Petition calls on council to fully fund North West Care Alliance

A PETITION containing 700 signatures is to be presented to Dr Michael Foxley, leader of Highland Council’s administration, asking the local authority to fully fund the North West Sutherland Care Alliance.

Failed negotiations over funding for providing respite care in the area have forced the group to "shut up shop" from April 30.

It is likely that Edinburgh-based social enterprise group Carr Gomm will take over the service.

Now, Durness Community Council chairman Kevin Crowe has organised the petition and handed it to North West and Central Sutherland councillor George Farlow to pass on to Dr Foxley.

The petition reads: "We, the undersigned, are concerned that the closure of the North West Sutherland Care Alliance will lead to inadequate service for vulnerable members of the community.

"We believe that the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our community should take precedence over budget savings. We call on the Highland Council to fully fund the North West Sutherland Care Alliance."

Mr Crowe told us: "I am really pleased at the number of people who have signed the petition, who come from villages right along the north and west coasts.

"Of course, we all accept these are difficult economic times. But vulnerable adults, elderly and infirm people and their loved ones should not be the ones who have to suffer because of the economic crisis. Governments and local authorities should be judged on how they treat the most vulnerable people in society, and on this measure Highland Council has failed."

Councillor Farlow added: "The contract extension from Highland Council headquarters is plainly unworkable and unfair."

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