'Abandoned' by Fife service cut

Elderly and housebound people are feeling "abandoned" by Fife Council's plans to withdraw a vital service, according to one of its clients.

Jimmy McCormack.

By Leeza Clark
Published in the Courier : 10.03.10
Published online : 11.03.10 @ 03.37pm

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The council proposes to cut pension, benefits and prescriptions collection and the shopping delivery service it provides to 929 housebound people around the region.

Under the scheme, clients pay to have their shopping brought to their home, at a maximum cost of £7 per delivery.

Withdrawing the service would save the council £478,000 a year and 21 jobs would be lost.

However, one worried west Fife client said the council has left him and hundreds more in a state of limbo, not knowing what lies ahead.

Jimmy McCormack was sent a letter at the start of the month, which said the service he received was to be reviewed and staff would visit to assess him.

However, the 71-year-old Lumphinnans man said he was told by staff who provide him with the service that they were to be paid off and the service ended.

"I phoned the council and asked them what was happening and when they would be coming out but they couldn't tell me," he said.

"I really do not know what I will do if the service stops."

Mr McCormack has one older sister, who already visits regularly and cooks for him and cleans his home, but she is unable to do his shopping.

"I have nobody to help if this stops," he said. "Abandoned, that is how I feel, and don't know what I'm going to do.

"Some people have suggested you could ask your neighbours to do your shopping, but communities aren't like they once were.

"Many people don't know their neighbours and everyone is already busy with work and their own commitments, you can't depend on their kindness.

"Most keep themselves to themselves these days."