AN OUTRAGED pensioner has slammed the council for their decision to force her to pay for a safety alarm in her house - and warned them she won't hand over a penny.

Greenock woman Josephine Murray, who is in daily danger of falling in her own home because of health problems, says she is taking a stand for other people who may not be able to afford it.

Inverclyde Council took the decision earlier this year to start charging for the alert system which supports the most vulnerable residents in case of emergencies.

The system - which gives people a direct link to a monitoring centre - is used by 2,700 people in Inverclyde.

This comes on top of the decision to end free swimming for the over-60s and increased charges for meals on wheels.

Josephine, 82, from Columba Street said: "It's an attack on pensioners.

"Why are we being penalised?

"There are people out there who might not be able to afford it.

"It is the principle, they are making the pensioners pay for cuts.

"We have paid our taxes and many of us still do.

"They said that they will come and take it away - well let's see them try."

The grandmother, who had to fight for justice when her husband Joseph died from asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, suffers from a balance impairment and has been diagnosed with dementia.

She added: "I didn't ask for the alarm, they gave it to me in case I fall. I won't be paying for it. They say they will remove it if I don't pay. So let them come and try."

Councillors agreed to set a weekly charge of £2.50 during budget talks, in the face of millions of pounds of cuts.

Up until this year the community alarm system was free of charge.

At the time they said they were falling into line with other local authorities who already charged for the service, and the rate set was £1 lower than first proposed.

When the charges were introduced in July the council said while they would prefer not to charge, there were tough choices that had to be made as they try to do more with less money.

Council and leisure bosses found themselves under fire earlier this year from pensioners when funding for free swimming for the over 60s was axed.

An Inverclyde Council spokesman said: “The decision to introduce a community alarm charge was made as part of the budget setting process following public consultation.

“The charge is means-tested and anyone with concerns or questions – including advice on maximising benefits and welfare rights – can get in touch.

“We will always look carefully at any concerns about hardship or safety if the alarm is removed.”