Kilmarnock slams 'misrepresentation of 'The Scheme'

Residents and politicans from Kilmarnock's Onthank area have slammed the BBC's decision to repeat 'The Scheme' documentary nationwide. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/fury-grows-over-the-scheme-1.1107044

East Ayrshire Council leader Dougie Reid, Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley MSP Willie Coffey and Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Cathy Jamieson have issued a statement reported in Glasgow's Evening Times: “For more than 12 months, the people of Onthank have endured the devastating impacts of this programme and the misrepresentation of their community, but enough is enough.

“Onthank is a community with spirit, a community with aspirations, a community that cares. In common with areas all over the UK there are individuals and families who have difficulties. However, the portrayal of the community in the programme gives an unbalanced picture.”

Meanwhile the local UNISON East Ayrshire Branch is planning a special report for UNISON Scotland's activists' magazine to highlight the impact of cuts on areas like this. It will point out that are a lot of really hard working public sector workers employed in the 'Scheme'. Where the Scheme was filmed there is a very large new Area Centre which has first class facilities and has both NHS and Local Authority Staff employed there. The Branch also has voluntary sector members employed in various projects in The Scheme and it also wants to highlight the work they do.