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Susan Lochrie • Published 27 Aug 2010 14:00
A LONG-RUNNING lunch club that offers a lifeline to lonely pensioners is facing the axe because of a cash crisis.
The Salvation Army is considering shutting its service in Greenock to save money.
But the Christian organisation, which runs a number of facilities locally, is facing a huge backlash as devastated OAPs and their families campaign to keep it open.
They are being backed all the way by concerned councillors, elderly campaigners and neighbouring businesses, who are also supporting the cause.
Leslie Verrinder, who lives in London, hit out at the plans, which will leave his 92-year-old dad, Cyril, with nowhere to go.
He said: “I just think it is terrible. He is so sad that it could be closing and that makes me so angry.
“I think the Salvation Army just hope this will go away and they can forget all about it.
“It is the only thing my dad has to look forward to. He goes there every single day. I don’t think we should let this go without a fight.”
The lunch club provides a social setting and a good hearty meal for elderly people in the town, who might otherwise go without.
Local councillor Chris Osborne, above, was one of the first to sign the petition which is circulating in shops and businesses around Regent Street.
He said: “There is nowhere else in the area for people to go. There are no community centres in that part of Greenock. I will be doing everything I can to keep it open.”
The Salvation Army, a Christian church and registered charity, has a long history of running vital services in Inverclyde.
Elderly Forum activist Nell McFadden is deeply concerned about the impact any closure would have on those who use it.
She said: “I would be very, very disappointed if it was to close. Any loss of services for elderly people is a real concern.
“There is nothing else nearby and many of the people who go along live on their own. They go for the company.”
The Salvation Army is blaming dwindling numbers for the decision and it is now putting the proposal out to consultation.
A spokeswoman for the organisation said: “As a church and charity, we have been struggling to fund the lunch club for some time. It is with a heavy heart that we are in the situation with a proposal to close the programme.
“During the formal consultation period with staff and service users, we are inviting them to help us to find ways to make the programme viable.”
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 27 Aug 10
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