THOUSANDS of pensioners across Redbridge are not receiving enough council support to live independently - according to a worrying report.

An internal review of the authority's services for elderly people living in their own homes shows that only 24.1 per cent received the support they needed during the past year, far short of the 48 per cent target.

The result comes as no surprise to South Woodford pensioner Ralph Royce, who lives alone in Churchfields.

The 80 year-old widower, who suffers from a wide range of debilitating health problems, has not bothered to turn to the council for help since asking for hand rails to be installed in the hallway outside his flat after a spell in hospital.

He said: "I called them several times to get the rails installed because I needed them to help me stand up while I wait for taxis.

"They promised me that someone would come along to measure it up, but I heard nothing.

"I must have written to them about 150 times to get different things done, but they've done nothing for me.

"I had an osteopath come round for one session after I got out of hospital but she just didn't turn up next time.

"I called the council to find out why, and they said she said my flat smelled of urine and that she didn't want to come back.

"I can't walk so I get a cab to the shops once a week and asked them for help with this, but they said no to that too. So I had to sell some of my wife's jewellery to pay for it instead."

Grandmother-of-five, Molly Smith, 78, of Broadmead Road, was equally unhappy with council services.

She said: "The council seems to take ages to respond when you request help, and you often don't get what you ask for anyway.

"Most older people try and avoid asking the council for anything if at all possible."

Doris Hayes, 86, has lived alone in Lancaster Road, Wanstead since her husband died in 1986.

She said: "Luckily for me I receive help from my son and neighbours, but I have friends who have had problems with getting the help they need.

"One person I know has had trouble with her carer, who she says just turns up whenever they like."

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said that on most national indicators for social care the council was performing extremely well, and that it was not solely the council's responsibility to provide the support necessary for independent living.

She added: "As a three star adult social services, we are committed to providing a high quality service to older people living in their own homes."