A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND man says he has been “overwhelmed” by support from the community, after he was left unable to get around his home.

Leslie Bennett, of Lady Mary Court in Bulwark, Chepstow, was left crawling around his home after adaptations were not carried out, despite his requests to Charter Housing more than one month ago.

Senior representatives from the housing association carried out an assessment of his home last week, with work expected to start in the next two to three weeks.

The 34-year-old says he requires ramps, handrails, a wet room and a stairlift to get around, and to be able to leave his home.

After the Free Press reported on how Mr Bennett felt “trapped” in his home as he waited for work to start, messages of support flooded in and builder Terry O’Brien and Monmouthshire Cllr Armand Watts came forward to offer their help.

Mr O’Brien, who runs Terry’s Odd Jobs, has installed a temporary ramp made of decking boardsto help Mr Bennett leave his home in his wheelchair.

Temporary ramps were also installed to allow Mr Bennett to access his back garden. Building materials were donated by Travis Perkins and the work was carried out free of charge on Saturday.

Charter Housing has issued an apology to Mr Bennett for the delay in starting works, and Mr Bennett said he has been told that his case is now being dealt with as a priority.

A spokesman for Charter Housing said: “We wrote to Mr Bennett last week to apologise for the delay in starting works and to explain our intention to see works commence at the earliest.

“The tenders for the works are due back on July 28 All three contractors are aware of the urgency and are available to commence works by August 7 at the very latest.

“We are in regular contact with Mr Bennett and Mr Cox in respect of the major works and will start at a time and in a manner that best suits them.”

Mr Bennett moved to the area from Risca around four years ago, along with his partner John Cox, 33.

In February, Mr Bennett suffered a stroke which left him requiring the use of a wheelchair.