AN elderly woman has been left struggling to wash for eight months after an application to build her a walk-in shower was delayed.

Muriel McCarthy, 89, of Queens Corner, West Mersea, has to use the sink to wash herself at the moment or get help from neighbours as she is unable to get in the bath.

In December, Essex County Council carried out an assessment to install a shower and someone was sent to measure the room.

Colchester Council is providing the walk-in shower as it is being made possible by a Disabled Facilities Grant.

However eight months later Muriel is still without a shower.

She has only recently come out of hospital after suffering from a bout of pneumonia.

“I still can’t get in the bath,” she said.

“That was the idea of having a walk-in shower.

“I can’t get in and out of the bath – I am going to be 90 in September and I have been washing standing up.

“I have been waiting to hear when they are going to start again.

“I really need this walk-in shower. I have been left for so long with no answers.”

West Mersea councillor Eric Straughan has demanded answers.

He said he had repeatedly tried to contact the councils to find a resolution to the situation.

“They wouldn’t want to live like that,” he said.

“It is crazy.

“She needs to have a wet room as she can’t get in the bath. It is just unbelievable.

“I know she is getting very stressed about it.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “We have made some changes to improve the way Disabled Facilities Grant applications are processed and home adaptations are undertaken, but a caseworker is due to visit Mrs McCarthy in the next couple of weeks with an update.

“This will also be an opportunity to complete the necessary forms and make any other referrals to support the resident’s needs.”