AN Innerleithen pensioner has been waiting for more than four months to have her broken window replaced.

And frail Sarah Scott could be living in the fire hazard for many more weeks as her social landlord hasn’t accepted her neighbour’s complaints.

The disabled 86-year-old reported problems with her window to Eildon Housing at the start of April.

But several botched repair jobs later her Aitken Bank living room window still can’t be opened properly.

Near neighbour and Innerleithen Community Council member Nelson Johnstone told the Peeblesshire News: “It was 17 weeks ago when workmen came to try and fix the window’s locking system but the timber broke.

“Eildon Housing Association’s joiner was told to put a strip of wood across the bottom and screw it up so the window would not open.

“I’m led to believe the window would be one of the exits in the event of a fire, as you could previously open it right up.” As temperatures soared during early summer the pensioner, who suffers from ill health, was unable to ventilate her living room.

Mrs Scott revealed that last month the joiner returned, removed the strip of wood, and fitted a bolt, similar to that used on a shed, to enable the window to be opened and locked.

At the same time a slanted piece of wood was screwed across the frame with a handle attached.

But the unsightly work still causes difficulties for the octogenarian.

Mr Johnstone said: “They have made a real mess of the window frame, it is disgraceful. I have never seen anything like these bits of timber across the window.

“It is a complete replacement window that is supposed to be fitted, but in the time it has taken you could build a complete house.” Mr Johnstone has made several complaints to the Selkirk-based social landlord - but he has been told it is up to the tenant or her family to report problems.

And he’s also approached local councillor Graham Garvie in a bid to help his neighbour.

“I’m just trying to help a disabled neighbour with breathing difficulties to get something done,” said Mr Johnstone.

“I used to live in Edinburgh and there this sort of problem in a housing association flat would have been sorted in a fortnight.

“Why should Mrs Scott suffer, Eildon have said it is special glass but it is a load of nonsense.” It is not the first time recently there have been problems at the flats opened 21-years-ago - last winter workmen came five times to fix the outside door.

Eildon chief executive Nile Istephan, said: “We are aware of this issue and have instructed our contractors to order a replacement window. We are in contact with our tenant and arrangements will be made to fit the new window as soon as it is delivered.”