A MOTHER has expressed her gratitude to local authorities who she says have made life better for her severely disabled son.

Cheryl Woodfin has welcomed the news that her son, Jack Gerrard, will be getting his own area to relax after months of having to sleep and eat in the downstairs living room.

Jack, six, suffers from Angelman Syndrome and epilepsy which has left him unable to walk or talk but their home has since been granted with plans for an extension.

She said: "Before this decision was made to grant us with the extension, life was extremely difficult not just for Jack but the whole family.

"We couldn’t even give him a proper bath, we had to sit with him until be go to bed, but this will change his life for the better."

Due to not qualifying for the criteria, Cheryl said she was told she could not have an extension in her home and instead was given a stair climber which she felt was unsafe to use.

Since then, Jack has been forced to sleep and spend his time in the living room. Cheryl contacted local councillors and MP Mark Tami and she said things will now have a positive outcome.

She added: "The most important thing is he is getting his privacy and dignity back, he will have all his things around him he associates with bedtime and will be comfortable and happy to sing the night away.

"We will be able to get him to his new pad easily without stress, struggle and strain which does have an impact on his mood.

"We are just so thankful to everyone that helped overturn the criteria that states only one house per child can be adapted, as many special needs families do break up.

"Special thank you to Cllr Sean Bibby, MP Mark Tami, Cllr Bernie Attridge, the Chief Exec of Flintshire County Council and the team and of course Jacks immense amount of friends in our community."

Cllr Bernie Attridge, of Connah's Quay, said he was approached by Cheryl about her situation and he contacted the Chief Exec for Flintshire and the Chief Officer for Housing to see if something could be done.

"He said: "I personally apologise on behalf of the council for the distress caused to her and the family when awaiting the outcome.

"I'm pleased to see the good outcome and will be glad to see when the work gets underway."