A VITAL food service for the elderly has been axed after health and council bosses scrapped its funding.

The charity Food Train North Ayrshire have said their service will now have to close on March 31, and have now launched a petition to fight the funding blow – which at time of going to press had reached more than 2,200 signatures.

Irvine’s MSP has since blasted the decision, with neighbouring Cunninghame North MSP Kenny Gibson lodging a motion in the Scottish Parliament condemning the move.

Food Train Chief Executive Michelle Carruthers MBE said: “We are disappointed the views of older people were not sought in making this decision, nor were we approached to discuss any alternative ways of working.

“In working with us more closely the partnership would see the adverse impact the loss of food and social contact will have on the frail vulnerable older people we support.

“I fear this decision will not only compromise their safety, health and wellbeing but will lead to increased pressures on GP’s, care at home and hospital admissions.”

SNP Cunninghame South MSP Ruth Maguire said: “I am dismayed to hear that Food Train Ayrshire is set to close.

It is a vital service that makes a hugely positive difference to so many lives – not just in terms of the food that is delivered but in terms of the friendships that are forged.

“I will be seeking urgent answers to the rationale behind the withdrawing of funding from such an important service for older people – and doing all that I can to support their “save our service” campaign and get this decision reversed.”

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are deeply saddened that it has not been possible to continue to fund some care projects and we fully understand Food Train’s disappointment.

“In North Ayrshire, like the rest of Scotland, demand for health and social care services is continuing to increase while funding is diminishing. Food Train was one of a number of Integrated Care Fund projects in North Ayrshire funded via three-year programme from the Scottish Government which ends March 31.

“Due to severe financial constraints within health and social, the Integrated Care Fund Review Group – made up of senior representatives from North Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Third Sector and Independent Sectors – agreed that only projects which were considered financially sustainable should receive support going forward.

Their funding recommendations were unanimously approved by the Integrated Joint Board.

“We are sadly unable to fund Food Train North Ayrshire after March 31.

“Service users should be reassured that safe, high quality care and support is our first and highest priority. Discussions are ongoing with Food Train to ensure people who use our services are safe and receive support appropriate for their needs.”

To sign the petition visit: https://www.change.org/p/stephen-brown-save-our-service-save-food-train-north-ayrshire-from-closure