Ref. 28076-49As our council struggles to make ends meet, disabled Tony Vaughan represents the human cost of the lack of funds.

THIS is the undignified way that Tony Vaughan has to get in and out of his house and it's all because Swindon's zero-rated social services department won't pay for alterations to his home.

Mr Vaughan, 66, has to scramble out of his wheelchair and crawl on his hands and one knee while dragging his chair behind him every time he wants to enter or leave his home in Davenwood, Stratton.

He's been asking for a ramp to his home to be installed and other alterations for the past 10 months.

Although social services have agreed he needs their help, they want him to pay the £4,000 cost. He can't afford it.

Mr Vaughan, who successfully campaigned on behalf of hundreds of disabled people for better access at Fairford's International Air Tattoo, says he is the human face of let-down customers of the borough's social services.

He had his left leg amputated at the knee four years ago, sufferers from severe arthritis in his other leg and has a painful condition in his hands.

In February he decided it was time to stop bravely struggling on and asked for help. Four months later an assessor visited his council-owned bungalow and agreed he needed assistance and should have a ramp and a disabled shower.

He also wants the council to lay an area of hard-standing on his front garden and lower the kerb so he can park his specially adapted car off the road.

Mr Vaughan said: "All I want is my independence and dignity.

"My pension works out at £166 a week, and I have no savings, so I cannot afford the work.

"The silly thing is that if my wife was on income support I would get it for free."

Mr Vaughan's wife Mary, 43, a cleaner, helps him in and out of the house when she's not at work, by putting a portable ramp in place over the front step.

Swindon Council's social services department says it is trying to resolve the problem.

Graham Pearson, assistant director of adult services, said: "To avoid further delays, a financial assessment using the framework of new Government guideline is being undertaken in the hope of finding a mutually agreed solution."

Tamash Lal