Councillor Jill Fraser to raise funds for 91-year-old’s shower

Published: 30th June, 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

A COUNCILLOR says she has been forced to raise money herself to pay for a shower for an elderly constituent who can no longer climb into her bath.

The 91-year-old woman has been told her council flat won’t get the walk-in shower she needs because she is still fit enough to do her own cooking and cleaning.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jill Fraser, who respresents Haverstock, said that when she asked the council why the work could not be done, the reply came back that it was too expensive at a cost £6,000.

When Cllr Fraser raised the case at Monday’s full council meeting and told the chamber the figure she had been quoted, there were gasps among members who thought it would be cheaper if the council went to a high street shop or hired a one-off labourer.

Cllr Fraser said: “Her flat makes me feel ashamed because there isn’t a speck of dust. She still cooks her own dinners. 

“She is a wonderful lady but because she is able – apart from the fact she can’t lift her legs into the bath – Camden says she doesn’t qualify for a shower. Camden say they will do it if I can raise £6,000 and so that’s what I am going to do and I hope I have members support.”