A disabled man has claimed almost £1,000 from two Kingston care agencies after accusing them of stealing and damaging property.

Louis Sheldon-Williams, 62, of Lingfield Avenue, Surbiton, started with Alpenbest Care in early 2014, but moved to Eleanor Care after a year when he came to believe a carer damaged the locks to his home.

At Eleanor Care however, Mr Sheldon-Williams claims more of his property – this time an oven hob – was broken and £400 allegedly went missing.

He successfully claimed money from both companies for the incidents, with Alpenbest Care agreeing to pay £297 and Eleanor Care £667, though neither acknowledged the payment as an admittance of guilt.

Mr Williams, who was diagnosed with spinal myelopathy six years ago, said: “It’s the pits, believe me, there are people laying around all day in their bed.

“They may be leaving money around and all types of things. I have a full-time job being sick, but carers are good and bad in this.

“In general it’s just not very good for disabled people in Kingston. I felt they treated me with contempt.”

A spokesman for Alpenbest Care said: “Although there was no evidence as to how the lock was broken or by whom, we agreed to contribute to replace the locks, and wrote to Mr Sheldon-Williams on Thursday, July 9, 2015, enclosing a cheque.”

Eleanor Care closed its Kingston branch on March 20, after its latest Care Quality Commission report in March 2015 found the branch to “require improvement”.

A spokeswoman said the company was advised by its insurance company to hand over the money as a “sensitive gesture” and that it was “no admission of guilt”.

She said: “Upon receiving the accusation, Eleanor Care completed a full and thorough investigation into the claims made.

“No further action has been taken by the local authority as there is no evidence to suggest that the claims made are true. Equally, the police have confirmed no further action was required.”

She added: “I would like to reiterate that the care workers providing services for the claimant are experienced, and have excellent feedback and records.”