A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND woman, trapped in her home after water flooded over the access ramp, has blamed council delays for leaving her stranded.

Catherine Eastham, from Bardsea Place, Ingol, said she feels like the Lady Of The Lake as drainage problems have left her Preston house surrounded by water for almost two months.

Her solicitor refused to navigate the huge pool, meals-on-wheels workers had to use wellies to wade through, and dampness led to slugs in the fridge.

Angry Mrs Eastham, aged 59 - who was recently diagnosed with ME on top of suffering from arthritis, angina and asthma - said: "I feel really low after the whole thing. It's enough coping with illness without these extra problems.

"I'm a prisoner in my own home. People with disabilities should have the same rights as everyone else."

Coun Bill Chadwick, leader of Preston's Liberal Democrats and Ingol ward representative, has taken up the case. He claims it's the council's duty to resolve problems within 56 days of them being reported.

He said: "People like this should take priority. It's like a life sentence and she's really fed up."

Preston's director of housing Peter Deacon said: "We're aware of the problem and are making attempts to put the matter right.

"We did work last year and thought we had the problem solved which is clearly not the case.

"We're now looking to do further work."

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