WOMEN in Helensburgh and Lomond affected by UK government changes to the state pension age are being invited to a meeting in Dumbarton next week to discuss the impact of the changes.

Local MSP Jackie Baillie has helped to organise the joint meeting with local co-ordinators from the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign.

The meeting will be held at the Concord Centre in Dumbarton on Monday, April 16 at 4pm.

The changes made by the Conservative UK Government in 2011 increased the state pension age for women from 60 to 66 with immediate effect.

This left women who were due to retire with no time to make alternative retirement plans.

The local MSP will be joined by WASPI co-ordinators and other local MPs and MSPs on a cross party basis.

Ms Baillie said: “The changes to the state pension age which were made by the Tory government had have a terrible impact on thousands of women in Helensburgh and across Scotland.

“I have been working with the cross party group on WASPI in the Scottish Parliament which has support of almost all of the parties in Holyrood to pursue justice for those women affected.

“I am glad that we could bring this meeting to women in my constituency to raise awareness of the campaign; hear their very real concerns and learn what impact these changes have had on them and their families.

“I would encourage women from across the area to attend the meeting if they are able. These changes are having a devastating impact and their voices need to be heard.”