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Pleas for help finally heard

AN ELDERLY resident living in public housing says he is frustrated that his lawn has not been cut for more than three months.

Tom Blandthorn, who suffers from emphysema, said despite numerous calls by him and neighbours to the Department of Human Services, their pleas had fallen on deaf ears. 

He said their grass was meant to be cut every two weeks in the summer and monthly in winter. 

Yet, it hasn’t been cut since October 1 last year. 

“It doesn’t matter how many times we ring up, we get nowhere and it’s been over three months,” he said. 

Mr Blandthorn, 77, is unable to walk further than 10 metres without the assistance of a walker or motorised scooter.

He said he was concerned about tripping on the grass when he did go outside and that the current situation was “distressing”.

After being contacted by The Guardian on Friday, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed it was aware of the situation and that the matter would be dealt with as a matter of urgency. 

For more on this story, pick up a copy of Monday’s Guardian (January 19).

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