Protesting pensioners have taken their impassioned plea to the Angus Council chamber amid growing fears over changes to “lifeline” sheltered housing services.
OAPs from across the county protested in Forfar on Thursday and implored a meeting of the full Angus Council not to make cuts.
Council leader Iain Gaul has reinforced the message that no decisions have been taken as the authority carries out a broad review of care and support services in Angus, and pledged that the views of residents will be taken into account.
But the firm message was a hands-off warning as the protesting pensioners challenged any suggestion that sheltered housing is outdated.
In the packed Town and County Hall chamber, pensioners’ spokesman Ted Smith told councillors: “Wardens are a lifeline to many of our elderly, they are part of the family for many who do not have relatives living close by and they ensure our loved ones are being looked after.
“We also don’t understand why Angus Council claims that there is no demand for sheltered housing.
“Community lounges are a lifeline for many residents they meet there for cuppies, home shopping, bingo and many other things and are used on a daily basis by many.
“If they are taken away we will be stuck in the same four walls, no one to speak to and no interaction.
“It will lead to loneliness, depression and in some cases, even suicide.
“It’s not much of a future to look forward to, is it?” said Mr Smith. “We urge you to re-think the plans and keep the services we have at the moment.”
Councillor Gaul, who was not present at the full council meeting, said: “This is an important consultation with residents.
“It will help us assess what people want and need from the sheltered housing service to ensure it is fit for purpose in the future.
“We will now be looking in detail at all of the responses and I stress everyone’s views will be considered as part of that process. No decisions have been taken.”
He added: “Our care services must be focused on people rather than places, so care is attached to your needs rather than your address.
“We have an idea from current and projected demand and tenants’ feedback, that there are differing views about our current sheltered housing service.
“We anticipate we will need less sheltered housing in the future but we may need more of other types of housing for older people.
“The purpose of this consultation with sheltered housing tenants is to properly gather their views to give us an accurate picture of what people need, so we can plan for the future and provide the most appropriate type of housing for people’s needs.
“We are only part of the way through this process so while I appreciate that people want to know what will happen all I can say at this stage is that we are listening to tenants and we will keep them informed.”