Friends are rallying round a pensioner suffering from Alzheimer's who has gone without electricity and gas for three weeks.

Michael Wright, of Jubliee Close, Pinner, has been relying on the kindness of strangers and friends in order to survive without basic facilities.

When a fire damaged his flat earlier this year, Mr Wright was moved to temporary accommodation and later a care home after he had a fall at home.

On August 4 he was taken back to his flat in Pinner, but he claims when he arrived at the flat provided by Harrow Council and Care UK, he did not have any keys to charge his gas and electricity meters.

The 67-year-old, who has suffered a series of strokes and now uses a walking stick, has lived on his own since his wife died four years ago.

Wally Kennedy, of Townsend Way, Northwood, has been friends with Mr Wright since meeting him a café in Northwood Hills.

He said: "The man is extremely vulnerable and he should be looked after by the council, but nobody is willing to take responsibility.

"The bottom line is before he moved back into his flat they should have ensured the property had electricity and gas."

The volunteer community advocate and other friends have been helping Mr Wright by offering their homes for him to wash in and buying him breakfast every day.

He said: "When they moved him back into his flat no one bothered to check to see if he had any keys for his electricity and gas.

"The social workers are meant to come and see him at 8.30am everyday, but they don't turn up till 10am, so Michael leaves."

Mr Wright is grateful for the help his friends have given him, but wants help from the council.

He said: "It's so cold in the house. The council has been terrible to me. They had better put on my electricity and gas or I will take them to court.

"Last Wednesday I had a visit from a social worker for the first time in a week. They are supposed to come every day."

Gwyneth Allen, Harrow Council's divisional director of adults and housing services, said: "The flat was damaged by fire in January 2008 and during that time Mr Wright was provided with alternative accommodation at Tapley Court, which is sheltered housing. Mr Wright returned to Jubilee Close on August 11 after extensive repairs had been undertaken. It was not possible for him to remain in sheltered housing because of his behaviour.

"Mr Wright is vulnerable and although he does appear to have support through friends who have informed housing on many occasions that they would assist, Mr Wright does not always co-operate."

She added that Mr Wright had been provided with the utility keys.