THE family of a woman who is partially paralysed after suffering a stroke have spoken of their horror at her being trapped inside the house for almost a year.

Ethel Williams, who lives in Morris Rise, Blaenavon suffered a stroke in August 2017, leaving her paralysed on the right-side.

Since then, the 80-year-old has been unable to leave her house because of steep steps outside the front door.

"Unfortunately she is not able to walk at all," said daughter Kathleen Mhamdi.

"We cannot carry her down the steps and the wheelchair is too big to get through the door. We have also been told a ramp cannot be put in.

"She has been stuck in here since August 2017.

"Not only is she trapped inside her own body but also the house."

Miss Mhamdi has now voiced her anger that, despite repeated calls to Bron Avon and Torfaen County Borough Council to request a new home to accommodate her mum's needs, this has not happened.

"We have been asking for a new home for 10 months," said Miss Mhamdi.

"She needs a house which is suitable for her.

"We are seeing mum's character be destroyed because she cannot get out of the house. I am very annoyed."

She added: "Mum needs somewhere in Blaenavon with her family and friends."

Husband Bob Williams added the situation is now having an impact on his health.

"I currently sleep on a sofa," he said. "I am more than six foot and am sleeping on a four foot sofa.

"This is bad for me. All we want is to be given a new home which is suitable for my wife to get in and out."

Principal occupational therapist of Bron Afon, Verity Samuel, said: "We have been working closely with the Homeseeker team and Torfaen social services and will continue to make every effort to find a property.”

And a Torfaen council spokesman added: "Mrs Williams is a Bron Afon tenant and the council’s Homeseeker team have placed her into a Gold band which acknowledges her urgent medical need.

"Unfortunately to date there has not been any properties advertised through Homeseeker in Blaenavon which would meet her housing and personal requirements. To date, no bids for properties have been placed by Mrs Williams and suitably adapted homes offered outside Blaenavon have been refused.

"The council along with its housing partners will continue to work with the family to identify a suitable home as soon as possible."