A DISABLED man was a prisoner in his own home for four days -- because the street lamps outside his house were being replaced.

Work began six weeks ago to remove old-style green lamp posts and put in new slimline grey ones in Fife Street, Accrington, but the job could not be finished because of electrical problems.

Resident Janet Taylor said that United Utilities workmen returned last Friday and increased the size of the hole outside the home she shares with husband Grant.

"Grant has been wheelchair dependent for five years and he wasn't able to get out," she said.

The workmen only returned yesterday and filled in the hole, releasing Grant.

"We have a ramp for the front door but there is a step at the gate on to the pavement and the positioning of the bollards they had put round the hole made it impossible to get by," Janet said.

Workmen returned late on Friday afternoon to move the position of the bollards and they placed a metal plate over the hole -- but this was raised above the level of the pavement, which only increased the problems," she added.

And at the weekend high winds had blown the bollards all over the place, she said.

Grant, 34, has been wheelchair dependent since he developed a form of leg paralysis five years ago. It is believed to be the result of an accident while he was in the army 15 years ago.

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: "During the programme of refurbishment there was a problem with the electrics on this one post and we had to wait for this to be repaired.

"The men did talk to the residents and they covered the excavation.

"The work was carried out as quickly as possible, but we apologise to the residents for any inconvenience."