December 18, 2013
Protecting an endangered species
Public transport across rural Scotland, especially off the beaten track, is slowly but surely becoming an endangered species. Cutting off the odd route here and there is what finance people call the ‘low hanging fruit’ but all too often these cuts can prove to be a false economy. Elderly people, previously living independently, can quickly become isolated and begin to require a much wider (and more expensive) set of services. Not every community is able to step up to the plate as Fintry has done.
FINTRY DEVELOPMENT TRUST STEPS-IN AFTER COUNCIL FAILS ON WEEKLY BUS PROMISE TO PENSIONERS
Following a decision taken by Stirling Council to withdraw funding, Fintry Development Trust has offered temporary support for a weekly bus service that takes pensioners on shopping trips from the village direct to Stirling, with residents saying that the council are reneging on a promise made by officers in 2010.
Jamie Pearson, chair of Fintry Community Council said, “For many of our older residents this is their only chance to get out and about with any degree of independence. If we lost the bus then many would be left at home, dependent on neighbours for help.”
David Howell, chair of Fintry Development Trust said, “We felt it was particularly insensitive of the council to withdraw support for this service just a few weeks before Christmas and as part of the sustainable-travel element of our work we’re happy to be able to provide the support necessary to keep the service running temporarily over this period while discussions continue with the council.”
1. For more information contact Jamie Pearson, Fintry Community Council on 01360 860 345 or Kelly McIntyre, Fintry Development Trust on 07769 204 560.
2. For more information about Fintry Development Trust, see:
http://www.fintrydt.org.uk/
18/12/13