DISABLED Patricia Kershaw lost an arm through illness three years ago...and she still has to struggle bringing in the coal.

She claims Lancashire social services promised help to pay for a shower and central heating to make her life easier after the amputation, but little has happened in three years.

Mrs Kershaw, 51, of Elliott Avenue, Darwen, had her left forearm amputated after developing a blood clot.

She also suffers from osteoarthritis and spondylosis, a condition affecting her spine which limits movement.

Mrs Kershaw, who lives alone, has a coal fire in her living room and electric radiators upstairs.

"I have to go out into the back yard to get coal and it is a struggle," she said.

"During the winter I have to keep the radiators on because I have got bad circulation but it costs so much.

"All I have is invalidity benefit.

"Since I came out of hospital all social services have done is put a rail up my stairs and at the top of my stairs - nothing else. All I am asking for is a bit of comfort." A spokeswoman for Lancashire County Council said the need to respect patient confidentiality meant they could not discuss details of the case.

But she added: "We can confirm that Mrs Kershaw is known to the department and is in receipt of a variety of services and support.

"The circumstances relating to Mrs Kershaw are complex and steps are being taken to ensure that her assessed needs are met and continue to be met in the most appropriate manner."

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