It is an enormous privilege to represent the West of Scotland in the Scottish Parliament.
I take my job of standing up for residents very seriously and work around-the-clock to do my best for our local area, in particular East and West Dunbartonshire.
I wanted to share with you some of the issues that I have been focused on recently and the action I have taken on behalf of my constituents.
Firstly, I was very pleased to see the Loch Lomond Flamingo Land plan rejected after fierce opposition from myself and the local community.
From the very outset, I have stood strongly against this proposal because I know the neighbouring communities didn't want it and I believe, as a point of principle, that local people know what's best for their area and their concerns should be paramount in any planning decision.
Well done to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority for listening and rejecting this proposal, which would have had a negative impact on the community.
Thank you to all the residents, groups, and organisations that worked so hard to ensure that this was denied. I was proud to represent you in this fight and I will always stand up for your concerns if another proposal like this ever materialises.
Secondly, I recently spoke in the Scottish Parliament on the issue of retail crime, which has become a real problem for many small businesses across East and West Dunbartonshire.
I also took part in a roundtable on the issue with a number of businesses and interest groups, which was organised by my fantastic colleague Sharon Dowey MSP.
I was recently contacted by two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), which represent a substantial number of companies across my region. Kirkintilloch and Milngavie BIDs have informed me that they have experienced increased shoplifting with shoplifters becoming more brazen and aggressive, while the police response is ineffective.
One major supermarket in Milngavie has had to close one of its main entrances due to shoplifters walking out with baskets full of shopping, while another retailer has said that they experience shoplifting daily. The BIDs also expressed concern that this activity will become worse as we approach the Christmas period.
At the same time, the roll out of upgraded CCTV across East Dunbartonshire, has been talked about for over two years and still not delivered by East Dunbartonshire Council. Thieves seem to know where
all the cameras are and plenty of ‘blind spots’ still exist, despite offers from Milngavie BID to the Council to fund additional cameras to integrate with the main CCTV system currently in place.
Shopkeepers should not have to go through the stress of having to constantly monitor their merchandise and workers should not face this kind of hassle on a near daily basis.
Lastly, one of the most pressing ongoing issues I have been examining is the state of Milngavie Primary School.
Numerous concerned parents have contacted me about the condition of the building, including the Parent Council Chair.
They are fearful of what might happen. The abhorrent conditions in the school are risking the health of pupils and staff, with water dripping from the ceiling and mould growing on the windows.
Parents were also disappointed to find out that the refurbishment of the school, agreed by East Dunbartonshire Council in 2021 has been postponed ‘indefinitely.’
I recently wrote to the First Minister John Swinney urging his government to step in and intervene to ensure that East Dunbartonshire Council complies with standards and provides a safe and healthy learning environment for pupils.
I will continue to stand up for local parents on this issue and work relentlessly for a solution to these problems.
These are just a few of the local issues I have been working hard on recently as your MSP for the West of Scotland. Should you have any other concerns you want to raise with me, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office and we will help you however we can.
