Disabled residents were made prisoners in their block of flats after council contractors dug up the paving stones outside the entrance.

Some were incarcerated for up to three days because they could not get their wheelchairs out of the building.

Builders, employed by Brighton and Hove City Council, accidentally laid dangerously-uneven paving slabs at the front of Theobald House in Blackman Street, Brighton, in April.

They were due to rectify the problem at the beginning of this week but, after digging up the slabs on Monday, they have not yet been relaid.

Before a temporary ramp was installed on Wednesday evening, residents who were wheelchair-bound were unable to get out.

Eric Whitner, 84, said he was unable to get his electric buggy out of the block for several days.

He said: "On Monday I went downstairs to try to talk to the foreman responsible but when I tried to get to him on my Zimmer frame I fell over. It was very upsetting."

Neighbour Bryan Oliver, 69, who also uses an electric buggy, said he had been unable to shop or visit the doctor.

He said: "I had a stroke and my left leg is almost completely paralysed so I find it hard to walk.

"I think the council should not have allowed this to happen."

Ian Hills, secretary of the Theobald House Residents' Association, said: "The work needed doing as the old paving was in a really bad state but to come and dig it up, relay it just as bad, then dig it up again and leave it awhile before relaying is silly.

"This is just the latest problem in a long line. I believe the council has been incompetent in dealing with us."

The council admitted it could be some time before the work was completed.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "We have had several problems with the contractors we hired to do the paving outside Theobald House.

"There was a problem with access because paving slabs were incorrectly put in.

"The council ensured that a level ramp was put in place ensuring all residents now have safe access to and from the building. We are urgently seeking an alternative contractor to complete the work."