A PENSIONER is appealing for housing bosses to give older people more support to maintain their gardens.

The call came after Violet Smillie, 77, of Oak Grove, Darwen received a letter from housing company Twin Valley Homes saying she must have her rundown garden tidied.

But today Twin Valley said it was standing by its policy of leaving garden maintenance to clients, because it does not have the resources.

Mrs Smillie, who is disabled, said she had been given two weeks to have the work carried out at a rate of £10 an hour through a Social Services scheme.

If the garden is still not tidied after this period Twin Valley will do the work and bill Mrs Smillie for it.

Violet lives with her son, who is also disabled and her disabled daughter lives in the flat above.

She said: "I can't clean the garden, I am a 77 year-old disabled pensioner. This letter says they can arrange to have someone clean it for me at £10 an hour but I can't afford that. What am I supposed to do? Twin Valley should make special arrangements for people like myself."

Section 12 of the Twin Valley Homes Tenancy agreement states that the tenant must keep any garden area clean and tidy and the tenant must cut the lawn and trim the hedges.

Kevin Ruth, managing director of operations, said: "We suggest alternative options to tenants who are struggling because they are genuinely unable to manage their gardens due to old age or disability and only take action against those who do not respond appropriately."

Vicky Shepherd, of Age Concern in Blackburn, said: "I'm sure Mrs Smillie can get extra help with her garden through Social Services because of her circumstances."