Handy new service will help to change light bulbs and hang rails

A NEW ‘handyman’ service for elderly council tenants has been welcomed.

From installing new light bulbs to hanging curtain rails, the small repairs service is available to customers over 70-years-old and also over-60s with a disability or long-term illness.

A total of £150,000 has been allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council’s housing team to run the ‘odd jobs’ repairs service over the next three years.

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It offers older and disabled tenants – of the council and registered social landlords – a home-based, personalised service giving free advice and hands-on assistance with small repairs and improvements in the home.

Councillor Ashay Ghai, convener of housing and community care, said: “This is great news for older people living in East Dunbartonshire and we were delighted to receive this funding from the Scottish Government’s Change Fund.

“Although this service will only deal with odd jobs, it’s often these small tasks that can make all the difference in improving a person’s quality of life.”

The small repairs scheme is a new project and is an extension to work already being done by the council’s care and repair service.

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It currently offers a small repairs service for home owners – managed by Antonine Housing Association.

Irene Fox, chairwoman of Antonine’s management committee, said: “We are delighted to be introducing this new service and thank East Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government for their support.”

East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson has welcomed the scheme.

She said: “We need to get the word out about this service so as many people as possible can benefit.

“Anyone interested in further information should contact 0141 578 0156.”

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