Council is taking away our 'lifelines'
Disabled pensioners fight for their scooters
"Callous able-bodied council staff want to take away our lifelines," say disabled pensioners told to move their mobility scooters from under an internal stairwell.
Sheila Downes and Doreen Webster are fuming at Milton Keynes Council's instruction - which it says is down to a recent 'fire risk assessment' at Radnor House, Bletchley.
Mrs Downes, a 76-year-old who has been unable to walk since she had polio as a child, uses crutches around her ground floor flat. But the scooter gives her the independence to visit the shops and run errands.
Mrs Webster, 66, has painful osteoporosis meaning she can only walk for small periods – and again uses her scooter to get out.
"We got a letter last week from the council saying a fire risk assessment had been done," said Mrs Webster.
"It said everything stored under the stairwells would be removed if it was still there when inspected this Friday (March 12).
"We keep our block really tidy – and our scooters are tucked under the stairs completely out of the way.
"What made it worse is that nobody visited us to hear our views, they just sent a letter and told us this was going to happen."
Mrs Downes has stored her scooter under the stairs for 24 years – and is stunned the council has made the decision only now.
"They'll have to take me with them if they try to remove it," she said.
"I wonder if it is to do with the new cleaners starting next month – that they are refusing to clean around our scooters but the council is using this 'fire risk' argument."
The Citizen put the complaints to Milton Keynes Council.
A spokesman denied the issue was related to the new cleaners, saying: "We have had ongoing issues with residents keeping personal belongings in the communal hallways in flats, and while we appreciate that these particular residents have specific requirements in terms of their mobility scooters, we have to consider the safety of everyone living in the block.
"The stairway is the only escape route in the event of a fire and therefore needs to be kept clear."
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 09 February 2012
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