'Lifeline' handyman service could return after protests

The odd jobs scheme was operated by Yorkshire Housing until Rotherham Council pulled the plug last year, saying it was underused.

This prompted an outcry from customers, including enraged Herringthorpe resident Val Marks, who called it a lifeline for OAPs.

Ms Marks and Roger Bellamy, who was employed as a handyman and said he had been doing up to five jobs a day, both spoke at council meetings urging RMBC to reconsider.

After meeting the pair, Cllr David Roche, RMBC’s cabinet member for adult services, told Ms Marks that he would look at whether the service could be brought back.

RMBC would only say that the service was still under review, which would determine if any “procurement” was required.

It is understood further discussions will take place over the next few months.