North Ayr Resource Centre safe for now

Aug 8 2008 by Lisa Boyle

AN under-threat welfare service has been saved at the eleventh hour.

But the North Ayr Resource Centre still faces an uncertain future since it only has funding until March next year.

And now pressure is mounting on council chiefs to stop giving welfare services such a raw deal.

The valued service, based in Whitletts, helps some of South Ayrshire’s poorest people fill out complicated benefits forms and offers advice on financial assistance available.

But the centre could be forced to fold next year if cash isn’t found.

The latest blow comes just months after they axed outreach services – and two members of staff – in a desperate bid to save money.

Janette Scott, centre manager, said: “We received funding at the last minute to keep our three members of staff on until March but we don’t know what will happen after that, we just have to take it day by day.

“This funding came from a regeneration fund for North Ayr but the council haven’t given us any funding.

“South Ayrshire Council welfare team are also pushed to the limit but these are vital services.

“It’s time that the council sit up and recognise there is a need for what we do.”

Sandra Osborne MP is giving her support to the resource centre.

She added: “I recently met with Councillor Hugh Hunter, the leader of South Ayrshire Council, and the new chief executive, David Anderson, and raised my concerns.

“Councillor Hunter has told me he is willing to review welfare rights services in South Ayrshire as we do not fare well in comparison to neighbouring councils and the advice staff who are available are very hard-pressed and are not sufficient to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in the community.

“North Ayr Resource Centre have brought much-needed money into the local economy as well as improving the income of vulnerable people.

“I am informed that they will not know about future funding until later in the year but they have been told it could be grim.”