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Just before Christmas, several vulnerable adults were forced to leave their homes after flooding struck a housing complex in Greenock. One particularly distressing incident involved a paraplegic woman who was left outside for seven hours while alternative lodging was arranged. Ultimately, she had to spend the night in a hospital bed due to the lack of available accommodation.
The outbreak of flooding at MacLehose Court, managed by Blackwood Homes and Care, led the organization to declare a major incident. Water entered the ground-floor flats of the complex, marking the fourth such event since November. Residents have attributed the repeated flooding to issues with a nearby drain aggravated by recent stormy weather, although Blackwood is still investigating the exact cause.
Rona McClure, who has been living in MacLehose Court for several years after suffering spinal injuries following cancer, has been significantly affected by the floods. Her mother, Margaret Clark, revealed to BBC Scotland News that the complex has seen multiple floods, sometimes with water levels rising above ankle height. The electric wheelchair Rona relies on became hazardous in the deep water, forcing her to wait outside. Margaret described the situation: “The first time it happened the carers were the first to spot it – they had gone into the flat and realised the floor was wet. It wasn’t too bad. But a couple of days later the house was flooded, with water up over your ankles. The electric wheels on Rona’s chair were skidding with the deep water and it was dangerous, so she had to sit outside.” She added, “Inverclyde’s social work department were there and very supportive but no-one from Blackwood was on site. Rona was there from half past three until 10:30 at night while they tried to find her somewhere. Eventually it was only a hospital bed they could give her for one night.”
The flooding continued to cause problems for Rona, who has had to endure two more incidents since then. Her wheelchair’s size limits the number of care homes she can access, further complicating her situation. Following the most recent event, she was left to stay overnight in her water-damaged flat when no other options were found. Although she has now been offered a temporary place at another Blackwood facility in Cardonald, Margaret expressed concern over her daughter’s mental wellbeing, which has been severely affected by the ongoing stress caused by the constant flooding.
Other residents at MacLehose Court have been impacted as well. Last Monday, Blackwood announced the major incident via social media, reporting that around nine individuals had to be evacuated. Among them were John and Susan Bell, who had lived at the complex for approximately four years. Stewart Bell, their son, described the ordeal: “These things can happen and I understand it, but it has taken a month now to fix. The second time it happened, the water was over my ankles. We paid out to fix the floors and after two weeks of staying with my sister my parents moved back in. Then it just immediately flooded that night. The house is unsafe and they’ll have to start again at 75.” Stewart also mentioned that Blackwood staff informed him the repairs could take months, and that his mother had recently suffered a serious fall, leading to a hospital stay. The couple has since been offered accommodation at a different care home.
Both Margaret Clark and Stewart Bell voiced frustration over Blackwood’s slow response and limited presence during the crisis. Margaret explained that she and her husband, both elderly, had been left largely to manage the relocation of Rona’s belongings with little assistance. In response, Blackwood stated they were treating the situation as a top priority and collaborating with Inverclyde Council and Scottish Water to identify a solution. A spokesperson said, “Our immediate priority has been to help secure suitable temporary accommodation where required and to ensure people’s safety. Teams are continuing to work on site, with water being pumped 24 hours a day.” While conditions on site have improved, the root causes of the flooding remain unresolved. Inverclyde Council added they are supporting Blackwood with repair efforts and resident relocations, with roads and social care services providing advice and assistance to help manage the situation
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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