Putting Communities First

Comment by Paul McGarry Council Candidate for Anniesland and Drumchapel

Communities are essential, you may not think this needs much explaining to those responsible for planning services. However I think we do need to spell this out. I have knocked on hundreds of doors across the community to find out from residents what they think about their local area. Time and again, the message is clear. We want our communities back!

No one party is to blame wholly for the lack of community that locals fear, indeed to some extent the media are equally responsible. We have people in our communities who are scared to engage and afraid to leave their close. This is just not acceptable. I have been working with a number of communities to discuss local initiatives to re-engage with their neighbours. I will soon have details of new neighbourhood watch schemes and local community fetes and gala days.

We must also work together across political parties to ensure that local vital services are protected. I have commented time and again at my dismay of the SNP’s cuts to transport grants. This has placed local train stations and bus routes under threat. I have been working with Liberal Democrat colleagues, including Cllr Alex Dingwall to ensure that these services are protected. What concerns me most, however is that the Government don’t seem to care about the implications that these cuts will have on communities and the social impact of isolating the most vulnerable.

We can have as many consultations as you like on the figures and the savings that could be made. For me the argument that stuck out above all the others, was the one made to me by a Blairdardie resident. For years she has taken a walk to Westerton station every week and take the Anniesland train up to the Cemetery, so that she may lay flowers at her husbands grave. Where was she in the consultation? When did her elected representatives consider the significant impact that losing such a service would have for her and others like her?

At the present time we must do all we can to develop and protect our communities, and make them safer, nicer places to live.

If you would like help with a local community issue in the Anniesland and Drumchapel ward. Please contact me.

Communities are priority.