On Thursday evening (16-01-2025), I opened my mail at the end of a busy day. I received a letter from the Wrexham Housing Department. I was shocked and dismayed to read that they have given me a six week deadline to remove the shutter doors installed and to re-instate the original doors.
At this point I must plead ignorance for the fact that I didn’t realise that I needed to get council permission to replace the internal doors with shutter doors. I apologised for this oversight, but I was simply making my home suitable to my needs. I was crashing into the original doors and damaging them with my wheelchair, so I thought it would be acceptable to replace these old fashioned and obtrusive doors with a stylish and more practical alternative – AT MY OWN COST.
I did not bother the council or expect them, or taxpayers, to pay for my house improvements. These doors have been in place since around 2012.
I have had annual inspection visits from the council since 2013 after the doors had been installed and not once during these inspections have the status of my doors been picked up on. It was only when we experienced a power cut on April 16th 2024 that the issue of my shutter doors suddenly came to light with the council. To be clear the problem that occurred that night was nothing to do with the shutter doors, but this was noted by the electrician who must have reported back to the council.
Since the last week of May 2024, the shutter doors have been disconnected from the electric supply, so I have been unable to close or open any doors in my home. Not only is this a fire safety concern, but it also leaves me, my staff, friends or family who visit my home without any privacy when using the bathroom. This is an intolerable situation and no one should have to live in such conditions.
It is not just the bathroom where privacy is needed at times, but every room at certain points in the day.
I had hoped to resolve this issue during 2024, but the council have refused to cooperate, despite the support of everyone who takes the time to visit my humble abode, this includes a Fire Safety Officer, Occupational Therapist and Planned Maintenance Team Leader.
These professionals all stated that even though they wouldn’t normally recommend such doors, they were the best option for me.
Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths said: “Nathan and I have met regularly and corresponded for a number of years so I am fully aware of his situation and I have a great deal of sympathy for him.
“The issue with the shutter doors has rumbled on for several months and during this time, Nathan has been unable to close any doors in his own property. Nathan, as well as his carers and visitors, cannot close the door when using the bathroom and this lack of dignity is extremely concerning and undesirable.
“This ongoing episode has caused Nathan a great deal of stress and frustration and I urge Wrexham County Borough Council to find a satisfactory solution as soon as possible.
“So far, there have been a series of mixed messages. Despite being told the shutter doors are not allowed, certain Wrexham Council representatives appear to believe these doors are the best option for Nathan.
“Nathan has demonstrated his willingness to resolve the issue by agreeing to install backup batteries at his own cost to ensure the doors function in the event of a power cut, so I hope a compromise can be reached.”
I am lucky to have such support from a highly respected local politician and as a lively disabled activist, with this very helpful support around me, we must nevertheless spare a thought for other disabled people without such connections. The median age of death for people with Friedreich’s Ataxia is 35; I am about to celebrate my 48th birthday in February. I could do without this hassle. Nevertheless, I will be taking this and other issues up with the council through 2025 and would welcome any public support to assist in this cause.
Solidarity…
