HEARTBROKEN volunteers at a charity shop set to be closed down say they are launching a petition to fight the decision.
Residents and volunteers have hit out at the planned closure of the MS Society Scotland shop and resource centre in Kilwinning by the charity, saying it will be a devastating loss for sufferers in Scotland.
The MS Society Scotland shop and resource centre, a hub to more than 10,000 MS sufferers, is facing closure as head office doesn't want to renew the lease.
MS Society Scotland has said the lease is being terminated as the building is “no longer fit for purpose” and that there have been ongoing issues with the maintenance of the building on Main Street, “which cannot be resolved”.
But volunteers have blasted the claims and say they want to fight the plans, hoping support from the local community can help.
Shop volunteer Corrine Hannigan said: “Since the premises have passed the annual fire inspection, health and safety checks and is of adequate size the shop is fit for purpose.
“This is the first time the MS Society has informed the branch that they do not consider the shop fit for purpose.
Shop volunteer Krys Inglis said: “The shop actually pays for itself, and there has been no consultation. They say they are just blanket not renewing the lease.”
“It will have a bad effect, the closure will have a big impact on volunteers, sufferers and their families. Multiple Sclerosis is highly prevalent in Scotland and Ayrshire, and this will have a negative effect on members.”
Corrine Hannigan added: “The MS Society’s website is good for reaching huge numbers of people, however YouTube videos cannot replace a cup coffee and a hanky when people are distressed.
“Since 90 per cent of all communication is non-verbal a call centre cannot replace face-to-face human contact for someone whose body language doesn’t reflect what they are saying or see when an MS sufferer is struggling.
“It’s the people who don’t use technology that the Ayrshire and Arran branch of the MS Society reach. The old and the vulnerable come into the shop when they are having a bad day and know that they will find a welcoming face and an offer of help. It’s what charity is supposed to be about.”
Volunteers say the shops lease will come to an end in March and are hoping they can do whatever they can to try and save it before then.
Kilwinning Councillor Donald Reid said: “When the shop opened I was invited to formally open it and therefore am saddened to hear from volunteers of its closure.
"Any resource that has a common benefit either by fundraising, raising awareness or offering advice should be welcomed and appreciated.
“MS sufferers and families have enjoyed the benefit of this centre for many years and therefore the announced closure would not be welcome news to those current users or sadly those affected in future."
Launching the petition, volunteers said: “The MS Society has decided to close the shop and with it the resource centre. As a branch, we are fighting this for the following reasons.
“For MS sufferers, closure will mean no face-to-face counselling with guidance hard copy booklets, no face-to-face advice for those newly diagnosed, no signposting to the appropriate agencies for help, no face-to-face chats when you are desperate, no guidance for grant availability in emergencies.”
“For the wider community, closure will mean nowhere to donate goods to raise funds for the MS Society and nowhere to obtain goods while raising funds for the MS Society. We are supporting the people of Ayrshire and would like you to support us.”