AN 85-year-old grandfather from Galashiels is being used as a door attendant after workmen failed to replace an intercom system.

But George Collins' weary watch will be soon be over after housing bosses vowed to act.

Scottish Borders Housing Association fitted a new communal front door of the flats on Woodstock Avenue last October.

But they didn't fit a replacement entry system or any numbers indicating which flats were inside.

Now visitors to the block of flats in Langlee knock on the Mr Collins' ground-floor window for directions.

George told us: "I have people knocking on my window at all times to see which flats are in the block.

"It can be quite frightening.

"The numbers and the buzzers were taken away and they haven't replaced them.

"Because there are no numbers people are knocking sometimes just to see if this is the block of flats they are looking for."

"The front door can be left open but a really cold draft comes in to the houses and you get people hanging around on the stairs."

The pensioner did contact local councillors in a bid to have the intercom system reinstated.

But four months on George still has regular window knockers.

We contacted Scottish Borders Housing Association last week.

And the Selkirk-based landlord dispatched an officer to visit Mr Collins.

A spokeswoman for SBHA told us: "We were very sorry to hear of the problems experienced by Mr Collins, and we would like to thank the Border Telegraph for bringing this matter to our attention.

"We have no records regarding this issue open with SBHA.

"Our staff visited Mr Collins last Tuesday to discuss his concerns, and to give him a first point of contact for any future issues."

Although new external doors were fitted at the Langlee flats, not all the residents within the block are SBHA tenants.

And negotiations with the other owners has led to the delay in replacing the intercom and security systems has been

The spokeswoman added: "Installation of security doors can be a complex matter, where it requires negotiation with other owners who may live in a block.

"However, we can confirm that the replacement door entry system is on order and due to be fitted as soon as it is received.

"Where SBHA is made aware of any problems we are committed to resolving these to the satisfaction of our tenants as soon as possible."