A LAST-DITCH effort to save a vital support service in the county will be determined by elected members this week.

Tullbody Healthy Living (THL) could be forced to close its doors next month if it is not spared with a crucial vote at Kilncraigs tomorrow.

Earlier this year, Clackmannanshire Council has opted to scrap funding for Clackmannanshire Healthier Lives, which funds THL, as part of ongoing budget cuts.

However, volunteers are hopeful the service will be saved from the chop as Labour councillor George Matchett submitted a motion to council.

His proposal asks that the council fund the service for six months, from 1 October 2018, to the tune of £31,475.50, with the money to be drawn from "unallocated reserves".

Janette McGowan, 63, who sits on the board of THL, told the Advertiser: "We will have no funding from about September, and it could be that the doors shut right away at the end of that month.

"If so, it would massively impact the most needy and the most vulnerable in our community – [such as] people who are on benefits."

The group provides a wide range of services like assisting with job applications, and acts as a base for the citizens advice bureau, credit union and addiction workers.

In the past, THL has also helped provide over 1,000 bags of fruit to local children, and set up a singing group for the elderly.

However, for Janette, establishing the community garden has been a highlight.

She said: "That was a massive task because there was lots of demand from locals in particular, but finally getting it up and running is one of the major achievements.

"Now it provides low cost fruit and veg to those who need it."

Those services are now at risk of closing or being moved to Alloa if Cllr Matchett's motion is not voted through.

Janette added: "THL provides a nice welcoming atmosphere where people can feel secure.

"If we lose the funding services could be relocated to Alloa, which will stress people out and could cost them more money to travel there."

Councillors will vote on the motion to continue THL's funding at the Clackmannanshire Council meeting tomorrow (Thursday) morning.