McMillan Supports Town Centre Bid for Kirkintilloch

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Friday) written to the Scottish Government to support the bids for Town Centre Regeneration Funding for Kirkintilloch town centre.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was disappointed that that no funding was allocated to East Dunbartonshire and their town centres in tranche one.

"The Town Centre Regeneration Fund will help provide some relief to local communities and offer much needed employment.

"I hope that the application for funding support for Kirkintilloch Town Centre is successful.

"I have, therefore, written to the Communities Minister to support the bid for East Dunbartonshire and I hope this will be successful as it will help reinvigorate the local economy."

McMillan Supports Town Centre Bids for Gourock and Port Glasgow

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Thursday) written to the Scottish Government to support the bids for Town Centre Regeneration Funding for Gourock and Port Glasgow town centres.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased that Greenock was successful in tranche one of the Scottish Governments town centre regeneration fund and that £1.32m of support will be coming to the town centre.

"Nevertheless, I was disappointed that Inverclyde Council did not submit a bid for Gourock Town Centre during the first tranche of funding from the Scottish Government.

"It is obvious there has been a lack of investment in Gourock town centre for many years and its important that this bid is successful.

"I am also pleased that Inverclyde Council has decided to submit a more robust bid for funding for Port Glasgow town centre, which I hope will be successful this time around.

"I have, therefore, written to the Communities Minister to support bids for Inverclyde and I hope they will be successful as it will help reinvigorate the local economy.

McMillan Welcomes Energy Saving Trust Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) welcomed the news from Energy Saving Trust that they are to heavily promote their assistance package in the month of September, in the lead up to the autumn and winter months. The package takes an integrated approach to fuel poverty by tackling low incomes through benefit checks and reducing high fuel costs through advice on social tariffs.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to have been contacted by Energy Saving Trust who are keen to promote their assistance package, on behalf of the Scottish Government, as widely as possible in the lead up to the autumn and winter months.

"It's important that as many people as possible are aware of the measures which are in place to help them be more energy efficient and save money.

"It's especially vital that elderly people in Inverclyde contact the advice line number on 0800 512 012 to find out what they are eligible for and entitled to.

"The coming winter months will be a difficult period for our elderly population and its important that they plan ahead and I urge them to contact the Energy Saving Trust directly or contact my office on 0141 889 9519 to receive further information and leaflets."

MSP and Councillor Welcome HMIe Report

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and local Councillor Gillian Renwick have today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from a report published by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) that Holy Family Primary School and Nursery Class, Kirkintilloch received an excellent evaluation. The report highlighted the quality of relationships among children and staff and also stated that a particular strength of the school was the children's confidence both inside and outside the classroom.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's excellent news to hear this report from HMIe which highlights the excellent work being done at Holy Family Primary and Nursery Class in Kirkintilloch.

"I note the report states that particular strengths of the school are the highly-motivated children who are keen to learn and are proud of their own achievements and also the quality of the relationship among children and staff.

"I have since lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament to highlight this excellent report and I wish all pupils and staff the very best for the future."

Councillor Renwick said;

"It's fantastic news to hear of the excellent HMIe report on Holy Family Primary and Nursery Class in Kirkintilloch.

"The report highlights a particular strength of the school is the partnership with parents, support agencies and the wider community to meet children's learning needs.

"I would like to pass on my congratulations to everyone involved at the school and nursery and wish them every success for the future."

McMillan Commends Greenock Prison Report

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) commended the report issued on behalf of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons on HMP Greenock. The report by Dr Andrew McLellan, Chief Inspector at the time of the full inspection in May this year, highlights that the prison actively tries to ensure the safety of prisoners: both from self-harm and harm from other prisoners. Alongside this, the report mentions that the food and the arrangements for washing clothes are good.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to hear of the positive aspects of this report which highlights that Greenock prison is actively trying to ensure the wellbeing of prisoners.

"It's important that HMP Greenock continues to build upon these positive comments and also looks at improving in the areas which have been highlighted as needing addressed.

"This past couple of weeks has been a difficult period for everyone associated with the prison, nevertheless, I want to commend the Governor and all his staff for their hard work and effort.

"I hope this report will allow HMP to build on its strengths and tackle the problems which it currently faces."

McMillan Welcomes MCA Check of Clydeport

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is to carry out checks of Clydeport to ensure compliance with Britain’s voluntary Port Marine Safety code. This will be the first such inspection since the tragic capsizing of tug Flying Phantom at the cost of three lives in December 2007.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the news that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is to carry out an inspection of Clydeport to ensure they are complying with the Port Marine Safety Code.

"Its vital that all safety checks are carried out regularly in order to maintain safety and prevent the possibility of another tragedy such as the Flying Phantom incident.

