Angus councillors have given sheltered housing residents and their families some assurances over the services they receive.
A meeting of the full Angus Council in Forfar on Thursday heard a motion to tell residents that shared lounges, restrooms and laundry services will be retained following a consultation with tenants.
However, a decision on whether tenancy support officers (TSOs) will be retained will not be made until a report comes before committee next month.
The issue has been of particular resonance to campaigners, and a number of them gathered outside Town and County Hall to make their voices heard.
Inside, the full council heard a deputation from two campaigners for the retention of TSOs, Beatrice Gerrard from Arbroath and Tom Fowler from Letham.
Mrs Gerrard said she moved in to sheltered housing as she was plagued by antisocial behaviour at her former home, and has come to depend on wardens.
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“Wardens play a very big part in our lives,” she added.
“They have to make sure everyone is up in the morning, helping vulnerable people to fill in forms and help with health issues and safety, which is a big part of sheltered housing.”
Mr Fowler said he is fortunate enough to receive care from his wife but is sympathetic to single people who rely on services to a greater extent.
“I know that your budget has been cut year on year for the past eight years, due to the Scottish Government refusing to allow an increase to council tax,” he said.
“Please, I implore all of you retain our TSOs.”
A motion to provide some assurances was tabled by Councillor Bob Myles, which stated that councillors and officers are “listening to what they say” and will not make any decision on TSOs before detailed reports are made available.
“We obviously saw the depth of feeling from people who’ve stood outside in very inclement weather,” he said. “We can’t ignore that voice. These tenants need reassurance now.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor David Fairweather, and unanimously agreed.
Councillor Glennis Middleton said: “I don’t think there’s anybody here who doesn’t support the sheltered housing tenants and who doesn’t recognise they do have anxieties.
“When we do get the report in January, we will take cognisance of that.”
Councillor David May said: “I think one point we have to make clear is that no decision has been made about these things.”
Councillor Donald Morrison said another members’ briefing has been scheduled before the January meeting.