A DISABLED pensioner with diabetes has earned an apology from Scottish Borders Council (SBC) after complaining he was told to drink less milk.
Hugh Munro rang SBC when he could not reach his usual food delivery service by phone.
But the former journalist, of Bowhill, says he was given disappointing treatment by the local authority’s call handler.
Mr Munro said: “It was disgraceful - I desperately need an apology.”
An SBC spokesperson told us that Mr Munro has since been given a personal apology by Tracey Logan, the authority’s chief executive.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Munro explained he has been diligently following government instructions to remain at home as much as possible. He recently suffered a heart attack and has Type 2 diabetes, he said.
The 69-year-old, who lives alone, usually gets his groceries delivered by a voluntary organisation, he said, but his most recent drop-off contained less milk and break than usual.
Today (Friday, April 10) he was down to his last half-cup of milk and a few slices of bread, he said.
When he was unable to get through to his usual delivery contact, he said he resorted to ringing the council’s advice line.
But the call handler’s alleged remarks served to frustrate Mr Munro, who said he took care to explain his predicament.
“She asked if I could stretch the milk out to four cups of tea or start drinking it black,” Mr Munro said. “That’s just not good enough.”
Mr Munro’s annoyance was heightened further by another alleged comment.
“She expected me to go out in my car and visit the shops,” Mr Munro said.
A council spokesperson said: “The Chief Executive has personally contacted Mr Munro, apologised and assured him that we will get him what he needs today (Friday) and going forward.
“We are dealing with this as an official complaint and will take any necessary action.”
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