A ROSYTH pensioner claims he has become a prisoner in his own home because Fife Council has yet to build wheelchair access into his property.

After having his left leg amputated six months ago, the only way Ron Mathie can get out of his home is when paramedics carry him out of the front door and into an ambulance for hospital appointments. 

Ron, 78, of Cromwell Road, said: “How would you like to be trapped in your house all this time? 

“I was never in the house before my operation, being a keen gardener and working right up until I was 73. 

“It’s mentally and physically draining and although me and my wife have been married for over 40 years, we’ve never fought like we are now!”

Ron, who previously took on Asda over a row about a public right of way at the St Leonard’s store in Dunfermline, is desperate to get out and about. 

He became an amputee in June after his blood system failed when having a bypass and cut off the circulation in his leg. 

He now has to rely on his wife, Sadie, 88, who struggles to walk herself, and family and friends who can spare a little time to do jobs and errands.

He added: “I have had all the equipment I need set up for months but I can’t do anything with it. 

“I’ve spent a lot of money on a hoist for my car and a great electric wheelchair which gets me around the house. Several people have come to take measurements but nothing else has happened.

“The council have given no explanation of why this is taking so long even though they’ve promised it will be done countless times. 

“At this point I’m thinking about taking legal action because I believe they are breaching their duty of care.”

Anne McAlpine, clinical service manager at Fife Council, said: “We fully appreciate Mr Mathie’s position and continue to work with him to provide a solution that he is happy to go ahead with.

“Given the elevated position of the property an external wheelchair lift is needed. 

“This requires external construction work as well as the lift installation so a technical site visit was carried out. 

“Due to unforeseen circumstances there was a delay in receiving the plans, but we kept in touch with Mr Mathie and made arrangements with another contractor so that things could progress.

“We discussed plans for a lift installation in early October but at that point Mr Mathie asked for an alternative layout, as is his right. 

“This, however, required another technical site visit to draw up revised plans. 

“As soon as we have these we’ll discuss them with Mr Mathie and hopefully be able to move forward. We remain committed to maintaining regular contact and working with Mr Mathie.”