A vital lifeline service which has “saved many, many lives” from the “destruction” caused by alcoholism is set to meet again in Renton.
West Dunbartonshire Council last week agreed to provide a free let once a week to the local branch of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Village councillor Jim Bollan, of the West Dunbartonshire Community Party, told fellow councillors how numbers attending had dropped while meetings were held over Zoom to “great concern”.
And he successfully appealed to his elected-member colleagues to agree to provide facility for face-to-face meetings at Renton Primary School due to a lack of availability of suitable premises otherwise in the village.
Leven councillor Jim (below) told the meeting: “The AA meeting in Renton was the first ever to be held in West Dunbartonshire of that organisation and it’s called amongst the fellowship the ‘mother’s meeting’.
“The AA have helped thousands of people in West Dunbartonshie face their addiction. They have saved many, many lives and families from the destruction caused by this illness.
“The AA meeting in Renton is currently attended by 20 to 25 people when they are allowed to meet physically.
“Since May 17, 2021, up to 100 people have been allowed to meet inside with appropriate controls in place.
“The AA have indicated to me it is critical they stay in the village.”
Jim added: “Because of the nature of the illness, people need to be speaking to others and sharing experiences with people in a physical environment. Numbers have been dropping off and this is causing them great concern.”
Currently there is a branch of the AA which meets in Dumbarton’s Concord Centre with the cost of the let met by the council.
Council leader Jonathan McColl said: “There’s obviously a clear need and I don’t think you will get anyone within the council disagreeing with what you have put forward.
“I commend you for bringing this to council.”
The Lomond councillor provided an addendum to the motion which was agreed to ensure that this was not set as a precedent for providing free lets for groups.
The motion was agreed unanimously.
