Ref. 28128-34A man who was promised a new wheelchair before Christmas, after applying 18 months ago, is still waiting to be helped.

Kevin Moore, 45, who has spina bifida, told the Evening Advertiser three weeks ago how he feared his current wheelchair was on the verge of collapse.

At the beginning of December Martin Brown, of Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, which manages the Wheelchair Services, apologised for the long delay and said he hoped it would be sorted out by Christmas.

But Kevin, of Shaplands, in Stratton St Margaret, is still waiting to be given an appointment to view a suitable wheelchair.

He said: "I phoned them more than a week ago and was told someone would be in touch to give me an appointment.

"I think it's just silly now. I'm feeling quite cross about it because it's gone on for too long.

"I live with carers on site but I am worried that the wheels may buckle when I am out in town or at college without anyone to help me.

"One of the wheels is wonky and the handles are unstable too. I'm feeling quite worried about it."

Kevin said he first contacted Wiltshire Wheelchair Services, based at Melksham Hospital, in the summer of 2002 and was told he would be given vouchers for a new wheelchair.

Kevin, who attends an art course at Swindon College three days a week, said: "I phoned again seven months ago was told I would be given an appointment to get a wheelchair.

"They sent a lady round to assess my situation. I was given a date to view a wheelchair but I had to cancel because I couldn't get to Melksham.

"I was given another appointment in November but this time they cancelled because they had transport problems.

"My brother-in-law has said he will take a day off work to drive me there if I ever get an appointment."

Kevin, a former kitchen porter at the Forte Crest Hotel, in Oxford Road, retired on medical grounds 14 years ago after his legs became weak.

He said: "I was walking until I was 31, but always knew that one day I would need a wheelchair. It took a while to adapt but now my wheelchair is the only way I can get around, which is why I would like one which feels secure."

No one was available for comment at PCT.

Alex Emery