A former special constable says he is virtually housebound as he cannot get his mobility scooter out of his home.

David Keay, of Ferry View, Rushenden, suffers from debilitating conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, so relies on the machine to get about.

The mobility aid, given to him last year as a present by his children Jessica, 24, and Taylor, 22, has proved a lifeline.

Up until the beginning of last month, the 53-year-old was able to avoid steps at the front of his house by driving the scooter out of his back garden, down an alley to his car on a plot which used to be garages.

But now the land the garages were on has been fenced off in preparation for three homes to be built by PDC Construction, blocking Mr Keay's only step-free access route.

Mr Keay, who objected to the new homes, said: "Somebody's not considered disabled access for residents.

"The next step is to get a wheelchair but I don't want to do that because I'd be reliant on someone pushing me."

Mr Keay, an Optivo resident, received a letter from PDC Construction on September 5, saying it would be increasing "the safety of the area to prevent any antisocial behaviour". The next day the fencing was put up.

He emailed the firm on September 6 but has not yet had a reply.

"Somebody's not considered disabled access for residents," - David Keay

Mr Keay, who also suffers from depression and anxiety, added: "With the mobility scooter you're not restricted, you can go literally anywhere but without getting tired.

"This year we said we might go to the Leeds Castle Christmas fair but I wouldn't be able to go without my scooter."

An Optivo spokesman said: "We're sorry to hear of the challenges Mr Keay is experiencing accessing his home.

"The land behind Mr Keay's home does not belong to Optivo and we have no control over the fencing which has been erected.

"We've arranged for a housing officer and project surveyor to visit Mr Keay as a matter or urgency to see what options are available.

"Our staff will continue to work closely with Mr Keay to try and help in any way we can."

PDC Construction, which owns the land, was contacted for comment.