Couple left housebound by icy weather are finally getting help

William Lang, 79, and his wife Margaret, 77, have stayed in their Leven Road home for 30 years but a recurrent water run-off onto the path outside their home means it is treacherous every time temperatures fall to freezing.

The build up of ice means that William and Margaret, who uses a wheelchair, cannot leave their home as it is too dangerous.

Their grandson, Andrew Barron contacted the Tele after council bosses said they could not help the senior citizens.

Now property owners River Clyde Homes have today said they will work with the local authority to fix the problem.

The housing association will also arrange to deliver bags of rock salt so the family can treat the path, which is off the road, in the meantime.

Margaret said: “I'm so pleased that steps are finally being taken.

“We face problems year after year and I am delighted to know that it is finally on the radar and being looked at.

“River Clyde Homes dropping off bags of rock salt will help ease the problem and hopefully we won’t be trapped at home any more.”

Council officials had previously insisted that no grit supplies could be delivered because Leven Road is on the priority gritting route.

Andrew’s partner Lauren McCurdy, 27, said: “The salt being delivered is a step in the right direction."

Russell Smith, caretaking and environmental manager at RCH, said: “River Clyde Homes owns the pathway but not the adjacent embankment from where there appears to be a run-off of water, adding to the slippery conditions.

“We will liaise with Inverclyde Council to resolve this issue.

“Meantime, we will deliver bags of rock salt to Mr Lang’s home for use by him and his neighbours.”