A GWENT man with serious heart problems says he feels he is being treated like a 'second class citizen' after waiting on the housing list for six years.

Douglas Partridge, 61 and a former lorry driver, says he has been waiting for a two or three-bedroom house with a downstairs toilet because of his ill health.

He is also waiting for a triple heart by-pass, because some of his blood vessels are blocked and a heart valve is not functioning properly. This problem has restricted blood flow to his kidneys and caused them damage.

Following a medical assessment last year, he has been awarded 71 points under Caerphilly county borough council's housing system, which assesses the need and urgency of the applicant.

Mr Partridge and his wife, Kathryn, are renting a private house on Elgar Close, Fairview, Blackwood.

He said: "Local councillors can't believe how I can still be waiting. "We are prepared to move to ten different areas so we're not being fussy. "We've been fobbed off so much over these past few years and I'm so frustrated I don't know where to turn.

"I'm waiting for a triple heart by-pass and this certainly doesn't help matters.

"I'm not trying to get through the back door - I've done everything legitimately and I feel like I'm being treated like a second class citizen and I've had enough.

"I have good and bad days, but on the bad days you wouldn't give me tuppence.

"Because I find it difficult to get up the stairs I try and stay downstairs as much as I can and relax. It is on days like that I could really do with a downstairs toilet."

Mr Partridge has also involved Islwyn MP Don Touhig in the issue. Mr Touhig said: "I am aware of Mr & Mrs Partridge's problem and I have been trying to help them. "This is a matter for Caerphilly council to resolve, but I hope that it can be sorted out soon."

A spokesman for Caerphilly county borough council said: "The authority is aware of Mr Partridge's housing requirements and as soon as a suitable property becomes available that matches his needs he will be considered as a priority.

"Unfortunately properties in the locations he requires are limited."