Homowner in plea for council house for disabled wife

Apr 21 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A MAN whose disabled wife was found in a pool of blood after falling down stairs in her home is desperately seeking a single-storey council house.

Hugh Reid fears for his 61-year-old wife Maureen’s safety following her fall at their three-bedroomed home in Hamilton’s Scott Street.

The Reids have been on a waiting list for six years for a house with South Lanarkshire Council, Clyde Valley Housing and West of Scotland Housing Association.

Hugh (63), who has two grown-up children and two grandchildren, said: “We have had a meeting with the council and have had no joy.”

Hugh said he is looking for a two-bedroomed low-level house in either Hamilton town centre or the Low Waters area.

“My wife fell twice last week,” he said.

“When she fell down the stairs and ended up in a pool of blood and had to have 11 staples in her head, the doctor said she was lucky to be alive.

“Her health has deteriorated over the last two years.

“She can’t talk and has dizziness.

“I am frightened that she walks during the night and falls again.

“She had an accident at work where she cut her finger and has never been the same since.”

Mr Hugh said that the law changed a few years ago to allow private homeowners to sell their house and apply for a council house.

“I don’t want to leave Scott Street as it is a nice area but I have to for the sake of my wife,” he added.

“I don’t want her to fall down stairs and do more damage.”

A council spokesman said: “As private owners, Mr and Mrs Reid are eligible to apply to the council for housing.

“We do have an active application from them.

“And they are currently queued according to the established criteria on our waiting list.

“The Hamilton housing office has maintained regular contact with Mr and Mrs Reid regarding their application and continues to provide advice and assistance in relation to all of their housing options.”