Save Auchinlee petition presented in capital
A TIRELESS member of the Save Auchinlee Action Group presented a petition with more than 3,400 signatures to the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Jill Denton started compiling the document in November when CrossReach, which operates the home on behalf of the Church of Scotland, announced its intention to close Auchinlee.
On Tuesday at 1.30pm, Mrs Denton handed the petition to the church’s principal clerk, the Very Reverend Dr John Chalmers.
A copy was presented to Christina West, of the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Integrated Joint Board (IJB), and a further copy will soon be presented to Councillor Rory Colville.
Overwhelming
Mrs Denton said: ‘The number of signatures is overwhelming – 3,401 – which represents more than 50 per cent of the adult population of Kintyre.
‘Hilary Rankin and I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and support.
The strength of feeling is incredible. The population of Kintyre is totally behind us and horrified that the closure of Auchinlee may be imminent.’
There is a further meeting today with CrossReach, councillors and John Titterton of the action group. CrossReach chief executive Peter Bailey said: ‘We will also be discussing Argyll and Bute Council’s request for a joint meeting with all stakeholders.
‘We will make an announcement once we’ve taken further opportunities to speak to those involved and had time to reflect.’
Speaking on behalf of Dr Chalmers, Mr Bailey added: ‘I was pleased to meet Mrs Denton and receive the petition. She is a passionate advocate on behalf of the community in Kintyre.
‘We had a constructive conversation where she clearly stated the high value the local community places on the service provided by CrossReach at Auchinlee.
‘I shared my perspective on the position of the church, which supports CrossReach in its work with local agencies to identify a sustainable model of elderly care in the community.’
Councillor Anne Horn, the only member of the IJB to support funding CrossReach at a meeting last week, added: ‘If this closure goes ahead, it could result in the separation of loved ones from families as elderly and vulnerable residents could be transferred miles away from the local area.’