Disabled Son’s Family Faces Three-Year Delay for Essential Home Modifications

The relatives of a child with disabilities have voiced profound distress regarding a three-year postponement of crucial modifications to their local authority residence. Robbie, aged twelve, residing in Boston, Lincolnshire, is unable to speak, lacks independent mobility, and requires assistance to be transported to the upstairs bathroom. His mother, Ayla, received assurances that a ground-floor addition, featuring a bedroom accessible by wheelchair and a wet room, would be constructed; however, the project has not yet commenced. Boston Borough Council, the proprietor of the dwelling, characterized the deferral as “regrettable” and indicated its efforts to address the situation. Ayla relocated from an apartment to the house alongside her children and partner with the aim of furnishing improved care for Robbie, who developed meningitis during his toddler years. He experiences partial blindness and deafness and necessitates tube feeding. Robbie utilizes the dining room for sleeping, and Ayla is required to carry him up the staircase for bathing. Upon their occupancy, the council pledged that the extension would be completed within a year, she stated. Following an extended delay, construction was scheduled to commence last Monday, but it was abruptly called off at the eleventh hour because of a disagreement over property boundaries. “It’s been so hard living like this for the past three years,” Ayla said.”I’d rather have struggled in the old property. I think I’ve been patient enough.”At the moment, I’m having to lift Robbie up the stairs to give him a bath. The strain on my back is terrible.” She further stated: “His bedroom is what should be my dining room. It means we don’t have a table to eat at. We have to eat in the living room on the sofa.”If my other kids want to paint or draw we have to do it on the floor.“I feel angry and frustrated that I’m having to live like this.” The council recognized the “regrettable delay” in the commencement of construction for “this family’s much-needed extension”. Councillor John Baxter, the official overseeing housing, stated: “Unfortunately, a matter relating to land ownership and boundaries has arisen”To address this concern, revised applications are being prepared.” The council maintained its “committed to supporting families in need” stance and would “continue to work diligently to resolve this matter promptly”, he further remarked. Audiences can access highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, view the most recent installment of Look North, or submit potential news stories here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.