A disabled man from Keighley has welcomed a U-turn by Bradford Council over the construction of a new ramp.

Richard Mason feared his new scooter would be useless as the council originally told him it would be at least ten months before they could construct a ramp to his home.

The 60-year-old, from West Lane, claims Bradford Council put him on a waiting list and that the earliest he would be dealt with was in eight to ten months.

Since then he has been told that the ramp should be built much sooner, although a firm date has not been fixed.

Mr Mason, who has fibrosis of the lungs caused by asbestos and carries life-saving oxygen cylinders at all times, said: "I did have a wheelchair but I had a slight accident with it in Cavendish Street and I asked social services if it would be OK to change it for a scooter.

"They said that was fine so I bought the scooter from Howden Hall Garage, in Keighley, a couple of weeks ago.

"I asked for a ramp in May and the local housing manager came out to see it and he said it was a more intricate job than they originally thought.

"The council then sent me a letter saying it would be up to ten months before I could have a ramp installed.

"Since then they have come back to me and said they should be able to install it much sooner."

Mr Mason, who needs oxygen 12-16 hours a day and can only walk 30 yards before losing his breath, also has the support of his ward councillor.

Keighley South councillor Steve Thomas said: "Mr Mason has some real health problems and in order to get up and down he really needs the scooter.

"To wait more than ten months for a ramp would have been totally out of order."

Bradford Council Social Services Department received the details of Mr Mason's disability needs from his consultant on the morning of July 4.

It sent a letter of recommendation to the housing department that a ramp be considered.

A council housing spokesman said: "We received the letter of recommendation from social services on Wednesday.

"A housing officer and occupational therapist will make a joint visit to the house within the next few days to determine what work needs doing. Any work will be carried out as soon as possible."