A DISABLED couple who live on the fifth floor of a tower block last night begged council chiefs to move them out ... after claiming their home has become a firetrap.

Agnes Strathearn and her husband George both rely on wheelchairs to get about and insist they wouldn’t stand a chance of survival if a fire broke out at their home in Glencairn Court, Paisley.

They have lived in the Gallowhill high-rise for almost 40 years but are now so frail that they are desperate for a move as the building is not suitable for disabled people.

Former shop assistant Agnes, 71, has terminal cancer, while 76-year-old George is paralysed down one side after suffering a stroke three months ago.

Agnes said: “If there was a fire in this block, we’d struggle to get out.

“We are up here on our own. We don’t have kids and no-one lives with us. I can’t even push George out of the flat.

“We just can’t live here anymore.”

Since taking ill in the summer, George needs the help of carers, while Agnes, who has a history of heart trouble, is living with the fear that her health could deteriorate at any moment.

She suffered from breast cancer and was given the devastating news last January that the disease had spread to her liver – making it untreatable.

Agnes said: “I’ve got terminal cancer but the doctors can’t tell me how long I’ll live. They have said it could be two months or two years. We’re now in October and I’m still here but I could do without the stress of fighting the council. We’ve loved our time in this flat but it’s just not suitable anymore.

“Just moving George about the flat is such a struggle because his wheelchair doesn’t fit through the doors properly.

“I’d hate anyone to think I’m unclean but I’ve not been able to have a bath or a shower for two years because I’m not very steady on my feet and I just can’t get into our bath anymore.

“My nieces have to come up and help me wash while I sit on the toilet seat.

“I know there are loads of empty house in Gallowhill, so surely the council can find us one?”

Former Rolls-Royce factory inspector George added: “It is such a carry on for me just to get in and out of my bedroom, let alone out of the flat, and it’s starting to get me down. I feel like I’m a prisoner in my own home.”

Renfrewshire Council bosses said they are working hard to help Agnes and George but a shortage of housing is a major sticking point.

A spokesman added: “All requests for a new council home are assessed under our allocations policy.

“Applicants are placed in the group which meets their housing needs. The group is based on the particular circumstances of each case, such as mobility issues, overcrowding, etc.

“Mr and Mrs Strathearn’s mobility application is being considered by the mobility/sheltered panel tomorrow and an occupational therapist will assess and provide a report on their mobility needs.

“We will do all we can to help the Strathearns. At present, there is a limited number of ground-floor properties that are suitable for people who are wheelchair bound.

 

Agnes and George Strathearn Glencairn court Gallowhill