AN 80-year-old Blackburn man is having to carry his sick wife up the stairs due to a lengthy waiting list for disabled adaptations.

Abdul Piracha, of Queens Close, said he had been left with no option but for him and his son to carry Hamida, 75, as they have been waiting five months to hear if Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will install a stair lift.

Mr Piracha's wife suffers from crippling arthritis and chest problems that make her scaling the home's steep stairs on her own almost impossible.

And even though Mr Piracha lives with his son Zahid, 40, he said the process of trying to get Hamida upstairs was proving not only difficult for them, but was also hurting his wife.

Mr Piracha said that occupational therapists from Blackburn with Darwen Council had been to assess the situation back in August, and they were still waiting for a reply.

The council has responded by saying the Pirachas could still be granted the home improvements in due course, but a boss admitted that funds for disabled adaptations were stretched at present.

Mr Piracha said: "We are now experiencing big difficulty with her in the last few months.

"The main thing is we see all these services available to other people yet we can not get them.

"She's experiencing pain all the time and there's just no relief to it. She doesnt' sleep well at all.

"Two of us have had to carry her up the stairs, one at the front and one from behind. Many times she has fallen down.

"It's my duty as her husband to care for her and be responsible for her and I thank God I've the support of my family.

"We just need help but they have told us there is no money and there's nothing they can do.

"Maybe there are other people more desperate than my wife.

"It's not just for us, this is just one example of what is going on at the moment to people all over."

David Kerambrum, deputy director for adult social services, said: "There are many demands on the council's budget for adaptations in the home.

"Every case is given a priority, in order to ensure that those with the most pressing needs are served first and that demand is managed within the budget.

"The occupational therapy assessment is just one part of the process.

"A Social Services community care a- ssessment is also carried out where appropriate, to make sure that other services and support are also provided where needed."