Disabled man living in hotel for seven months after flat fire

A disabled man from Trowbridge says he has become isolated and his life is unbearable after months of living in a hotel room.

A fire damaged the flat above Michael Gaffney's in January.

Seven months on he's still locked out of his home and has been told it will be another six months before he can return.

Mr Gaffney says the initial fire caused him a lot of distress.

He also says the wait to return home is making the situation unbearable.

Seven months on the building is boarded up but there is no sign of any repair work.

The housing association who own the building have put Mr Gaffney up at a nearby hotel.

He says he's well looked after - but it simply isn't home.

Mr Gaffney says his health has been affected by the experience of living in a hotel room.

Mr Gaffney's two cats are being looked after in separate catteries.

He relies on neighbours to drive him from place to place meaning he only sees them every two weeks.

The housing association say it will be around six months more before the repairs will be finished.

There is extensive damage to the top floor of the building and the housing association say this is what is causing the delay.

They have to assess the damage and make sure the structure is still sound.

The association also say they are sympathetic to Mr Gaffney's situation and understand his frustration.