A VULNERABLE woman has been forced to battle with South Lanarkshire Council to try to secure a downstairs flat.

Moira Heafey, 45, from Rutherglen has been fighting the council for seven months to be moved from her upstairs property where she lives with her carer Mary McGoldrick.

Ms Heafey has mobility issues and since moving to her home her health has deteriorated.

Fearing for her safety Moira reluctantly accepted the upstairs flat to escape her previous area.

Glasgow Times:

She said: “I wanted to get out of my last house because of trouble but I was told there were no low down houses available so me and Mary just took the house with stairs to get out of the bad area.”

“I also use a three wheeled zimmer to help me walk which we mentioned to the council and Mary has to carry it up and down the stairs which is painful for her.”

Moira has admitted the stress of trying to get a better house has taken its toll but has repeatedly been told there are currently no available downstairs flats for her to move into.

She said: “Since moving here my mobility problems have got worse and I find it hard to climb the stairs.

“Both Mary and I have learning difficulties and I feel South Lanarkshire Council are treating us unfairly.

“They won’t take my health needs into consideration.”

Ms Heafey also expressed her anger over the lack of help she receives from her council.

She said: “When people get out of prison they are able to get a house and even people who come over from other countries but when it comes to vulnerable adults who are disabled they do nothing.

“I want my voice heard and a decent house with a garden, just as we were promised.

“I would hate to think the council were treating other vulnerable and disabled adults this way.”

Ann Gee, Executive Director of Housing and Technical Resources, said: “South Lanarkshire Council is aware of Ms Heafey’s current housing circumstances and has provided ongoing advice and support to her in relation to her application for re-housing.”