DARREN Jacob is 29 years old, he is a former night club bouncer and he is afraid to take a bath.

Mr Jacob, of Hurst Road, Chingford, has multiple sclerosis (MS) and his condition prevents him from taking a bath, so he stands in the bath and uses the shower.

As he stepped out some weeks ago, the bath came away from the wall, leaving a large gap between it and the wall, and a terrified Mr Jacob clinging on to the shower fitting.

Mr Jacob said: "As I climbed out, I lost my balance and fell. I have never been so scared. I grabbed hold of the shower and clung on for dear life."

The incident happened at the end of February and despite repeated calls to Waltham Forest Council, and visits from numerous council workers, nothing has been done.

Mr Jacob explained: "The bathroom backs on to the kitchen and water is seeping through into the cupboards. I had to throw away at least £60 worth of food which was ruined and ended up as a soggy mess.

"The council sent surveyors, contractors and others workers, they all agreed something must be done, but nothing has."

"I am usually very cheerful and the last thing I want to do is moan about the council, but its treatment of me is disgusting.

"I don't want the bath replaced or repaired. I am too scared to use a bath now, in fact I don't ever want to get into one again."

Mr Jacob, who has lived the with MS diagnosis since he was 22, was wheelchair-bound until a few months ago but used every bit of his will and determination to get himself back on his feet.

"I was a bouncer at a Tottenham night club and a pall bearer. Now I have the will but not the strength and stamina to do much."

Mr Jacob pleaded: "Why can't they just give me a shower tray, it would be much less expensive than fitting a new bath?

"Why has it taken them so long to do nothing?"

A council spokesman said: " Ascham Homes has inspected Mr Jacob's property.

"Given his medical needs the surveyor contacted social services in order that an assessment of his needs could be completed.

"An occupational therapist assessed his needs and recommended the installation of a level access shower.

"Ascham Homes and the council will now work with Mr Jacob to make arrangements so the shower can be installed."