Pensioners fear they are on a rocky road
Councilaccusedofnotmaintaininghousingcomplex
A group of Blantyre pensioners has hit out at South Lanarkshire Council over the lack of maintenance at their sheltered housing complex.
Residents of High Blantyre’s Woodend and Braehead rented housing accommodation claim the local authority have failed to upkeep adequate works within the grounds.
These include uneven paths with abandoned chipped slabs – which the group say has led to several residents and visitors tripping over or falling – as well as overgrown moss meaning the back garden area is slippy and out of bounds to some and the grass needing cut more frequently.
Resident Helen Boyd also claims they have attended council meetings but their pleas have so far fallen on deaf ears.
The 71-year-old said: “I know of two if not three people who have been hurt after falling due to the holes in the paths.
“This includes a family member of one of my neighbours who was visiting at the time and fell, and a woman in her 70s who fell whilst putting her washing out. We’re not saying we’re all steady on our feet at this age, but the paths, potholes, overgrown moss, grass and trees certainly don’t help matters.
“We feel the local authority should be taking more care of complexes such as ours.
“We pay rent to live in secure sheltered housing accommodation and expect that accommodation to be kept and well maintained!
“At present I certainly do not use my back door as it is unsafe so out of bounds for me as I do not wish to end up a casualty.”
Daniel Lowe, Executive Director of Housing and Technical Resources, said: “The council is aware of concerns raised by some residents within Woodend Sheltered Housing Complex regarding the condition of the footpaths.
“The resurfacing of these footpaths is being prioritised within the council’s Home+ Investment Programme and works will be carried out in 2017.
“The external areas are subject to regular inspections and maintenance and, should any resident have specific concerns, they should contact their Sheltered Housing Officer who will arrange for these to be addressed.”