A BID has been placed to Assel Valley Foundation Scotland to create a carers rest bite centre in Girvan.

A plan to use the Town House as the centre has formed and it hoped if successful, carers, both young and old, will no longer have to face the 40 minute journey to the centre in Ayr.

The issue was addressed at a public meeting recently. 

Roddy McDonald explained: "What we are missing in South Carrick is a place to support carers. We want to create a place where carers feel safe but can come in and share their experience and offer advice to others.

"This is not just a project which will last for one or two years but one which will be about for the rest of our lives. 

"We need to make South Carrick a great place to live and ultimately die in."

Dawn Parker, of the Girvan and South Carrick Locality Planning, said: "We have now established a carers centre in Ayr and a lot of young people from Girvan and South Carrick come because it acts as a form of rest bite for them."

Roddy added: "Carers are not just the elderly, it can be young people too. I am in discussion with certain young people about creating a centre in Girvan Town House.

"This would be closer than Ayr for Glendoune and other areas of South Carrick and would save people from having to travel to a different town.

"I think we should have a service locally."

Dawn added: "They go to Ayr because they feel safer but they should be able to feel safe in their own town.

"Some people like being able to into another town, meeting new people, making new friends from different schools.

"They are making different contacts who they trust and the centre in Ayr works really well."

Denise Hogarth commented: "With caring it is very hard to get a bus and travel down the road. You don't always have the time."

Jill Kenny continued: "If we can support the carers, those that need cared for get better assistance. They can stand up for themselves against the Scottish Government and the health service."

It is hoped the Town House will also be able to act as a hub for young people as well as carers to ensure their voices are heard and allow them to help the future of the town. 

This idea will be developed in the coming months thanks to funding from the big lottery fund.