"I'm sure this safety check of Clydeport will be welcomed by the residents of Inverclyde and Renfrewshire who are still coming to terms with the tragic capsizing of the Flying Phantom in December 2007."

McMillan Congratulates East Dunbartonshire Cycle Initiative

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has laid a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating East Dunbartonshire for taking up the Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places scheme.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is a fantastic initiative and great news that East Dunbartonshire is to benefit from the Scottish Government funding to encourage people to cycle more.

"With money going towards projects such as cycle hire schemes and upgrading cycle routes there is no reason for people not to take up the personal challenge to use their car less.

"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring we have the resources to create a healthier and greener Scotland and I would also encourage people to use their car less when possible".

McMillan Welcomes Scotland’s First Zero Waste Plan

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed Scotland’s first ever Zero Waste Plan.

The draft plan details the steps Scotland needs to take on the journey towards a Zero Waste society and proposes a number of ambitious approaches to reduce waste, increase recycling and send less waste to landfill.

There will now be a 12 week consultation on the plan which Mr. McMillan has also welcomed.
Mr. McMillan said;

"Scotland must reduce its impact on the local and global environment. This draft Zero Waste Plan maps out how we can reduce the country's waste, meet our highly ambitious waste targets and contribute to the important work on climate change.

"This is a positive step in tackling Scotland's waste - viewing it as a resource rather than a problem. There are major economic benefits, as well as environmental gains, to be had including creating thousands of jobs and new business opportunities.

"The Scottish Government has already signed a commitment to halve its construction waste to landfill by 2012. It is also great news the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is also pledging to do the same.

"We are making progress but we must go further in relation to all types of waste. The bar is set and we must work together to reach our goal of a Zero Waste Scotland.

"I would urge anyone in Inverclyde with an interest in creating a greener Scotland to take part in the consultation by visiting www.scotland.gov.uk/zerowasteplan".

McMillan Welcomes Forestry Boost for East Dunbartonshire

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that East Dunbartonshire Council is to receive funding of £126,883 (WIAT) to improve access for local people to woodlands in the area. The funding of over £1 million is part of an ongoing programme, by the Scottish Government used to open up better access to woodlands by creating or upgrading trails, thinning out dense woodlands, planting new trees and clearing fly-tipping.

Mr McMillan said;

"This funding for East Dunbartonshire Council is fantastic news which will allow local residents to further enjoy the woodland areas surrounding their homes.

"Its important that everyone takes an active interest in looking after woodland areas as they are an excellent resource for people to visit and to walk through.

"The funding of £126,883 for Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) programme is excellent news and I look forward to seeing this money being put to good use and improving the woodland areas throughout East Dunbartonshire."

McMillan Welcomes High Hedges Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that it is to seek the views of constituents throughout Scotland on how neighbourly disputes over high hedges can be resolved more effectively.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear that the Scottish Government is seeking the views of constituents throughout Scotland on the issue of High Hedge disputes.

"I know from constituent correspondence my office has received that High Hedge disputes can cause a lot of anguish and concern for those involved.

"It's important that constituents who have been involved in such disputes with neighbours make their feelings known and respond to the Scottish Government's consultation.

"I look forward to hearing the outcome of this consultation and hope it will lead to legislation being brought forward to deal with High Hedge disputes."

McMillan Encourages Inverclyde Bids for Play Programme

Funding totalling £4 million is to be provided by the Scottish Government to improve play opportunities among five to 13 year-olds.

The announcement has been warmly welcomed by West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan (SNP), who is encouraging local voluntary groups to consider how they could use funding from the scheme and to submit bids.

The 'Go Play' programme will run over two years, and will help improve facilities and services in areas where children have the least opportunities to develop through play.

Welcoming the announcement Mr. McMillan said;

"Over the years many of us have lost sight of the importance of play, however research and evidence shows that play is key to children's growth and development.

"This new £4 million programme will make a real difference towards improving many children's play experience and also ensure there is a lasting legacy in place for our younger children so that they too have better opportunities to develop through play in the future.

"Bids into the fund will be accepted after 18th September when the programme is formally launched giving local Inverclyde organisations providing play opportunities for children time to think about possible projects that could benefit from funding.

"I would urge local organisations to visit the Inspiring Scotland website and seek information on how the programme could benefit them".

Voluntary groups in Inverclyde and elsewhere will be able to submit funding bids from mid-September, with support available for regional bodies, small grassroots community organisations and medium and large scale charities. Inspiring Scotland – the national charity which uses skills and money to improve the lives of Scotland's most vulnerable people - will manage the fund and work with these groups to increase their capacity for providing play opportunities.

