THE father of a disabled woman who has been waiting seven weeks to move into her new council bungalow has hit out at housing officers over the delays.

Derek Brindley has paid out £1,600 of his own money to try to get the bungalow in Lightwood ready for his daughter, Lisa Jeffries, to move into.

But he claims that the property is still uninhabitable because essential repairs have not been carried out.

Mr Brindley, aged 67, of Yarnfield, Stone, said he has now received rent arrears demands for the property in Lightwood Road, even though his 44-year-old daughter is still living in a Newcastle care home waiting to move in.

Ms Jeffries has had to stay at Bradwell Hall Nursing Home and her 13-year-old daughter has been living with foster carers while they wait for the housing situation to be sorted out.

She should have moved into the bungalow at the beginning of March.

But after Mr Brindley picked up the keys he says he discovered exposed live electrical wiring, broken electrical sockets, poorly fitted kitchen units and possible asbestos in the flooring.

Councillor Joan Bell, portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhood management, said she was unaware of any outstanding problems with the bungalow.

She said: "This property was accepted and keys handed over in early March with the knowledge that work was to take place. At this stage, rent became payable.

"Kier Stoke has since carried out refurbishments, and an occupational health assessment will take place to ensure any specialist adaptations she needs are installed."

But Mr Brindley said: "I knew the bungalow needed adaptations, but I didn't know anything about the electrical problems or the asbestos in the floor until afterwards.

"I fully expected to pay some money out to get the property up to a satisfactory standard for my daughter and granddaughter to live in, but I've spent £1,600 now and feel I am still no closer to getting a moving-in date. On top of that, I've had a bill for £190 in rent arrears from March, which is about to go up to about £400."

Lisa, who has muscular atrophy and is confined to a wheelchair, moved into the care home after separating from her husband, who was also her carer.

She said: "I was only supposed to be in the care home for a few days and can't believe I've been away from my family for six months. "