A Borders MSP has been left shocked by a housing association’s stance in a case involving an Innerleithen family forced to leave their home.
Christine Grahame called for a meeting with representatives of Scottish Borders Housing Association tomorrow alongside private homeowner Dr Eamonn O’Neill, who claims his wife Sarah and twin four-year-old sons have been tormented for four years by one of its tenants who threatened their lives.
However, in an email to Ms Grahame, SBHA chairman Ray Licence says it is not possible for Dr O’Neill to attend, because of legal concerns.
As a result, the SNP politician turned down the offer yesterday morning.
She said: “I asked for a meeting with my constituent who has been harassed for years and they say it must be privileged. I am not doing that, I am not becoming part of their secrecy.
“I am gobsmacked by their attitude. They are defending the indefensible and I believe they have now hired a PR firm – that is more money being spent from the public purse.”
SBHA is accused of failing to evict James Armstrong, who said he had given up his tenancy at the Traquair Road flat when he pled guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner at Peebles Sheriff Court in September 2011.
Dr O’Neill is preparing to sue the housing association over the case, while Ms Grahame believes SBHA chief executive Julia Mulloy should step down pending an inquiry.