War veteran still waiting

A WAR veteran from Axbridge desperate to be looked after in a care home is still waiting to hear if he has a place.

Dunkirk war hero Norman Binnall, who spent time as a prisoner of war in France and had his leg blown off by a bomb, wants to live in a care home in Burnham.

The 89-year-old veteran lives alone at his home in Holgate Way, but close friend David Isley has been campaigning for Norman to be given a place in Frith House in Steart Drive, in Burnham.

The pensioner was taken into the care home earlier this year when he broke his wrist, but was discharged after his arm was fixed.

Mr Isley, aged 58, said: "I have only been friends with Norman for a few years but he has such a bubbly personality.

"His flat in Axbridge is unsuitable for a disabled person and he admits to me he is lonely.

"We shouldn't be asking if there is a space in a care home for him, we should be asking if he wants to stay in The Ritz or The Waldorf.

"Norman fought for his country and we should do all we can to help him."

A petition containing more than 1,000 signatures was handed to Somerset County Council earlier this month, but Mr Isley is frustrated that they have still not heard back from the authority.

Mr Isley said: "I drink with Norman in The Lamb Inn in Axbridge and he has become a really good friend to me. Anyone who meets him knows how lovely he is but when he came out of the care home he wasn't his usual self.

"He has always been Mr Independent but I knew something was wrong. I finally got him to admit that he was lonely and wanted to stay in Frith House."

A spokesman from Somerset Social Services said: "Mr Binnall is receiving very regular support from our Adult Social Care Team. He is receiving support services within his own home and he is being assisted to access a number of social activities as part of his day to day routine. We are continuing to work with him to understand the best options for meeting his needs in the longer term.