A woman, who has been "trapped" in her home for months after a horror illness left her wheelchair-bound, has criticised the council for failing to rehouse her.

Kristyanne Martin, of Sparrows Herne, Bushey, suffered from a full kidney failure at the beginning of this year. The illness caused nerve damage, which left the 30-year-old paralysed.

Ms Martin applied to both Hertsmere Borough Council and Watford Borough Council in spring this year asking to be rehoused as her current accommodation is no longer suitable.

However, eight months on, Ms Martin is still waiting for a suitable home.

The mother of two said: "I am now a wheelchair user, and the property I am in is un-suitable for me due to steps at the front and rear of the building which has left me housebound.

"I am also unable to use my bathroom as the doorway is not wide enough for me to get through in the wheelchair. I have to rely on home carers to come to assist me every day to be able to have a wash as I am unable to do this by myself."

Ms Martin, who is originally from Watford, has lived in her Bushey home run buy housing association Aldwyck, for three years.

Despite living in Watford for 25 years and having family there, Watford Borough Council said she does not meet the criteria to join their housing register.

The council told Ms Martin would have to live or work in Watford for at least five years before it considers her.

She is also concerned that her home is in a bad state of repair.

She added: "In the last year I have had to contact the housing association about a leak, which has travelled into the hallway and is causing a damp smell - but it is yet to be repaired.

"If a fire was to break out I would be unable to escape because of the steps and being unable to fit my wheelchair through the doors. I am trapped.

"I fully understand that there is a short fall of housing but it is my right my human right to have appropriate housing which is liveable and decent to be appropriate to my needs and this is not being fulfilled at all."

Cath Shepherd, spokesperson for Hertsmere Borough Council, no suitable housing was currently available.

She said: "Hertsmere Borough Council allocates housing within Hertsmere on behalf of Aldwyck Housing Group.

"Ms Martin is currently on our housing register and is able to bid on suitable properties that are advertised through our Choice Based Lettings allocation system.

"Unfortunately we are unable to advise when Ms Martin will receive an offer of alternative accommodation as we do not know when a suitable property will become available."