An Alexandria mum has said she feels like a prisoner in her own home, after pleas to be moved away from a violent neighbour fell on deaf ears.
The resident, whose anonymity we have protected, says she contacted the Lennox as a last resort, having pleaded with West Dunbartonshire Council for a move because of the devastating impact the situation was having on her children and mental health.
Leven councillor Ian Dickson and local MSP Jackie Baillie have both given the single mum of four their support.
The tenant said: “It feels like the council are not entertaining me at all in my efforts to get a move away. I’m living as a prisoner in my own house because I’m so scared to leave.
“I’ve been put on the sick at work because my mental health is so bad, and it feels like the council aren’t giving a monkeys.
“The council says that I’m not at risk and that the 45 points I have are not enough to offer me a move.
“I’m living like a prisoner here. I’ve got no family or friends who live nearby. So I’m being forced to live like a prisoner when I’ve done nothing wrong.
“I can’t take it anymore and the council aren’t entertaining me at all.
“I’ve had enough. Speaking to the press was my last resort, it’s the only way I’m hoping that the council will listen to me.”
The resident says that her neighbour’s violent behaviour has left her fearing for her own safety, whilst blaring music and vandalism in the close are having a crippling impact on her mental wellbeing.
She continued: “I’m scared of what would happen to me if I stepped out onto the landing. The lights were repaired the other week and then immediately broken again.
“One of my kids is a teenager and the youngest is only eight. They can’t sleep and I’ve got the council telling me that there’s nothing they can do.
“My oldest has had suicidal thoughts because of the situation. She’s too scared to go to school in case anything happens.
“But as long as the council gets their rent every month it seems like they don’t care.
“All my doctors have written letters saying I need an urgent move, but they’ve all fallen on deaf ears so far.”
Leven councillor Ian Dickson, of the SNP, said: “I am continuing to support my constituent seeking a new four-bedroom home as these can take a while to become available.
“As always we encourage and assist applicants to explore all avenues, including searching housing association stock for any availability and widening their location options.”
Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton constituency MSP, said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home, particularly when there are children involved.
“Victim Support and the Procurator Fiscal have both classed this woman as being at risk and therefore it is the Council’s responsibility to move her to a house where she feels safe. I hope that this situation gets resolved quickly.”
A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “We are sorry to hear that this tenant is unhappy. Our Anti-Social Behaviour team is continuing to provide support and we are working closely with the tenant to find suitable alternative housing of the type, size and in the location she has requested.”
