Local MPs visits Renfrewshire Law Centre

Local MP Douglas Alexander and MSPs Hugh Henry and Wendy Alexander dropped in to visit the Renfrewshire Law Centre. Launched back in 1977, the Renfrewshire Law Centre is Scotland’s busiest Law Centre and is dedicated to promoting access to justice for Renfrewshire’s 170,000 residents.

The local politicians met with Principal Solicitor Jon Kiddie, who leads a six strong team of specialist lawyers that have built a reputation of generations of legal experience.

In the last couple of years alone, Renfrewshire Law Centre kept over a 1000 local people under a roof and won many tens of thousands in compensation, and has helped many local people secure the benefits to which they are entitled.

Wendy Alexander MSP said:

“In tough times access to free, fair legal advice is more important than ever. Buddies know that is what they get from the Renfrewshire Law centre. Whether it is bad factors, unscrupulous employers or poor workmen Jon and his team keep you right.”

Speaking after the visit MP Douglas said:

“It was good to be able to sit down with Jon and his team for an update on the work of the Law Centre. From its base in George Street, it works hard to relieve poverty and facilitate access to legal advice, assistance and representation that could not otherwise be obtained. It’s a valuable local resource for our community.”

Hugh Henry MSP said:

“Renfrewshire Law Centre provides a badly needed legal service to those who find it hard to obtain legal advice. The centre is a real champion for those whose rights are being denied and I hope it is able to secure its future.”

Jon Kiddie said:

“As Renfrewshire’s only law centre, we realise our unique importance in contributing to the success of our local community. During the last dozen years we have forged a proud reputation as a centre for excellence. We are the only third sector in this community that can represent service-users at all levels of the civil  justice system, and demand for our services is at an all time high.

“Over the last two years we have won tens of thousand of pounds for our clients in compensation and benefits. We have also saved the Council and other local services as much as two and a half million pounds. We have saved over 1,000 people from eviction, and helped countless others pick up the pieces and put their lives back together.

“We are committed to child safety, development and education for all. We are also committed to local organisations and businesses.

“We are enthusiastic about working together with the Council and other local organisations well into the future, in helping the Council achieve their aim of making Renfrewshire a wealthier, fairer, smarter, healthier, safer, stronger and greener community during this decade.

“Obviously we are concerned about public spending cuts. A Renfrewshire without its Law Centre would be a poorer and less just community, less able to stand up for itself with less money, fewer job opportunities and less hope.

“RLC’s loss would cause a domino effect, and it would take a whole generation to establish its like again in Renfrewshire

“The children of Renfrewshire deserve a better future.”