September 21, 1979

EIGHT hundred Redditch pensioners are currently on the waiting list for free decoration of a room under a council scheme.

Redditch Council said a record number of OAPs requested the service, which is carried out by the maintenance department.

The backlog exists despite a spurt by workmen which meant that 320 extra rooms had been decorated by March this year at a cost of £16,000.

The work facing council craftsmen is revealed in a report of Redditch Council housing department over spending of £32,000 in the financial year of 1978-9.