A SERIOUSLY ill woman says she feels robbed after a council offered her a a specially adapted bungalow, then gave the property to someone else.

Ivy Craven, (pictured) 49, of Liswerry Close, Cwmbran, suffers from a catalogue of complaints, including diabetes, the heart complaint tachycardia, chronic brittle asthma, chronic obstruction of the airways, glaucoma, cataracts, and arthritis.

She claims she was verbally offered a bungalow in Church Close, New Inn, by Torfaen council's housing department.

But she said that despite her saying yes to it, the bungalow has since been offered to someone else.

Mrs Craven, who has to take more than 30 drugs a day, including morphine for her illnesses, was told about the bungalow by her social worker, who asked if she was willing to move out of her Cwmbran flat.

She said: "I said yes. The housing department then got back to me and made arrangements to meet a representative in New Inn to view the bungalow. "They wanted an answer quickly, so we arranged to meet the same day. That was at the end of November."

Mrs Craven said the bungalow was perfect for her, with bedrooms for herself and carers, a garden, good access and plenty of room. She said: "I couldn't have asked for better."

But recently Mrs Craven discovered the bungalow had been offered to someone else. She said: "They (the housing department) wouldn't stop that offer so I have lost out. I feel I have been robbed. The bungalow would have meant more freedom for me."

Sandie Edwards, one of Mrs Craven's carers, said: "I realise a mistake has been made, but I feel they could have stopped the other offer being made and they could have given Mrs Craven the bungalow. They had already offered the bungalow to her verbally and should have held that commitment."

A council spokesman said: "We would like to say sorry to Mrs Craven for any confusion caused and distress suffered.

"There are only a small number of properties that have been adapted for disabled tenants, so there is a priority waiting-list.

"We always try to make sure that those in greatest need get priority. We will continue to work with Mrs Craven to find the right solution for her accommodation needs."