A DISABLED man who has had two serious falls in the past year is having to sleep in his front room because Harrow Council has yet to install a much-needed stair lift.

Bob Smith, who suffers from epilepsy, has a metal prosthesis in his shoulder and has been in and out of hospital where he contracted MRSA, is petrified of going upstairs in his own home.

He applied for the lift eight months ago and is still no nearer to getting it, despite breaking his nose and suffering head injuries in two serious falls.

The 61-year-old, who lives in Gaylor Road, South Harrow, said: "I'm absolutely terrified of going upstairs and I feel like a bit of a prisoner in my own home.

"It sounds odd but I have been incredibly lucky in those two falls, maybe I won't be so lucky next time and I'll do some serious damage to myself. I could die.

"It is not the first time they have been slow in helping me.

"When I came out of hospital I asked for a commode and it took them almost a week to get that to me.

"I also required an intercom system because if I have a fit, I am unable to get up and let the paramedics in, but I had two serious fits while waiting for that too. I understand that there are other people desperately in need of things, but I have been seen by a whole host of people at the council.

"It seems like they should spend less time repeating assessments and paying for three people to do the same job when they could be helping people who are being put in danger in their own homes.

"I won't roll over and forget that I need this, but there are elderly people out there that clearly aren't getting the help and the equipment they need. Much like me, I would imagine they are tired of getting fobbed off."

A spokesman for Harrow Council admitted that Mr Smith's condition means he is in need of a lift, but said: "Mr Smith's medical situation requires a lift for access to the first floor, but unfortunately he is one of many on the waiting list who needs major works carried out.

"We sympathise with Mr Smith's condition and we are doing everything we can to help him in the meantime."