Bad enough that we lose a significant number of jobs in another blow to the local economy, but we are told that vulnerable people in our community are now being given second-class treatment.

Instead of being able to speak to someone face to face about benefit information and claims, they are handed a telephone number. Some folk have little or no access to a phone, or find using one difficult. The faceless scenario is one that many of us can relate to in other aspects of our lives, where we have to deal increasingly with call centres, often not even in this country, with all the frustrations that can bring.

Staff at Elgin JobCentre Plus, seeing the predicament of clients, are even referring them to the Citizens Advice Bureau, which is struggling to cope with the added workload. How can such a situation be justified?

We are told that it's all in the name of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but what about "the person"? And why should we in Moray have to accept the loss of a service that can help make a difference to the lives of people most in need at difficult times?

Representations from Moray about the job losses and effect on the service to the public have so far gone unheeded, but it is not too late for the government department to think again and listen to the claims of how "sick, vulnerable and bereaved" people are losing out.

After all, these are the people they are charged with looking after, and if there is evidence of clients being unfairly treated then that demands attention. It is unforgivable that the Government should expect the Citizens Advice Bureau or voluntary groups to pick up the pieces here in Moray.

If they axe jobs and radically transform the delivery of an important service, can they honestly say that it has made no difference to the public they serve, especially those most in need? If not, then they must look at it again to convince those of us in Moray that we are not having to settle for being second-class citizens.

News to make us smile

MANY OF us have endured physical pain and financial pain from the turmoil in our dental service.

We have experienced a shock to the system from seeing almost all of our dental practices "going private", NHS treatment all but disappear, and having waiting lists introduced for joining a practice – if not a "sorry, full up" sign put before us.

It is welcome, indeed, to hear this week of the progress of a multi-million scheme in Moray which, within the next 12 months, will see new dental facilities, financed by the NHS, up and running in Lossiemouth, Elgin, Buckie and Keith.

The Government was caught out badly by the changes in the dental services and, amid much public anger, has taken time to repair the damage and offer people the hope of being able to see a dentist and at an affordable cost.

NHS Grampian is to be applauded for its now in-place plans, although some scepticism remains on finding the dentists required to staff these new practices. We certainly don't want to see new facilities in place but not operational because of staffing difficulties.

Make our roads safer

IN THE week that 'The Northern Scot' launches a campaign to bring road dangers to the attention of readers, along with the need for drivers to take greater care, we are reporting of drink-drivers being caught, of excessive speeding and young motorists making a nuisance of themselves.

This week, and over the next two weeks, read the facts about road dangers, read the stories of horror and heartache, and learn from them.

If we all take greater care as drivers, then we can go a long way to "Cut Out The Carnage".

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