Untold misery

It was accounts like this, from numerous other residents of designated elderly accommodation and their relatives, that prompted the Independent Working Class Association (IWCA) to table a motion to the city council on this issue in 2004.

The motion called on the council to end its policy of housing younger tenants prone to antisocial behaviour alongside the elderly. Labour and the Liberal Democrats were bitterly opposed to this proposal, accusing us of spreading "scaremongering propaganda". However, in response to the concerns raised by the IWCA, the council agreed to conduct a review.

This review, conducted at taxpayers' expense and taking more than two years to result in any action, confirmed the IWCA's criticisms of council policy.

As a result, a process is now under way to rationalise existing accommodation to ensure that all elderly tenants have the option of living in places that are strictly for over-55s only.

This is not ideal as it will mean some elderly tenants having to move.

It also appears there will be a net loss of council housing as sheltered accommodation units deemed unviable' are offloaded.

The IWCA is not in favour of these aspects, but unfortunately this solution is the best on offer.

It is taking place years after the problem was first identified because of the refusal of the previous Labour/Lib Dem-run council to accept the obvious.

This has doubtless meant untold misery for many pensioners across the city.

This also highlights the double standards operating within the city council on antisocial behaviour. While claiming "this council will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and will take action against those who persist in making the lives of others a misery" (Michael Lawrence, Strategic Director for Housing), here we are again - another case that has gone on two years with no action taken.

Readers can make up their own minds as to who is spreading the propaganda.

CLAIRE KENT (Councillor) Independent Working Class Association Oxford City Council