Margaret Woods claims she had no proper heating or hot water Police investigating an attack and burglary at a pensioner's council flat, discovered the 82-year old woman was living there without central heating and hot water.

After the incident on March 22, police also found the emergency alarm button at Margaret Woods's home wasn't working, but the former nurse was only moved to a secure, warm house on Thursday night after intervention from her local councillor and the Oxford Mail.

Mrs Woods' central heating broke in 2002 and an Oxford City Council spokesman admitted it knew of her vulnerable situation for some time.

She added: "We visited her home, but were unable to get to the radiators, because they were surrounded by boxes stacked up four feet high."

Mrs Woods was given two temporary heaters and an immersion heater in October 2003, but claimed they never worked and complained to the council 'numerous' times.

She said: "It's freezing. The only place warm is wrapped up in bed. "They say it's a caring council, but it's not. They came out and looked around, but never did anything. "

Headington councillor Claire Kent heard of Mrs Woods' plight and went to the housing offices in person.

Mrs Woods was then classed as an emergency case and went to a care home before being moved to a bedsit in a new accommodation block.

Ms Kent said: "I honestly couldn't believe that this was 2005 when I walked into her flat. Mrs Wood was supposed to be cared for.

"When we took Mrs Wood to the care home she was shaking. She was scared that the people who beat her up would see her."

Council housing officers claim she refused a transfer to another property on March 31.

A council spokesman said: "Mrs Woods has now been securely rehoused. Wardens are on call 24 hours and will visit every day."

Mrs Woods's alarm system has also been repaired. Staff at the council said they were unaware it was not working and said they carried out regular checks.

Police investigating the burglary are looking for a chubby, white woman. Anyone with information should call Dc Capstick on 08458 505505.