MP Bernard Jenkin is to take up the plight of disabled people forced to wait months for new wheelchairs.

The move comes after it was revealed two people from Tiptree with cerebral palsy have been waiting a year to see a hospital specialist for new electric wheelchairs.

Mr Jenkin visited residents at the national charity Scope residential home in the village over the weekend and heard for himself the problems faced by residents.

And afterwards, he pledged to take the matter up with the local health authority and the Government.

"It appears this is a national problem and it is a problem of money," Mr Jenkin said.

"There has been an Audit Commission report which has criticised the Government for failing to provide enough resources and this is the crux of the matter," he added.

Hospital bosses have blamed a shortage of occupational therapists and an increasing demand on the service for the delays. The equipment needed is also expensive.

Residents at the Tiptree home, David Buggy and Audrey Holder, went on the waiting list to see a consultant at the Colchester General Hospital last May.

One now has an appointment next month and a chair is on order for the other although this will not arrive for some months.

Mr Jenkin said he was concerned over the issue and will be taking it further.

"I will be taking it up with the health authority and the health minister," he said.

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