A VETERAN who had his leg amputated is desperately trying to find a home that suits his needs.

Paul Smith, a former Lance Corporal in the Royal Hampshire Regiment, has been living in a privately rented flat in Shirley for about four years. 

In May, the 53-year-old underwent an operation after a toe infection, which led to his left leg being amputated below the knee. 

Paul has since described his life in his Shirley Road flat as "difficult" and "dangerous".

Daily Echo: Paul Smith Paul Smith (Image: Paul Smith)

The wheelchair user said: "I smash my knuckles every time I have to wheel in and out of my bathroom or kitchen. 

"I am on the first floor and there is no lift in the building. I can't go out to do my groceries or go to my hospital appointments at all by myself." 

Being "trapped" in his flat has forced him to give up on daily trips to shops, cafes or to see friends, which in turn has affected his mental health, Paul says. 

However, friends James Mawby and Christopher Rennie have been taking turns to care for him. 

James, 42, told the Echo: "The stairs are not wide enough to take him downstairs in his wheelchair. 

"He has to go up and down the stairs on his bum. This is not fair on him." 

Paul served in the Royal Hampshire Regiment from 1987 to 1992. He was medically discharged due to diabetes. 

In July, Paul made an application for a council home that would suit his needs.

He's been on a waiting list since.

"I don't know how long I will be here," he said. "It could be a few weeks, months, or more than a few years." Daily Echo: Flight of stairs in Paul's flat Flight of stairs in Paul's flat (Image: Flight of stairs in Paul's flat)

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: "While we cannot comment on a resident’s personal circumstances, applications for accessible council housing are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are often reliant on support from occupational therapists and other health care professionals. 

"Demand for council housing in Southampton far outweighs availability, so applicants are likely to face a wait for a suitable match. 

"Where an application is classed as urgent, we will try to escalate the process, but unfortunately, we are unable to provide a timescale for re-housing."

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