'LET US LIVE IN PEACE'

Published 13 May 2010 09:59 4 Comments

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PENSIONERS say they are living in fear after the council moved anti-social tenants into their flats.

Linwood OAPs claim they have been blighted by the council's decision to move young men into what were previously retirement homes.

Smashed windows, noise and a lack of security is making the lives of older people at Mill Place a misery - with some afraid to go out at night and feeling unsafe in their own homes.

Ann Odger, 74, said: "For many years there has been an understanding that these were houses designed specifically with help cords in every room in case of emergency, for pensioners only to enjoy in their retirement years.

"It was so peaceful before, it was really nice.

"Where once we had the security and safety of locked premises at front and back, we are now forced to have young men barely out of their teens living amongst us.

"Because of their anti-social behaviour, we now suffer from constant vandalism and youth of varying ages making our lives a misery."

She added: "Not only that, but the house next door now has every window upstairs and the main entrance door smashed.

"One lady is considering a transfer, one at least is too frightened to go out alone at night.

"It's upsetting people's whole way of life because you get to retirement age and you hope for a nice quiet life.

"I'm only 74 but some of my neighbours are a lot older.

"The wardens, police and sometimes even the mounted police are now round this area on a nightly basis.

"If we have had cause to contact the council, we have been told 'it is council policy to house any age group in these premises'.

"It's wrong because of the psychological effects alone on all of us.

"One of them has been throwing his rubbish out the window instead of bringing it down.

"They're leaving empty bottles and cigarette ends - you get that in the morning when you go out.

"Surely something can be done to prevent any more problems and unnecessary expense to the tax-paying public.

"At our time of life, we ask for very little, but even that seems too much now."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "The properties at Mill Place, Linwood were originally set aside for applicants aged 60 or over. Changes in national housing legislation meant that we had to abandon this policy and open up the properties at Mill Place, and other similar properties, to applicants of any age from our waiting list.

"Our Anti-Social Investigations Team (ASIST) is currently investigating complaints of Anti-Social Behaviour, and are working closely with Strathclyde Police and the Renfrewshire Warden service to address these issues. Officers are also providing support to residents affected by these problems."

This article appeared in The Gazette 12 May 10

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Ellie
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May 13, 15:56
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This is really upsetting to read. Personally, I think if these yobs can't behave, their benefits should be stopped. It seems to be more and more common that decent people are living in misery and fear from low life that have absolutely no respect for anyone or anything.

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gordon m
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May 17, 11:53
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Typical of the council who could not care less where these type of people go as long as they get them of their hands. I don't know how many decent areas have been blighted by this sort of scum being moved in.

Old peoples homes....let's just change the legislation to suit ourselves.

As for the ASIST another waste of precious council tax money.....as for the wardens. I only ever see them in there wee cars or supping tea in the local community centre.

More police to deal with actual crimes instead of paperwork or targeting the easy money....motorists etc.

There are only 2 option with anti social behaviour open to the public.

1: Put up with it because no matter how much you complain or highlight it nothing will be done or if it is nothing will happen to them and they don't care anyway.

2: Sort it out yourself, but as we know this leaves you open to the full strong arm of the law....unlike those that caused the problem in the first place.

Shame on Renfrewshire Council for inflicting this onto these poor residents.

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Jimmy
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May 25, 09:41
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This is terrible, these old people deserve to live in peace, how awful for them to have to deal with these young antisocial yobs who have no consideration for anyone else except themselves.

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Susan Murphy
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May 25, 09:51
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this just goes to show how there is no respect for older people anymore. couldn't the council at least exercise some discretion and try to house people at least above the age of 30 in these houses?i hope these young men are moved out and these pensioenrs can enjoy their retirement years again,

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