the the sink which is too high, and the kitchen units are too high. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Faye Eastwood believes the property in Little Melton is not properly adapted for someone who is confined to a wheelchair.

The 30-year-old, who is unable to use her legs, has had problems with the height of the kitchen units and garden access since moving in 18 months ago.

Despite the issues Miss Eastwood, who suffers from peripheral neuropathy, claims her complaints are not being taken seriously by Saffron Housing.

She said: 'All I want is for them to make my place more livable for me, because simple things like reaching the taps is difficult.

Wheelchair bound Faye Eastwood struggles to reach the the sink which is too high, and the kitchen units are too high. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

'The kitchen units and cupboards are all too high and because the cooker is at the same level, I have dropped saucepans of hot food on myself in the past.

'It is a nightmare.'

Saffron Housing, which owns the bungalow, said it works closely with residents who have specific needs to ensure they are supported.

Miss Eastwood said she accepted the bungalow on Limes Close in 2017 as she was previously placed in a top floor flat in Diss.

The high lip at the back door which makes getting Faye Eastwood's wheelchair in and out very difficult. There is a similar lip at the front door as well. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Her problems with the property include not being able to access the garden due to there being no ramp from the back door.

She also claims a lack of carpets on the concrete floor causes the property to become 'freezing cold' in the winter.

Miss Eastwood, who was diagnosed with her condition aged 27, said: 'If feels like no one is listening to me, no matter what I say or do.

'I would like Saffron to lower the kitchen units and make the garden accessible to me.'

Wheelchair bound Faye Eastwood at the door of her social housing home at Little Melton. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

She claims the property is only classed as being 'accessible' due it having a wet room.

Saffron Housing was asked multiple questions about Miss Eastwood's situation but said it could not comment on individual resident's circumstances.

A spokesman said: 'We can confirm that we work closely with any residents who have specific needs to ensure that they are supported.'

Miss Eastwood said the latest issue the property occurred in January when raw sewage came up through the wet room and into her hallway and bedroom.

It resulted in her grandmother's wedding dress being stained, which she says Saffron compensated her for.