A TORY councillor has been accused of jumping on the bandwagon over waiting times for improvements to disabled council tenants' homes.

Tempers flared during the debate between Hyndburn housing councillors when Coun Peter Britcliffe called the delays "dreadful".

A report to the housing committee showed disabled council tenants had to wait five years for major adaptations and 18 months for minor ones such as ramps and handrails.

The leader of the council's Tory group said: "It does seem an awful long time for a handrail. Very often elderly people fall and can break a hip.

"While a handrail is only a small job, it is a necessity. What seems a simple matter to us can be a desperate one to elderly tenants."

He called on the council to speed up times for carrying out the work.

However, his comments provoked outbursts from several Labour councillors. Coun Joyce Beswick accused him of jumping on the bandwagon and taking up a cause which Labour councillors had been fighting for many years.

She added: "The committee understands the problem and will give the extra money if possible."

Coun Bill Goldsmith said he felt insulted by Coun Britcliffe's remarks because the council had been working hard to cut times.

Councillors pledged £18,000 towards repairs and home improvement schemes for the elderly, disabled and people on low income in the borough.

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