A disabled man has been waiting three-and-a-half years for a new home, which will enable him to employ a live-in carer to help him enjoy a normal life.

James Coote, who has cerebral palsy and relies on a wheelchair, was offered accommodation by Oxford City Council -- but it had two steps up to the front door.

Mr Coote Officers threatened to withdraw him from the housing list if he failed to accept it, and took four months to apologise.

Mr Coote, 25, of Osney Lane, Oxford, lives in a one-bedroom flat owned by Oxford Citizens' Housing Association.

He works part-time as a database technician for the Learning and Skills Council in Kidlington, and is studying for an MSc at Reading University.

Mr Coote said: "I've been on the housing list since January 2002, and have been assessed as a medium to high priority.

"Oxford City Council offered me a two-bedroom house, but it was inaccessible. They said I had to take it, otherwise I would be thrown off the list for a year.

"The housing officer I dealt with was really rather rude to me.

"They said it was a ground-floor flat, but in reality it wasn't. I'm not a Dalek -- I can't levitate up steps.

"The situation dragged on until the end of April when, within 10 seconds of seeing the place, a council worker admitted I should never have been offered the property. But it was four months before they checked it out."

Graham Stratford, Oxford City Council's housing services business manager, confirmed Mr Coote had been offered an unsuitable new home.

He said: "We apologise for any offer of inappropriate housing made to Mr Coote.

"We're currently looking for an appropriate wheelchair property for him. Unfortunately, these properties are in short supply.

"We're very concerned to learn that Mr Coote feels he was treated rudely by one of our officers and are taking steps to ensure this doesn't happen again."