McMillan Raises Roads Issue with First Minister

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Thursday) raised with the First Minister Alex Salmond MSP the issue of keeping Scotland’s roads clear this winter. Mr McMillan was asking the question to the First Minister on the back of last year’s severe weather which affected many roads throughout Scotland.

During last winter people on community service orders were out clearing streets of snow and helping the elderly and other vulnerable people in local communities.

Mr McMillan said;

"Last year Scotland witnessed severe weather conditions which brought many of our roads to a halt causing travel chaos.

"Therefore, I felt it important to raise this issue with the First Minister and to learn if people carrying out community service orders will be utilised, this year, to clear roads and paths where possible. I believe this scheme should be rolled out across the country and I welcome the First Minister’s acknowledgement of this view.

"It’s imperative that Scotland’s roads are sufficiently maintained this winter and local authorities are prepared for all eventualities. I have written to Council’s in the West of Scotland to ask what contingencies they have put in place to combat the possibility of severe weather affecting the roads this winter.

"We cannot afford a repeat of last year’s situation."