Hopes high over Glen Iosal future
COMMUNITY campaigners fighting to save Glen Iosal sheltered housing on the Isle of Mull are celebrating after major changes to the controversial plans announced three months ago were agreed, writes Louise Glen.
MSP Michael Russell and Councillor Mary Jean Devon have described the outcome of their meeting with Trust Housing and the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership as a ‘victory’ for common sense and the local campaign.
Mr Russell and Councillor Devon met Rhona McLeod of Trust Housing and Christina West of the partnership in Edinburgh on Tuesday August 29 to discuss proposals that would have resulted in warden provision being cut from 35 to 25 hours at Glen Iosal in Tobermory.
Following the meeting Councillor Devon said: ‘We were able to impress upon both bodies the absolute necessity of abandoning the proposals that had caused so much upset both amongst residents and the community.
‘After that it was clear that with a bit of imagination and creativity a solution could be found which used existing social care money to support the essential work of the warden and additional hours of caring support for the residents.
‘However, it was also essential that the two bodies recognised the difficulties of getting care staff on Mull and that is why I insisted on a robust plan being in place and further consultation so that everything is done properly and with the full confidence of those who rely upon this vital service.’
Mr Russell added: ‘I am grateful to Trust Housing and the partnership for being so willing to discuss the issues and to find an acceptable way forward, and I look forward to working with them to ensure the robust plan that is required is put in place.
‘Trust Housing has a board meeting on September 21 which will make the final decision on the agreement we reached, but I am confident that we are now in the home straight and that residents can start to put behind them this very difficult and upsetting period.’
Councillor Devon, Mr Russell and the two organisations at the meeting issued a joint statement which included: ‘Trust Housing and the partnership would aim to ensure that there was as little change to existing levels and hours of provision as possible and that the new arrangements would be sustainable for the long term. There would be meaningful consultation and discussion as new arrangements are implemented, with a robust plan being in place before the likely changes take effect in April 2018.’