A disabled Tullibody man who suffered a stroke earlier this year said he feels imprisoned in his home.
Former soldier Derek Allan, who lives alone, is calling for help to instal a ramp at the back door of his ground floor house to allow him to use his mobility scooter.
The 64-year-old suffered a stroke in February. He moved into the one-bedroom Carseview council property in April.
Derek said this week that a ramp would give him the freedom to get out and about again.
As well as the effects of the stroke which has restricted movement in Derek’s left leg, he also has two crushed vertebrae.
He told the Observer: “Before my stroke I could only walk a short distance, but things are worse now.
“I really need a ramp at my front and back doors for me to use the scooter.
“It would really help me get my freedom back. At the moment I feel as if I am under house arrest.
“If I had a ramp I’d be able to use the scooter to go out shopping.
“I have been in touch with various officials through the citizens’ advice bureau, but I understand that they cannot help me because I am not a permanent wheelchair user”.
Derek served in the Royal Pioneer Corps until the mid 1980s when he became a roofer. However, he retired from that job in 2015.
He said this week: “I feel a ramp isn’t too much to ask for. It would mean so much to me to get out and about again.”
A Stirling and Clackmannanshire Health and Social Care Partnership spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on individual cases but in general HSCP staff assess people who have mobility issues against service criteria that is in place.
The spokesperson went on: “Where the person doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria, we work with them on improving their mobility where that is possible.”
