A disabled grandmother who was forced out of her flat by a fire is still living in a city hotel two years later - and said she would rather be in prison.

Karen Bishop used to live in Foulgers Opening, off Ber Street, until a fire that started in the property above gutted her home on April 28, 2022.

She decided to move in with her daughter Sarah Ward, 32, but, not wanting to be a "burden" she left after a few months to stay in a Travelodge.

Karen was forced to leave her home in 2022 following a fireKaren was forced to leave her home in 2022 following a fire (Image: SWNS)

Karen has since been living off takeaways and fears she may spend another Christmas in the hotel as work on repairing her flat is yet to start. 

"I feel like nobody is listening to me," she said.

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"It's horrible here - it's not the hotel's fault but these buildings are not made to be lived in.

"I would rather be in prison. At least I would get three meals a day and I wouldn't have to move every three weeks."

Her home was gutted by the fire and she has been between hotels ever sinceHer home was gutted by the fire and she has been between hotels ever since (Image: SWNS)

Karen says she has stickler syndrome, a genetic disorder that can cause serious vision, hearing and joint problems, and fibromyalgia, which causes pain and extreme tiredness.

She admitted her housing association, Orbit, has tried to find her a temporary home while her flat is repaired but the options haven't suited her disabilities.

She said: "I am in a wheelchair and they will not offer me a bungalow.

"I really need to be on the ground floor as I have bad legs.

"My health won't ever improve - it's always in decline - so it won't ever go away and getting up or down stairs is difficult.

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"My needs aren't being taken into consideration at all."

The aftermath of the fire which forced Karen to find a new home The aftermath of the fire which forced Karen to find a new home (Image: SWNS)

A spokesperson for Orbit said: "We're very sorry that the repair work following the fire is taking longer than expected and we're very grateful to Ms Bishop for her continued patience and understanding.

"We are focused on ensuring that the extensive repairs that are required to Ms Bishop's home are completed as soon as possible." 

Karen simply said: "This is no way to live."