DISABLED pensioners in Dorchester claim they are having difficulty getting in and out of their own homes - because Magna Housing Association has not provided an automatic front door.

Some residents of Acland Court, in Linden Avenue, say they have been calling for an automatic door to the building for two years so they can get in and out easily in their wheelchairs.

A Magna spokesman said the installation of an automatic door was 'imminent' but there were difficulties finding a company to build a suitable doorway.

Dorothy Ranson, 82, who has lived in the building for 13 years, said she was disappointed with the lack of help from Magna so far.

She said: "They don't care whether you can get out of your chair or not. We're not very happy with Magna. We've been asking for this for two years but they just ignore us completely. They do not bother.

"I've got a job coping with my breathing problems, let alone getting out of my chair to open the door."

May Alexandra Freeman, 96, who has lived in the building for 13 years, said: "The fact that some residents here are disabled is not important to Magna.

"My legs are not that good and my mobility is not improving, but at the moment I've got to get out of the chair, hold the door back with a box of sand, get back in the chair, go through, get out again and close the door.

"If it's coming back from shopping, it's more than a job. We need double, automatic doors to open right up so you can get a chair through without bumping."

Magna spokesman Emma Bailey said the installation of an automatic doorway was 'imminent'.

She said: "We've been dealing with this situation since before Christmas and we certainly do appreciate the problem. We do care for all our residents and if we can do anything to help them we will do.

"The doorway in question is a double door and quite an awkward entrance, which has made it difficult getting something fitted.

"We've got a price for a fully-automatic door opener, but we're looking for someone to make a bespoke doorway. The problem has been finding companies to do this."