A DISABILITY group held what could prove to be its last ever Christmas party.

For a third consecutive year, volunteers at the Barrhead and Neilston Disabled Forum (Band F) were unable to tell members how much longer the club will run for.

Band F organisers have explained to The News that they are unsure if the group will continue to be supplied with carers when East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) announces its budget next April.

Currently, Band F requires two carers for its once-weekly sessions to assist members with mobility issues.

While the Christmas get-together at Dunterlie Resource Centre was thoroughly enjoyed by the service users, there was a sense of deja vu surrounding the event.

Last year Band F faced disbandment when ERC withdrew funding for the group as part of a budget which required the local authority to find over £17 million of savings.

Although the sense of uncertainty has not been easy for the group to deal with, members did not let it dampen their spirits.

Chairwoman Margaret Reilly, 69, paid tribute to all those who ensured the day turned out to be a success, notably the town’s Tesco store.

She said: “A great time was had by them all. We had a three-course lunch and Santa came along and gave them all a wee gift with his elf and fairy.

“They were delighted with that. They thought that was great. Everyone thought it was a marvellous day.

“I’d like to thank the members for the individual gifts given to me and (husband) James and all of the donations.

“We just want to know if the council will pay for the carers. We can’t work without them.

“They take them to toilet facilities and do the tea, but without them we can’t operate, but they’ll not disclose anything until their budget.”

Offering activities, care and opportunities to socialise to more than 30 elderly and disabled residents, Band F has been operating in the town since 1994.

It regularly organises days out to the seaside, as well as bingo afternoons and chiropodist sessions.

Lottery funding covers the basic costs of Band F, however, the group is unable to afford the cost of its carers.

Margaret revealed how the future of the club being shrouded in a cloud of doubt upsets users and means potential members have to be turned away.

“Last time we mentioned the club shutting there were tears,” she said.

“Some are housebound once they leave the club on a Tuesday. It’s sad because we’ve got people asking to join the club but I can’t bring them in and tell them in two months the club would be shutting.”

A spokeswoman for ERC outlined the local authority’s desire to work with partners to help the club and said: “We recognise how important Band F is to its members and we have provided staff to help the group for the remainder of this financial year.

“We are also supporting the group by helping them link in with other colleagues in the voluntary sector in order to make long-term plans.

“We are committed to continuing to work with a range of third sector providers locally to support the most vulnerable members of our community.”