A Plymouth woman who has lost both her legs says she has been left feeling “completely helpless within my own home” after months of trying to secure approval for a replacement bedroom hoist.

Ruth, who owns her flat in Plymouth, has been unable to have the equipment installed while Blair Estates Ltd, the company responsible for collecting ground rent at the development, seeks agreement.

Plymouth City Council is ready to install a slimmer hoist, which Ruth has agreed to, but the work remains on hold pending the company's approval.

Ruth raised the issue with her local MP, Rebecca Smith, who has been attempting to resolve the situation since June.

Despite repeated correspondence, Ms Smith says Blair Estates has failed to explain its position or identify any outstanding issues preventing the installation.

During a recent telephone call, Ms Smith was reportedly told the company would not be responding to her enquiries.

Ms Smith said: “After sitting down with Ruth and hearing what has happened, I was deeply disappointed by the way she has been treated by Blair Estates. She has been patient and willing to work with everyone involved, and it should not have taken months of unanswered correspondence to reach this point.

“I approached Blair Estates to establish the facts and help find a solution. If there are practical difficulties or outstanding questions about the proposed hoist, the company has had ample opportunity to explain them. Refusing to respond leaves us unable to understand its position or help move things forward.”

Ruth said the uncertainty had left her distressed and struggling to understand why the installation could not proceed.

She said: “The Council has been very kind and helpful, and I’m happy with the replacement hoist they’ve suggested for my bedroom. Having lost both my legs, I would depend on it every day, and I’d hoped Blair Estates would understand how much it matters and help me get it sorted.

“It’s upsetting when you keep asking for help and don’t hear anything back, because you’re left wondering whether anyone has even read what you’ve said. I don’t expect anyone to know exactly what it’s like, but a little kindness and someone willing to listen would mean an awful lot.

“Rebecca has been trying to get answers since June, and I’m so grateful that she hasn’t given up. When I heard they wouldn’t respond to her either, my heart sank, because I didn’t know who else we could ask. Blair Estates have left me feeling completely helpless within my own home.”