Falkirk Council: Disabled woman has bedroom window boarded up for six months awaiting replacement

Margaret Robertson, 58, was initially told the window would be replaced in November but workmen failed to turn up.

She was then told the end of January but again the contractor was a no-show on Monday.

When she contacted the local authority it now says that it will be next month before the bedroom window and others in her home in Drumacre Road, Bo’ness can be installed.

Margaret, who suffers from a range of health issues which affect her mobility, says she is spending upwards of £30 on gas to try to keep her home warm.

She said: “It is too cold to sleep in the bedroom where the window is boarded up. The back bedroom is too small for all the aids I need to get in and out of bed. I tried that but had a fall because of the lack of space.

"I approached the council three years ago about the state of the windows which anyone could see were rotting wood. But I was told then they were fine.

"I’m scared to touch them now in case the glass falls out of another one.”

It’s baltic inside and the windows constantly rattle. I can’t even have my grandchildren for a sleepover as the house is too cold for them.”

She said that the contractor has told her there is an issue getting supplies of the windows but when she contact other window companies four out of five said they would have been able to fit new windows within weeks.

A spokesperson for Falkirk Council said: “Contractors were expected to take delivery of replacement windows by the end of January 2022. Unfortunately, the delivery date has been pushed back due to circumstances outwith their control. We appreciate how disappointing this will be to Miss Robertson, and apologise for the inconvenience this further delay will undoubtedly cause.

“Our contractor now expects to take delivery of the windows during the third week in February, and they will be fitted during the week commencing February 28. They are doing all they can to accelerate the delivery date if possible.”

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