CAB must be saved

Like many Express readers, I was moved when I read Christine Campbell and her husband Jimmy’s story last week about their concern for the future of Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

When the Paisley couple wrongly had their Employment Support Allowance reduced last year, they turned to the Renfrewshire CAB for help.

Because of the expert advice they received and the professionalism of the CAB staff, the problem was resolved and Christine and Jimmy received the full payments to which they were entitled.

Now the Campbells are worried about where they and anyone else could turn to if the bureau is forced to close as a result of the cuts in funding from SNPrun Renfrewshire Council.

Their story, and the thousands of other success stories the Renfrewshire CAB has created over the years is exactly why the service needs to stay open.

The CAB will only be saved when the they have got the long term funding they need.

Until then, there continues to be the threat of closure.

This has gone on for too long – the worries and uncertainties need to end.

The council administration shouldn’t just take my word for it. They should listen to the Campbells and to the hundreds of others who have a signed a petition calling for the funding gap they have caused to be plugged.

Wonderful unit

It was great to visit the £1.1 million refurbished and modernised inpatient unit at Accord Hospice in Paisley.

The new unit offers greater privacy for patients, and rooms now have space for loved ones to stay overnight.

A huge well done to all the staff and everyone who worked on this impressive refurbishment project and to all those who raised funds and made donations.