Andover woman's 'six months of hell' in Lion Oak Court

Linda Hall, 72, was placed in accommodation at Lion Oak Court in Andover after a fire destroyed her former home at Dairy Court in May.

She described the property as unsuitable and said living there has worsened her health.

Ms Hall said: "After the fire, I was first put into a hotel, but because of my MS, I needed to have a hoist, so they put me into Willow Court, which is next door to the hospital.

Lion Oak Court (Image: Daniel Quina Brito)

"But after three or four weeks, I had to leave Willow Court and then I was put here at Lion Oak Court and in all honesty, Willow Court was a lot cleaner than this."

Ms Hall uses a mobility scooter or wheelchair and requires a ground-floor flat, but her current accommodation does not meet her needs.

She said: "I am unable to reach things in the kitchen on the counter, I cannot use the cupboards, and even to use the oven it's impossible as it's too high up and I am not even strong enough to open it anyway.

"Even the front door, as it is a fire door, I struggle with because it is heavy and I have to get the lift down to leave because I of course cannot use the stairs, which also adds stress and unnecessary actions to my day."

Ms Hall said: "I have to eat and drink outside in the shops.

"Living here has been six months of hell, and my health has deteriorated. I've just come out of hospital for having a stroke because I am constantly stressed every day and it is horrible."

She said she has no support at Lion Oak Court and wants to move.

Ms Hall said: "I've got no one here and I don't want to be here anymore, it's lonely and I will never be able to call this place home as I'd rather stay out all day because this is hell.

"There is no carpet in here, and it just does not look right. This place is horrendous."

She also said the fire separated her from her son, who lived with her at Dairy Court.

Ms Hall said: "At Dairy Court I lived with my son as we had a two-bedroom flat and we were so close, we got on very well and it was just perfect, but since the fire we've been apart and I barely see him now."

She said she has always lived in ground-floor properties and does not understand why she cannot be placed in one now.

Ms Hall said: "I just want to be on the ground floor or somewhere suitable for my needs, I have always had ground-floor flats and I don't understand why I can't now, I shouldn't be here."

Aster Group, which owns Lion Oak Court, said it is working to ensure all residents feel safe and supported.

A spokesman for Aster Group said: "We're committed to ensuring all residents at Lion Oak Court feel safe, supported and able to live independently.

"Every customer has access to person-centred fire safety planning, including personal emergency evacuation plans and the building has two lifts to support accessibility.

"Where residents require adjustments to their home, aids and adaptations requests can be made through an occupational therapist so that any changes meet individual needs – for example, accessible kitchens or remote door-entry systems."

The spokesman said cleanliness inside individual flats is the responsibility of residents, but support can be arranged if needed.

They said: "If anyone feels they need additional help with managing their care or support needs, our team can assist them in arranging a care assessment with the local authority.

"We have not identified any concerns regarding the cleanliness of communal areas.

"Care services at Lion Oak Court are delivered by the onsite provider, and we continue to work closely with partners to ensure residents receive the support they need."