Safety fears expressed over council visits

The Motherwell Times has received a number of complaints about staff doing gas checks tenants’ homes and a number in of residents are simply refusing to let them in for fear potentially fatal infection could be spread.

Mary Brown (64) from Uddingston, is a carer for her vulnerable adult son, who let the men in while she was out shopping for essentials. And the embattled mum has now written to South Lanarkshire Council and 10 Downing Street to complain.

The Myers Crescent resident said: “I was absolutely furious because my son has had to have his spleen removed and has a lung condition.

“He should not be coming into contact with these people even though they were wearing protective clothing The the council obviously cares more about the properties it owns that the people in them.”

NHS Lanarkshire said it would not comment as policies over self-distancing were made by the Scottish Government but they wouldn’t comment either, saying this was a matter for the council.

However, the Community Action Team, which delivers meals to those self-isolating in this very street, was more forthcoming.

Co-ordinator Allan Stewart said: “The rules are there for a reason. We just chap the door, leave the food and run.”

A SLC spokesman said: “Gas servicing continues to be undertaken taking account of the Covid-19 specific guidance issued by both the HSE and the Gas Safe Register.

“Tenants can refuse access and reschedule visits should they, or a member of their family, be self-isolating.”

Message from your editor

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.

Janet