Nelson motor neurone disease sufferer ‘prisoner in his own home’
MN sufferer Michael Moulding with his supporters who are protesting over the inaction by Housing Pendle.
PENDLE’S leading social landlord has defended itself against criticism for failing to meet the housing needs of a 51-year-old motor neurone disease sufferer.
Housing Pendle had been criticised by supporters of Michael Moulding, of Larch Street, Nelson, for “not caring” about his needs for housing in the local area.
But the landlord said his case had been assigned the “highest priority” and everything possible was being done to meet his needs.
Mr Moulding, who has suffered from the disease for four years, said: “I am becoming a prisoner in my own home.
“From the moment I get up in the morning, I am facing an uphill battle and it’s only a matter of time before I become confined to one room as my mobility is becoming increasingly limited each day.
“In the last six weeks. I have had umpteen accidents. the first when I was trying to leave my home via the back door when my wheelchair tipped over on the back street and I was stranded on the ground for 20 minutes before a passer-by saw me.
“Along with my occupational therapist, I have been fighting to get him a home in the Nelson area so I can be close to his family and friends just in case he needs any help, but Housing Pendle don’t seem to understand my needs. The homes I have been offered are just not suitable. I am getting more and more depressed and I feel Housing Pendle just don’t seem to care.”
Neil McGowan, who is the Conservative candidate for Nelson South in the forthcoming county council elections, said: “It’s an absolute disgrace that Mr Moulding has been put through all this messing about.
“Here is a man that’s not only having to soldier on throughout this terrible illness, he has to fight for a home that meets his needs as well.
“I am more than happy to take up this fight for Mr Moulding and put my election campaign on hold until this matter is resolved.”
Housing Pendle Managing Director Ian Clark said: “Mr Moulding is not currently a Housing Pendle tenant but is registered with B-with-us, the letting scheme for Pennine Lancashire.
“He has been assigned the highest priority for housing and we are doing all we can to find him suitable accommodation.
“Of the 10 homes that have become available in the area he is looking for with Housing Pendle and other social landlords, none have been suitable for adapting to meet his specific needs.
“We are continuing to identify properties which may be suitable for him as soon as they become empty.”
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Saturday 18 May 2013
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