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Lifeline service in Inverness still facing uncertain future


By Staff Reporter

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A large and cheerful crowd shows its support for the sponsored cycle despite the weather.
A large and cheerful crowd shows its support for the sponsored cycle despite the weather.

Supporters of a lifeline service for children and young adults with special needs braved rain and sleet to raise desperately needed funds as its future hangs in the balance.

More than 100 people turned out to take part in a sponsored cycle ride for the Special Needs Action Project (Snap) based in Inverness ahead of talks yesterday afternoon between representatives of the charity and Highland Council about funding.

Snap provides a range of out-of-school activities for five to eight-year-olds but is currently facing an uncertain future after the cash-strapped council turned down its application of £70,000, which represents 43 per cent of the annual running costs of £200,000.

Manager Dawn Walker said it was a worrying time.

“We are still in limbo,” she said.

“We are having some more meetings with Highland Council officials but it is still not looking great.

“It is worrying especially as we get closer and closer to April and the beginning of the new financial year.

“If we don’t get any news soon, some hard decisions will have to be made which is so sad to say after such a great fundraising day.”

The sponsored event, held at the Highland Cycle Ability Centre at Cantray, raised more than £1000, and money is still continuing to come in.

It was organised by two members of Snap’s youth club, Dean Stewart and Bradley Morrall, who wanted to do something to help after hearing the charity might have to close.

Participants of all ages and abilities took turns to cycle laps of the track.

“The weather was absolutely awful,” Ms Walker said. “There was not so much wind but lots of rain and plenty of sleet.

“But everyone came out in force and there was a real buzz about the place. I couldn’t believe it. It was fantastic.”

She thanked all involved including volunteers, the centre staff and Tesco which provided some refreshments.


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