Villager’s caring idea for refugees
Balfron is getting behind an idea to turn a vacant care home into accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
Shocked and appalled by the aggression and devastation of Vladimir Putin’s war on his Ukrainian neighour, villagers are keen to help those impacted - and say Strathendrick Care Home could be put to good use.
Many have donated supplies to Ukraine and money to the DEC (Disasters and Emergency Committee) and others have generously opened their homes to fleeing Ukrainians - but a large majority don’t have the space to accommodate a family.
Local resident and historian Jim Thomson said:“Balfron, like many other communities, feels the frustration of being unable to help in that practical way.
“But in stepped 91-year-old villager Billy Ross - who along with others has made the suggestion that the now-disused Strathendrick Home in the village could be re-purposed as refugee accommodation.”
The idea’s post on social media over the weekend gained support - but locals have been trying to gauge wider opinion.
Local politicians have been contacted for their thoughts on the viability of the scheme and a request has also been made formally by Balfron Community Council.
Chair Colin Cameron hailed Billy’s suggestion and said members were completely behind it. He said:“Balfron Community Council is entirely supportive of this initiative. It is a clear demonstration of the community’s desire to open our doors to those displaced by this appalling conflict, but also is a positive and constructive way to use a building that was at the heart of the village, but which is now being allowed to lie empty.
“We trust that those with the authority to make the decision show the same level of imagination and generosity as Billy and many others in the village.”
Strathendrick Care Home was declared surplus to requirements by Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board – the body responsible for local health and social care – last year, as part of a wider reshape of rural care.
While the 12-bed care home was mostly used latterly as a respite centre, it had not initially been intended for that purpose and at one point had just one full-time resident.
A Stirling Council spokesperson said yesterday (Thursday), however:“Stirling Council has no current plans to use Strathendrick Care Home to house refugees from Ukraine.”