The pandemic lockdown knock-on effects in Bathgate has seen more people contacting West Lothian Council’s Anti-Poverty service and its advice shops.Christopher Nelson from the service told a meeting of the town’s local area committee last week that many of those who had contacted the service in the town were first time users.The Advice Shop had seen growing demand for its services even before the pandemic hit early last year.It has helped 2119 customers to manage their money and to resolve benefit problems within the Bathgate ward.
This is a nine per cent increase from the previous year and resulted in 11,715 additional enquiries and contacts from these customers.Mr Nelson said in his report to the committee: “As a result, customers have a