There was some bad news announced to the residents of Athlone town recently as the Irish Red Cross is to close down its branch after a row over the control of property used by the volunteers there.
The blow comes after management at Dublin headquarters froze the bank account of the Athlone branch after a dispute arose over the use of an ambulance in the area.
The news was confirmed yesterday evening when the organisation confirmed in a brief statement that it is permanently closing the branch in Athlone due to the failure of the volunteer members to adhere to the Irish Red Cross operating rules and procedures, and a lack of local co-operation.