An amputee is begging to be moved from his third-floor flat - as he fears being trapped if a fire broke out.

Richard Barnes moved into the property in Dover two years ago, but following complications from a blood clot, doctors had to remove his lower left leg.

The grandfather-of-four, who now relies on a wheelchair, is desperate to be put in more suitable accommodation.

He told KentOnline: “There is a sign on the lift saying you are not supposed to use it if there is a fire, so how would I get out – throw myself down the stairs?

“Once it didn’t work for four days so people from the local food bank had to come over to bring me supplies.

“Another time some friends came to see me and when they left they went in the lift and it broke down.

“They had to call the fire service to get them out because they were stuck between floors.”

The 60-year-old says he even struggles to get in and out of his flat door because it is not wide enough to comfortably get through with the wheelchair. At times he has cut hands trying to squeeze through.

He has repeatedly asked housing association Home Group to move him.

“They say there is a waiting list - but I can’t stay here,” he said.

“I’ve worked all my life and paid my stamps and ended up like this.”

Mr Barnes has also sought help from Dover District Council to be rehoused.

He added: “Clearly this property is not suitable for me. I need a ground floor flat at the minimum.

“These properties are designed for single able-bodied people, not disabled people, “

Mr Barnes is originally from the Isle of Grain in Medway and attended the Hundred of Hoo Academy near Strood.

In his younger days, the divorced former traffic officer was a keen rugby player and angler.

In later years he rented accommodation in Wingham but had to move out when that property was sold. His tiny one-bed flat is his first accommodation in Dover.

Home Group’s regional director, Emma Solomons, said: “We fully sympathise with the difficult situation our customer is in, and we are working with them and the local council to try and move them to a suitable property as soon as is possible.

“We know the challenges that their current living situation can present, especially when there have been short-term issues with the lifts.

“We have had these fixed as quickly as we could when they have occurred, and in those instances, we have also made sure to check on our customer and delivered groceries for them.

"In terms of fire safety we are aware of the needs of our customer and a personal emergency evacuation plan is in place.”

Ms Solomons said they are liaising with the council to ensure they are alerted when a suitable property becomes available.

A Dover District Council spokesman said there is a limited supply of one-bed accommodation that is wheelchair accessible or that could be adapted.

“We are aware of the situation and are working with the tenant and the housing association to try and resolve his situation,” they said.

“Dover District Council continues to work with a range of partners to help people who are experiencing housing issues.

“All housing applications are assessed and prioritised according to the council’s allocations policy.”