A SOLDIER who lost three limbs in Afghanistan is living in a flat so cramped he can’t access his own kitchen.

Alex Stringer, 20, nearly died when he stepped on IED pressure plate in January.

After more than 30 operations, he returned home to the flat in Chadwell St Mary he shares with his fiance Danielle Taylor and their two daughters.

Once indoors at Poole House, Godman Road, the couple soon realised, despite disability adaptations carried out by Thurrock Council, the flat is not practical for a wheelchair user.

Danielle, 19, explained: “Our kitchen is so narrow Alex can’t get his wheelchair down it – this means he can’t get himself a drink or something to eat. The toilet is too high, so it’s not easy for him to use.

“The council has put in a wet room with a shower and Alex is supposed to sit on a plastic chair, but because of his injuries this causes him a lot of pain. What he really needs is a bath with a harness.”

The bathroom is also causing problems for Danielle, who now has to blow up a paddling pool each time she needs to bathe her young daughters.

Most frustrating for the couple though is the lifts to the flat, which frequently break down, making Alex a prisoner in his own home, which is on the sixth floor.

Danielle said: “If there is a fire in the flats, like there was in a stairwell recently, they shut down the lifts and he can’t get out until someone comes to get him.

“It’s really hard for him with all he has been through, it makes him relive it when he smells burning or smoke.”

The couple put into the council for a property transfer – but say they’ve been told they won’t be able to have another property for five years.

A Thurrock Council spokesman said: “The council’s housing adaptation service has tried to establish contact with Mr Stringer via telephone and letter. To date, Mr Stringer has not contacted the council.

“We urge him to engage with the council so these matters can be addressed.”