A BARRHEAD man is pleading with council chiefs to allow him to move into his late mum’s former home.
Council tenant Kenny Ferguson, who suffers from Parkinson’s, has been living in Barrhead for the past five years.
However, after his mum Morag died in May, he launched a bid to take over the tenancy of her council home in Busby, where most of his friends and relatives live.
Mr Ferguson, 49, claims that allowing him to make the move to Busby would mean he is less of a burden on loved ones who are increasingly having to care for him as his illness takes its toll.
East Renfrewshire Council, however, is refusing to sanction the switch, pointing out that he does not qualify to take over his mum’s tenancy.
Mr Ferguson, who grew up in Busby, said he now feels like he is “stranded” in Barrhead.
His bid to move into his mum’s old home is being backed by hundreds of people who have signed a petition that urges council bosses to reverse their decision.
Mr Ferguson told the Barrhead News: “It’s frustrating to be so far away from friends and family.
“I had basically been living at my mum’s before she died, so I could take care of her.
“Now that she’s dead, I’m told I can’t live there.
“I was born and bred in Busby, my sister was born and bred in Busby and my family has always lived in Busby.
“I feel like I’ve become a burden on my friends and family who have to make their way to Barrhead time and time again to help me.
“As my Parkinson’s gets worse, I’m too far from friends and family and it’s difficult for me to make my way to Busby.
“My mum was in contact with the council for years before she died, trying to get them to agree to let me move back.
“The house is lying empty, no-one is living in it. We’ve taken all the pictures and other stuff away.”
A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said staff are committed to working with Mr Ferguson to support him with a re-housing application.
He added: “Due to current Scottish legislation, Mr Ferguson does not qualify to succeed the tenancy held by his late mother but our team can provide all the necessary support and advice to find a suitable solution.”
To sign the petition supporting Mr Ferguson’s bid to move to Busby, visit tinyurl.com/y2xh5huz
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