A PETITION to save Waterwatch Scotland from the chop has been launched by the local Labour party.

The Alloa-based water industry watchdog is due to be axed after parliament voted in favour of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and Consumer Focus Scotland taking over its functions.

A final decision on its future will be made following the Holyrood elections in May.

Since the announcement, 16 of the 30 employees at Waterwatch have been redeployed.

Richard Simpson MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife said that the cost of dispersing these jobs was now £130,000 more than the cost of running Waterwatch last year.

full story in the Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser, Wednesday 16 March 2011