Andrew Muirhead, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, said:

"Childhood should be a time of joy, exploration and learning. For too many children in Scotland this isn't the case. We hope that through Go Play we can bring a sense of fun and happiness to more children, which will also help them grow up into happy and healthy adults who can make the most of their lives.

"There is great scope to widen the impact of the innovative work already being delivered to improve the futures of Scotland's youngsters. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Scottish Government to strengthen the voluntary sector's response to pressing social issues".

Marguerite Hunter-Blair, Chief Executive of Play Scotland said:

"Play Scotland is delighted to welcome the first ever Play Fund in Scotland, aimed at improving children and young people's quality of life through play. Making time to play must become a modern day priority alongside developing community-friendly play spaces. A good play experience is every child's right and benefits the whole community.

"Play Scotland is looking forward to working with Inspiring Scotland to ensure that parents, communities and professionals recognise the value and long term benefits of play for children's development".

McMillan Welcomes Responses to Power Station Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the number of responses he has received so far to his consultation about the Inverkip Power Station proposals. Mr McMillan has written to every resident in the villages of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay to ask their opinions about Scottish Power's proposals to develop 780 properties on the old power station site. At the time of writing Mr McMillan's office has received almost 500 responses from residents.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted with the response rate I have received so far from the residents of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

"It's clear that residents are concerned about the impact 780 new properties would have on the local road infrastructure. The A78 is already a heavily congested road, especially at rush hour, and the scale of this new development will only further stretch the capacity on this network.

"I would urge those residents who have not already responded to the consultation to complete the survey and return it to my office. This information is vital as it will give the decision makers a clear understanding of local residents views about the power station proposals."

McMillan Comments on Labour's Property Poll Tax

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) commented on Labour's proposed plans for a 1% Property Tax on all homes which could cost residents in Inverclyde up to £236. This would be a 25.9% increase for residents, based on average property prices in Inverclyde for April - June 2009 which was £114,614 per house.

Mr McMillan said;

"I'm sure pensioners and homeowners across Inverclyde will be horrified by Labour's property poll tax plans.

"Implementing this tax hike would see pensioners facing enormous bills. Inverclyde’s pensioners have worked hard to pay for their homes, why should they be penalised for changes in the property market.

"This tax would penalise property owners for making improvements to their homes, such as making them more energy efficient. This tax is ill-thought out and would completely wreck the property market in Scotland.

"This is in complete contrast to the SNP Scottish Government who have delivered a council tax freeze for all Scottish households, helping them through the recession. Alongside this the SNP aim to scrap the unfair council tax and introduce fair taxation based on ability to pay.

"I urge Labour politicians to go away and have a re-think about this property poll tax."

McMillan Welcomes Enterprise Minister visit to Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the visit by Enterprise Minister Jim Mather MSP to Inverclyde. Mr Mather visited Gourock-based Invec Solutions Ltd, which repairs and services electrical equipment. The organisation recently accepted a £190,000 grant to help create 29 new jobs, through Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) from the Scottish Government.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to hear that the Enterprise Minister has visited Inverclyde and been able to attend Invec Solutions Ltd in Gourock.

"The funding support the organisation has received from the Scottish Government has been vital in allowing them to prosper and expand their workforce.

"During these difficult economic times it's essential that further employment opportunities are available within local communities and the Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) has allowed Invec Solutions Ltd to secure more jobs for Inverclyde.

"This is excellent news which I am sure will be welcomed by all in Inverclyde."

McMillan Delighted at Town Centre Regeneration Funding For Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is delighted with the funding Riverside Inverclyde is to receive for Greenock from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is fantastic news for Greenock. We have seen a lot of great ongoing work to regenerate the area and this is a welcome boost from the SNP Government.

"Over £1 million going towards landscaping, new signs and public art I’m sure will be welcomed within the area and will give Greenock further encouragement for future regeneration.

"However, I would have liked to have seen some money for Gourock and Port Glasgow and I hope they are considered in the second round of funding which the applications close for at the end of the month".

McMillan Encourages Social Enterprises

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is encouraging social enterprises across Inverclyde to enter the first ever Scottish Social Enterprise Awards.

The competition, launched by the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition, aims to find and reward Scotland's best social enterprises

Mr. McMillan said;

"Social enterprises are businesses which have the needs of the community as their focus and often provide services and opportunities that otherwise may not be available to people in Inverclyde.

"The first ever awards specifically for Scotland are a chance for these organisations to gain the recognition they deserve.

"There are a number of fantastic social enterprises throughout Inverclyde and this is a great opportunity for them to shine, I’d love to see organisations here taking part.

"If constituents would like more information they should visit: www.socialenterpriseawards.org.uk/pages/socialenterpriseawards.html and I wish anyone nominated all the very best of luck".