A man unable to get into the shower without assistance has been waiting for more than a year for council help.

Stephen Mannering, 57, needs a wet room installed and said the idea was first raised by Ipswich Borough Council 14 months ago. 

He is a part of the council's Disabled Adaptations Policy, which aims to help people in Ipswich with housing needs. 

Ipswich Borough Council says the 57-year-old has been recently assessed and advised his property is not considered to be "fully adaptable" to such a major adaptation.

A spokesman said the council is committed to supporting the tenant to help him live comfortably.

Mr Mannering said: "I do not have a wet room, just a shower in a bath.

"I cannot get in the shower myself, so without the help of a friend to push me in I can't clean myself at all."

He further added that the idea of getting help from someone to clean himself is "embarrassing". 

Ipswich Star: Mr Mannering says that he has not recieved help for over three yearsMr Mannering says that he has not recieved help for over three years (Image: Newsquest)

The 57-year-old lives on Hawke Road in Ipswich, and has first contacted the council three years ago when he noticed problems with his bathroom's walls. 

A council worker had asked him to remove the wallpaper and then discovered that the paint on the wall was full of lead, which can be toxic to breathe in. 

"I was told someone would come back and help me fix it, but for three years I have only had silence on this," he said.

Then in March 2023, he realised that he was no longer able to climb into the bath to take a shower - he again contacted the council. 

A worker told him that they would install a wet room in his bathroom to help him strip-wash, which was ideal for him. 

However, here too Mr Mannering has not heard anything in return. 

He said: "All I want is a wet room to wash myself daily, and not have to be embarrassed by a friend helping me into the bath every time."

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesperson says: "The tenant has been recently assessed under our Disabled Adaptations Policy and advised that the property type is not considered to be fully adaptable to complement the proposed major adaptation.

"We are committed to supporting the tenant to seek alternative measures to ensure that he can live comfortably. The Council will be proactive in working with him to find a solution to meet these needs."