Disgusted (From Barry And District News)

Disgusted

I'M responding to the comments made by the Vale of Glamorgan Council about disabled access in the story you wrote about me (June 5, 2003).

After we viewed the flat in Edward Street we decided to move in, but the flat was in disrepair and badly needed decorating. I asked a council official if there is any help for the disabled and elderly if they requested for their property to be decorated. The response was no, you have to decorate yourselves.

As a young disabled independent women, I'm personally disgusted with the council's policy of not helping the elderly or disabled if they request help with decorating. In my opinion it's down to the council to make sure their own properties are more presentable for all tenants to move into.

Although my partner Martin Blackmore is my carer, if I was on my own I would have to decorate because it does need it, I can't reach the kitchen cupboards, the electric and gas meters are placed high and their is a steep step in the main entrance door.

I wasn't advised by the council about any grants available for any adaptations being made out for the flat, which they stated in the paper.

Although the council commented that adaptations are available for myself at Edward Street, they also failed to mention that the work can take up to a year or more.

As the council has stated that it has limited disabled properties, I think it should now do more for its disabled tenants. I'm not putting the whole blame on the council - the Government should also do more to help their councils accommodate better.

Lisa Madigan Edward Street Barry