Published: Tuesday, 19th June, 2007 14:24
LEVEN COTTAGE PROTEST VETERAN PASSES AWAY
By Steve McElroy
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DETERMINED pensioner Robert Toole — who was at the centre of a 'David and Goliath' struggle to save his care home — has sadly died.
Plucky Robert, 77, along with Annie Cardiff, was at the forefront of a sit-in and campaign at Leven Cottage, which began in November 2005.
He had lived at the care home for 10 years and was determined to stay, despite efforts by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) to move him out and close the facility.
Robert’s friend councillor Jim Bollan, who joined him in his sit-in, spoke of his sadness at the news.
He said: `Robert’s death was very sudden. I spoke to him just a few hours before he was taken to hospital and he said he was looking forward to going on holiday to Blackpool.
`He was one of my constituents and contacted me when the news broke that the home was to close and he was being evicted. He really started the campaign.
`He had determination and guts. It is sad that after winning his fight he only had one-and-a half-years in his new home, but was able to see it through to the end.`
Councillor Bollan added: `It is a fitting tribute and legacy that what he did will, hopefully, help hundreds of pensioners in the future.`
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