A GP has advised patients not to accept any offer of accommodation in a troubled housing complex because of “system-related issues”.
Manse Gardens, in the Clachan area of the village of Strachur on the Cowal peninsula, was originally opened in 1973 as a sheltered housing complex by the Church of Scotland’s Kirk Care unit, which later became the Edinburgh-based company Trust Housing Association.
Residents were shocked in 2017 when Trust announced that Manse Gardens would no longer be a sheltered housing facility, but would be open to all as “amenity housing” and warden support would be withdrawn.
Since then a number of new people have moved in, and reports of anti-social behaviour – and worse – have been rife, with some cases reaching Dunoon Sheriff Court.
Dr Robbie Coull has now taken the unusual step of issuing a “patient advisory notice”, which cites “a significant rise in the number of patients complaining of mental health problems caused by the current situation in Manse Gardens”.
The notice goes on: “Initial investigation has raised concerns about a sharp increase in the number of residents allocated to the remote facility with complex problems, a reduction in warden support, and an exodus of low-disability residents who previously provided a balance of support for residents with greater disability.”
Coull goes on to say that patients “may be at risk” in the complex due to “system-related issues”. The notice continues: “Strachur Medical Practice is advising patients not to accept offers of accommodation at the facility pending further investigation and resolution of any safety issues identified.”
Trust Housing Association’s director of customer services, Gail Gourlay, said: “We were extremely concerned when the patient advisory notice was brought to our attention by the Dunoon Observer and we are investigating this as a matter of urgency.”
Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell said: “There have been concerns about Manse Gardens expressed by residents for some time but this extraordinary development will, I hope, lead to a rapid and positive response to ensure any problems that exist are dealt with speedily and conclusively.”
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