A popular Over-50s group in Ayrshire say they have been squeezed out of a new community facility – after being promised a meeting room that has 'halved in size.'
Bellsbank Over-50s claim the nearby primary school and associated community facility isn't suitable for their weekly meetings because it’s smaller than expected.
Now the group, which has been running since 1975 and is the biggest of its kind in East Ayrshire, is forced to seek refuge in Bellsbank Parish Church Hall, where they now gather each Monday between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
And secretary of the group, Jackie McClarty, reckons they've been badly treated by the local authority.
She told Ayrshire Live: “The members wish to make it known about the awful treatment they have received since the new primary school opened. This opened, boasting a community facility, but how untrue is that!
“The room is too small after being halved in size, leaving this club with nowhere to meet.”
There’s been a long-standing association between the club and primary school since 1975, as members enjoyed weekly catch-ups, a game of indoor carpet bowls and darts, as well as a cuppa and a natter.
However, now the link up has been soured with the group feeling left out in the cold.
Bellsbank resident Janet Ballantyne, 82, who has been a member for nearly 18 years, said: “When the new school was built, we knew the new meeting room would be slightly smaller than the one at the old school, but when we got into it, it was half the size!
“Then, after Covid, we could not get into it at all. We ended up using the gym hall, but that wasn’t ideal because we were forced to wait until the children had finished using it.
“But that left some of our members who are in their 80s and some in their 90s, standing outside in the cold. And you’re not even getting as much as a cup of tea either.”
She added: “We may be old, but we’re not stupid. We’ve been going a long time but we feel as if we are being thrown to the side by the council.”
East Ayrshire Council issued a statement in response to the group’s concerns which reads: “East Ayrshire Council can confirm that the final design for Bellsbank Primary School was developed in agreement with the school, local community groups and Bellsbank Project Crèche.
“All parties were involved in the development of the designs and agreed to the proposals prior to construction.“Part of the agreement involved the crèche moving into the body of the school and the school then using the planned second community room as their nurture space. This ensured the crèche was able to continue operating.
“The council is continuing to work to education Covid-19 guidance, which has reduced some flexibility, however, the council is working closely with Bellsbank Over-50s group to find an agreeable solution, including seeking an alternative venue.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
