Council garden scheme returns

Elderly and disabled council tenants are to get help to look after their gardens once again.

South Lanarkshire Council’s Care of Garden scheme had been suspended in response to the coronavirus pandemic but grounds staff are now able to restart part of the service for some tenants.

The scheme is open to residents over 70 or who have a disability.

However, some residents who had previously paid for the service will need to find alternative arrangements until the full service is resumed.

SLC’S head of facilities, waste and grounds services, Alistair Mckinnon, said: “We are pleased to now be able to resume this area of work with measures put in place to protect the safety of both tenants and our staff and reduce the risk of coronavirus spread.

“We have not been able to reinstate the full service at this time but we expect to work through our list and reach the gardens of all tenants currently registered for the scheme during the next four to six weeks.”

Free garden upkeep will be available for council tenants who are over 70 and don’t live with someone aged between 16 and 69; registered blind; in receipt of war disablement pension or benefits through the armed forces compensation scheme; on Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP); or if they are in possession of a blue badge.

The council have said that it is not currently possible to resume garden care for people who pay for the service or to accept any new applications for 2020.

However, applications will still be considered if you don’t meet the criteria but feel that you are unable to maintain your garden due to other medical needs which may involve completing a medical form which will be assessed by an independent advisor.

The council have also committed to providing further updates before the scheduled start of the scheme in 2021.