Busy year for Coatbridge CAB

Sep 30 2009 by Ian Bunting, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Busy year for town bureau

COATBRIDGE Citizens Advice Bureau marked a good year and recognised future difficulties at the group’s annual general meeting.

Chairman James Grier spoke of the bureau’s achievements during this special year, their 25th anniversary.

He told the meeting: “This has been a very good year for the bureau in Coatbridge, a very different year to the one that we had last year.

“Our numbers of volunteers are up considerably and our finances are in a much more stable position.”

Bureau manager Norma MacDonald added: “The increased demands for our advice surgeries is not only due to the ‘credit crunch’ but is also indicative of the trust and high regard that the service is held in by the residents of Coatbridge and the surrounding areas.

“We have 30 volunteers at the moment, which includes 14 advisors.

“I would like to thank all of them for their commitment and support to the service throughout the past year.

“Thanks are also due to the trained advisors for their assistance and support in training our new volunteers.

“Without them, the citizens of Coatbridge could suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights.”

Staff and distinguished guests including police Superintendent Henry Campbell and Tom Clarke MP were delighted to join in the event.

Superintendent Campbell gave an interesting talk on the fear of crime and the St Ambrose High School Band were also on hand to provide some excellent music and entertainment.

The bureau also voiced concerns about the impact of the recession and the effects it is having on local residents.

Mr Grier said: “The bureau is facing an ever growing demand for the services we provide, sadly a situation that is likely to get worse before it gets better.”

They went to urge anyone seeking advice to have no hesitation in contacting them on 01236 421447.