An 80-year-old woman was left without a vital phone link for almost two weeks - despite BT's pledge to tackle the problem.

Elsie Nott, of Stevenson Way, Wickford, suffers diabetes, is partially-sighted and virtually housebound.

BT finally fixed the problem after a call from the Echo.

Elsie's son Peter, 44, said: "My mum is very vulnerable. I do shift work, and I carry a mobile phone with me at all times just in case - but that makes no difference when her phone doesn't work."

Mrs Nott's home is also fitted with a special panic button in case of emergencies.

That too was left out of action as it is connected to the phone line.

Mr Nott said he had been assured by BT on a number of occasions that the fault would be rectified.

His brother had even gone to the Wickford exchange to complain about the situation. He was told the company would send him some forms to fill in so his mother could be treated as a priority.

However, Mrs Nott's phone remained out of action for days.

Mr Nott added: "I'm pleased it's finally sorted out - but it does seem a very long time to have waited."

A BT spokeswoman said: "It took longer than we would have wanted - we wouldn't want to keep somebody waiting.

"It's been a busy time, with rainfall causing lots of flooding.

"We were aware of the situation and Mrs Nott was given priority."

Anguish over - Elsie and Peter, with her phone

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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