Petition is signed by over 1500 against fee
Community councils united in opposition
A petition to remove the community alarm service charge has attracted more than 1500 signatures.
A joint move by Coltness and Central Wishaw Community Councils has had the full backing of the local community.
The council announced in July they would start to charge £5 a week for the service – something which received backlash from the public.
Jane Fleming, secretary of Coltness Community Council, along with Carol Anne Foley, chairman of Central Wishaw Community Council, handed in the petition before the Joint Integration Board meeting last Wednesday,
Coltness Community Council chairman John Carr hopes the petition will stop North Lanarkshire Council ‘steamrolling’ ahead with their plans.
He said: “I feel the worst thing about the move is that there has been absolutely no consultation with the general public.
“Unfortunately I feel like this will fall on stoney ground because it seems like the council have made up their mind and they are just steamrolling the proposals through.
“We managed to get a lot of support quickly which shows how much this service means to people.
“It is a tragedy that people are becoming distressed and panicking about what could happen because they can’t afford the £200 a year increase.
“For those that have cancelled the service and got letters from the council about payment, it is adding even more concern.”
Carol Anne Foley was outraged as she feels those who need the lifeline the most are being affected.
She said: “£ 20 a month is a lot of money to pensioners and if they can’t afford it, they’ll lost the service.
“It’s going to hurt those who are most vulnerable and I was outraged with it.
“We’re hoping that by getting so many people to sign the petition the council will take notice and save this lifeline.
“We shouldn’t be treated this way especially considering we’ve paid our dues over the years.
“Every single person who signed the petition has worked hard and paid all their taxes so services like this should be free.”