A wheelchair user says he feels trapped in his home as he has been waiting more than a year to be moved into a property better suited to his needs.

Former window cleaner Shaun Shingleton, 50, repeatedly cuts and knocks his knees while trying to get around his bungalow in Grassmere in St Mary’s Bay, which his wife Kelly says has taken a heavy emotional toll.

The couple moved in in March 2023, and an occupational therapist from Kent County Council wrote to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) last November saying Mr Shingleton’s New Romney home needs to be adapted.

But the local authority replied a week later explaining they are not able to carry out the changes and instead, Mr Shingleton will need to move to a more suitable property.

But 12 months on, the couple are still waiting, and Mr Shingleton says he’s “sick and tired of fighting.”

Speaking from his home, he told KentOnline: “This bungalow is not wheelchair adapted for my needs.

“At first we had to go on the bidding list so you can bid on homes as they come up but they're all one-bedroom bungalows or flats, but they're not disability adapted.

“This place we're living in has got a lot of problems, but they're not doing anything about it.

“Every time they come out, they go, 'we've got to move you' but nothing seems to come from it.

“I'm 50 years old, and it feels like I've been fighting all my life, and I'm sick and tired of fighting.

“Getting through the doors is a struggle, getting to the bathroom, getting to the bedroom. I'm always banging my legs and I cut my knees.

“My uncle had to come around and change the bathroom door so it opens outwards, instead of inwards. But the toilet's right in the way when you come into the bathroom and I hit my chair on it.

‘I'm 50 years old, and it feels like I've been fighting all my life...’

“I'm just struggling around the house full stop. I do feel like I’m trapped. I'm just a number to them.”

Mr Shingleton has been in a wheelchair for 15 years after falling from a ladder.

The report by the occupational therapist says he needs to live in a property with “wider doors due to width of wheelchair” and “circulation space” so he can access all rooms in his wheelchair and be “independent with his activities of daily living”.

It also recommends kitchen work surfaces and cupboards need to be “adjustable or a lower height”.

The option of a home swap is also not available as Mr Shingleton says work needs to be carried out to the electrics in the property he is currently in.

Sitting next to her husband, Kelly says it’s hard to see her husband struggle as he is “so upset all the time” and “feels like everyone's against him”.

An FHDC spokesperson explained that no properties have yet become available for the couple, but council officers are continuing to search.

They said: “Mr Shingleton and his family have top priority for rehousing and the housing team are actively working to identify a property that is suitable or could be adapted to meet his needs.

“However, we are dependent on the properties that become vacant and unfortunately so far nothing suitable has become available.

“Mr Shingleton is also able to bid for any suitable vacant council or housing association homes that are advertised on the Kent Homechoice system and if a potential council property comes up, our surveyors will assess it to see if it is suitable, or could be made suitable.”

But Mr Shingleon says he has been advised not to bid on properties as he has been placed on an “auto bidding” system which applies for properties on his behalf.

A message he received earlier this month says: “Please do not bid on properties yourself as this may cause a problem with the auto bidding system.”