A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer has been forced to get rid of his cooker so he can store his motorised scooter in his kitchen.

Stephen Alston, of Princess Street, Chorley, has severely restricted mobility and claims his council flat is inadequate for his needs as his condition deteriorates.

Mr Alston, 40, says he has been forced to remove his cooker from the kitchen as it is the only space in the property where he can store the scooter which enables him to get out and about.

This means he has to microwave all his meals and is not able to cook fresh food.

He also has difficulties closing the back door when he leaves the flat and has injured his hands and knuckles trying to manoeuvre his wheelchair through the flat.

He said: "This is a nice flat but I don't think it is right for me as I live alone and it's becoming increasingly difficult.

"The doorways are not wide enough so my knuckles are hitting the door frames.

"When I leave the flat I have to use a mop handle to push the door shut and it sometimes takes me several minutes to hook it round the door handle.

"I've also had three occasions this year where I've had to call out an ambulance after falls in the flat.

"Not being able to cook fresh food is also not good for my diet and general health."

Mr Alston, who was diagnosed with MS in 2000, has lived in the property for 18 months.

He has been in touch with the council several times to request a transfer, preferably to a fully adapted flat. He said: "I have put in three or four calls to the council but they have not been returned.

"I also went into the offices on Union Street and filled in a form a couple of weeks ago. I'm just hoping for a place where I'm more comfortable." A spokesperson for Chorley Council said: "We have Mr Alston's request for a transfer and will be contacting him to talk about his needs in greater detail."