A Scottish council has issued an apology to a pensioner in Edinburgh who has been compelled to use a kettle for washing after being without hot water for over a month. Alastair Masterton, aged 74, encountered difficulties with his immersion heater, leaving him unable to take showers or clean dishes at his residence in West Pilton, Edinburgh.
Alastair informed Edinburgh Council about the problem on August 29 but to his dismay, the issue remained unresolved despite the visit of several contractors. He was informed that a portion of his kitchen wall needed to be dismantled to fix the problem. Consequently, Alastair, who lives alone, had no option but to resort to boiling water in a kettle for personal hygiene and dishwashing, which he found financially burdensome given his pensioner status.
Following a scheduled appointment from the council for an inspector to visit by the end of October, Alastair expressed concern that the matter might not be resolved until Christmas. However, after reaching out to Edinburgh Council, officers quickly responded and arranged for repairs to be carried out on Friday morning, October 4. Alastair highlighted the inconvenience of having to use hot water from the kettle to wash his hair, followed by rinsing with cold water from the shower before resorting to a flannel for cleansing.
Having resided in the Northview Court block for 22 years, Alastair questioned the prioritization of his issue and expressed gratitude towards a neighbour willing to provide a shower. Housing, Homelessness, and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher extended an apology for the difficulties faced by Mr. Masterton, assuring that repair works would commence promptly on Friday morning.
Alastair Masterton’s ordeal sheds light on the challenges faced by some elderly individuals and the importance of swift action to address basic necessities such as access to hot water. The incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role local councils play in ensuring the well-being of all residents, especially those vulnerable within the community.