Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
New flat hope for ‘prisoner’ Tam, 80
A DUNDEE amputee will finally be rehoused following months living like a “prisoner in his own home” – and hopes to be in his new pad by Christmas.
Wheelchair-user Tam Anderson, 80, has been told by Dundee City Council that workmen are repairing a ground-floor property which, once finished, will be his to rent.
The new place is on the same street in Coldside where Tam currently lives in a second floor flat.
But the property offers a far better quality of life as he will be able to get in and out without worrying about the two flights of stairs.
Tam had to have his leg amputated earlier this year and has suffered from a range of health issues.
He has described the issues he faces in his current property as “awful”, saying he is a “prisoner in his own home” because he must now use a wheelchair.
But Tam is optimistic about the future after the latest news.
“I welcome this from the council but I still feel this should have happened months ago,” he said.
“I’m hoping to get the keys and get in before Christmas.
“I’ve become really depressed where I am because I have barely been out this year.
“Hopefully once I get moved it will make a big difference to my life.”
When the Tele first reported Tam’s situation last month, several people offered to help the pensioner.
Among them was chairman of Dundee Pensioners’ Forum Gordon Samson, who visited Tam and was instrumental in helping him secure the ground floor property.
Tam’s son Steven thanked all those who have helped his dad.
He said: “This is great news. We are very grateful to the pensioners’ forum for all they have done for my dad.
“This should make a huge difference to his life. He will be able to get out and about again much more easily.”
The city council was approached for comment.