Christmas comes early for Mercer Court OAPs

Published 11 Dec 2009 11:37 0 Comments

ELDERLY residents of Mercer Court look to have won their battle over the council's plans for their future.

Social work bosses had planned to convert the 25-flat building in Innerleithen from sheltered housing to extra care housing as part of their Transforming Older People's Services review.

However residents firmly said no when they got wind of the plans and made their feelings known to SBC and their elected representatives.

Residents of the Hannover Housing Association complex also met with MP David Mundell and local councillor Gavin Logan last Friday to reinforce their views.

The matter is set to appear before SBC's full council meeting next Thursday where it is believed that officers will recommend that Mercer Court remains as it is.

One resident said: "Why meddle with a model that works? This complex has worked perfectly for the last 25 years and they wanted to upset all the residents, decanting us out so they could transform it for extra care.

"We don't want it changed and I hope SBC and councillors take our view on board when deciding on it.

Tweeddale MP David Mundell said: "I am backing the residents of Mercer Court to keep the status quo. I think it is an excellent facility which has a great atmosphere.

"The tenants were very positive about the existing arrangements and when you have something which is working as well as Mercer Court does why change it? I will, however, take this matter up further with SBC's Chief Executive and Hannover Housing."

Councillor Logan added: "I will be supporting the recommendation to leave things as they are and if this is carried forward it will be a welcome Christmas present for all the residents at Mercer Court."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 11 Dec 09

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