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Work on tower block will hinder disabled - claim

Mark Hesford
18/ 4/2008

BUILDING work on a tower block designed for the elderly will inhibit the disabled, say residents.

For several months, builders have carried out regeneration work at Butler Court in Gunson Street, Miles Platting, including the installation of a six-inch high platform in some of the flats.

Residents argue that the raised sections, positioned next to living room windows, make it difficult for anyone with mobility problems to get near the window.

One of the complainants, 71-year-old Tommy Holt claimed the platforms are dangerous and is angry with conflicting messages he has received.

He said he was told by both the council's building control officer and local councillor June Hitchen that the platforms would be removed but the site foreman insisted they were staying.

Mr Holt said: "The officer then said they're allowing the stages to stay because they can easily be seen, so people shouldn't fall over them.

"I asked him how handicapped people are supposed to be able to get to the windows, but he just shrugged his shoulders."

Resident Ellen Tierney, 84, uses a wheelchair and zimmer frame and currently lives with her daughter, Angela Burke, on Sudell Street while the work is carried out.

Mrs Burke said: "I would have to pull mum's curtains at night. If she tried, she would have to climb up the step with her frame, but if it wobbled off she'd be in a mess."

The Renaissance Consortium, a partnership between the Adactus Housing Group, housing developers Lovell and the Investors in the Community programme, is handling the court's regeneration.

Cllr Hitchen said she has told the Consortium the stages are "not acceptable."

She added: "They've now promised to look at a new design. We're hoping for changes to be implemented in the next few weeks."

A spokesman for Renaissance said the platforms are not a hazard and residents were being given the option to have balconies incorporated into their living rooms to create more space. The area was being raised to accommodate existing rainwater pipes which would cause too much disruption to remove.

He added: "Residents are being given the choice about whether they would like the work done, they can visit a show flat to see how it will look, and it is entirely up to them if they wish to go ahead.

"The flooring is slightly raised at a level which doesn't create a trip hazard. We are also offering residents assistance with access through the addition of such items as grab rails if required."