A disabled man has launched a petition to have a ramp installed outside his flat so he can drive his electric scooter into his home.

Colin Bowden, who suffers from arthritis, angina, asthma and diabetes, has been limited to travelling by scooter since May this year, when it became too difficult for him to walk due to his illnesses.

The 49-year-old, who was registered disabled in 2005, said he struggles to get in and out of his ground floor flat in Furzeland House in Sheephouse Way, New Malden, because of a nine inch step.

Kingston Council fitted Mr Bowden’s flat with a disabled toilet and shower, but he said they refused to install a ramp so he submitted a petition to them with the backing of the other six residents in Furzeland House.

He said: “I have been asking the council to put something in but they say it’s only for my benefit not for the block of flats. I can see their point but the others don’t mind.

“It would make my life so much easier. The council have done a lot in my flat; they have put in a disabled shower and toilet. But not this, I just don’t understand.”

Mr Bowden, who has lived in the flat for 10 years with his wife Lucy, has recently made a temporary ramp out of scaffolding board because he was so sick of asking for help to get in and out.

He said: “It’s working well but it’s a bit unstable and it’s makeshift.

“Before I put my ramp in it was really hard. I had to lift it so I got my step son to give me a hand and lift it. Lucy has to help me sometimes but it’s not fair. I just want to be independent. It really is hard.”

A Kingston Council spokesman said Mr Bowden had declined their offer of moving to more suitable accommodation in the past.

The spokesman said: “Mr Bowden has now decided that he wishes to stay in his flat and therefore our occupational therapists are working with him to see what modifications can be made to the building to make it easier for him to access.

“As Mr Bowden is not a wheelchair user we need to consult with other tenants and leaseholders in the building to make sure they agree with any modification to the property. This will take time but is in process.”