A DISABLED woman who needs a wheelchair-friendly home has been rated low-priority for re-housing by the council.

Helena Harrison became registered disabled in early December after suffering degenerative spinal problems and needs a wheelchair to help reduce pain, but her council house in Savill Road, Old Heath, is too small.

However Mrs Harrison, 42, was shocked to find the pair were only band D priority-rated. The bands run from A to E, with A the most urgent.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “Colchester Council operates a priority ratings system to ensure those with the greatest need receive the help they need as quickly as practical. Additional factors can influence priority banding, for example previous problems with rent arrears.”