Ref. 28128-23A man who applied for a new wheelchair 18 months ago is still waiting to be helped. Kevin Moore, 45, who has spina bifida, now fears it is only time before his old wheelchair collapses.

Kevin, of Shaplands, in Stratton St Margaret, said: "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.

"I have been trying to arrange to get a new one for months now but it feels like I am getting nowhere.

"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: "They give you vouchers which you can exchange for a wheelchair or put towards a better wheelchair as part payment.

"But nothing came of that and I was left waiting. So 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 and she was very nice and helpful. 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 last month but this time they cancelled because they said they had transport problems. They said they would find me another appointment but, as yet, I haven't heard anything.

"I don't really know what to think at the moment. But I just hope it doesn't continue like this."

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."

Martin Brown, the community services manager for the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, which manages the Wheelchair Services, said: "We are sorry Mr Moore has had such a wait for a wheelchair.

"He was assessed in July 2002 and offered a chair then. In September the therapist visited him and he was given an appointment to view the wheelchairs, but he had to cancel.

"Unfortunately, we had to cancel his second appointment due to lack of transport to take Mr Moore from Swindon to Melk-sham.

"We hope we can sort this out for him before Christmas."