A DISABLED man has been forced to live in his van for eight months while waiting for the council to provide him with a flat.

Matthew Gandy, who is paralysed from the waist down, is frustrated by the delays as he said he was first promised accommodation in August last year.

The 45-year-old, who has lived in Worthing for four years, is staying at Washington Caravan and Camping Park in Pulborough.

Mr Gandy, who worked in property renovation, told The Argus he was struggling as the van does not have sufficient heating to keep him warm.

He said: “I’ve had enough of Adur and Worthing councils because they keep delaying my accommodation.

“While waiting for the council to sort out the flat, I lived in my van which I used for my old job.

“I had the interior refitted with cooking facilities and a chemical toilet. I have access to water and electricity.

“However the heating isn’t great so it’s freezing at night.

“I have been living in the van since May last year and I was parked in places such as Goring Gap.

The Argus:

“I was repeatedly told by parking wardens to move on and I was given parking tickets. I had nowhere to stay.

“Luckily I didn’t need to pay the fines because of my situation.

“I then insisted to the council that I need to stay on a site where I have access to facilities. I was moved to the caravan park in Pulborough last month but my stay expires on Saturday.”

Mr Gandy volunteered for a dog rescue charity but 18 months ago he was bitten by a dog that had been vaccinated for rabies.

He says the vaccine went into his body, triggering paralysis from the waist down.

He said: “I was diagnosed with Adem Syndrome.

“I was told I could move into the flat in August and then they told me to give them six weeks so they could fit disabled facilities.

“Then there was an issue with costing because a tender was put in for £10,000 but the renovation was more than that quoted price.

“They told me I should be able to move in during the Christmas period.”

Mr Gandy said he has been told he could move in on Friday.

He added: “This week the housing officers told me I could move in the flat this Friday. I really hope they have sorted out everything for me because the wait has been way too long. It’s getting ridiculous.”

Adur and Worthing Councils have been contacted for a comment.