On that subject - a neighbour and myself visited a former elderly neighbour who has now moved to a sheltered unit, whilst there we saw that there was a lovely patio area for residents that could possibly benefit from some bedding plants and perhaps some tomatoes if people were interested. On leaving we were introduced to the manager and my neighbour explained this, she has an allotment and they do normally have excess plants and she and a fellow allotment holder thought they could interact with the residents if they wanted and also maintain the area if required and help bring people together.
Had she suggested pulling the whole building down on top of the residents she could hardly have met with a more hostile reception. Every excuse possible to not get involved was put forward, the inevitable health and safety, holding meetings, passing things up the management chain, who were these two women offering to help, what organisation did they come from - it was quite unbelievable. I asked the manger if she'd heard of Hounslow's 'Thriving Communities' initiative which is aiming to facilitate groups getting together in the borough. My neighbour was so depsondent - as she said, we're talking a few bloody Pansies not re-landscaping. The manager could have said thanks but I can't take the decision but I'll certainly look into it and get back to you.All there was was obstruction and a 101 reasons why this couldn't happen. I have brought this to the attention of the cabinet member for older people and much good did it do. These councillors have to stop defending employees/officers when they act like jobsworths, either the council stops dreaming up policies and strategies that sound wonderful but in practice prove difficult to enact, or they will find that people willing and able to give of their time will just walk away, and we will all be the poorer for that. |