McMillan Welcomes Further Meeting on A78 Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news from Transport Scotland that there is to be a further meeting, with interested parties, in connection with the A78.

The meeting will be an opportunity to hear about the recent video study that was undertaken by Amey on the 8th and 20th March.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the news that Transport Scotland are to hold a further meeting with interested parties in connection with the A78 Inverkip and the recent video study that was undertaken.

"This is a campaign which will not rest until real action is taken to address the safety concerns of the many constituents who have contacted my office through the two consultations I undertook with the Inverkip and Wemyss Bay villages.

"Therefore, I am pleased Transport Scotland have come back to me, so soon after completing the video study, to arrange a further meeting to discuss the data, the current status of the Bankfoot Roundabout and the state of the traffic lights at the new school."

McMillan Raises Community Safety Service Cuts with Minister

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) raised in the Scottish Parliament chamber the recent decision by the ruling Labour/Conservative administration to cut Community Safety Services at the Council by around 65%. Mr McMillan asked the Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing MSP about what measures the Scottish Government have put in place to enhance the role of community safety within Scotland and in his follow up question he raised the cuts taking place in East Dunbartonshire.

Mr McMillan said;

"The action taken by the Labour/Tory coalition, to cut Community Safety services, will damage the reputation which has been built up over the last couple of years by the team in East Dunbartonshire and decimate a service which has been developed to protect our local communities.

"Cuts of this magnitude to community safety services will not put communities minds at ease and could, potentially, jeopardise public safety.

"Should the Labour/Tory coalition not be better suited to listen to Mr Whitton who in his 2007 election leaflet argued for a doubling of the number of community wardens, not slashing them by one third.

"Therefore, I hope that these cuts can be reversed and that the ruling Labour/Conservative administration change their position to ensure safety in local communities is not placed in jeopardy."

McMillan Condemns Fuel Duty Hike

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has condemned Chancellor, Alistair Darling’s decision to continue with the 3p tax hike in fuel duty.

In this week’s budget he announced a 1p increase from April 1st, another 1p in October and a further 1p on 1st of January 2011. The fuel duty escalator means that in addition fuel prices will be 7p higher than in March 2009.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is absurd politicking from the Labour Chancellor, he has tried to disguise the hike by staggering the increase, but between now and next year fuel duty will still increase by 3p.

"Members of the public in Inverclyde are not that gullible, they will know the price of a Labour government every time they go to a fuel pump.

"The rise will infuriate haulers as this will have a huge impact on transport costs which could in turn increase the prices we pay in the shops.

"The SNP have been long standing champions of a fuel duty regulator and I am disappointed we are still not seeing this delivered in Westminster.

"I have been contacted by constituents from throughout the West of Scotland who are angry with the discrepancies in fuel prices between different areas of Scotland. This serves to highlight the need and support for a fuel duty regulator.

"At this time we need policies in a budget that supports families and businesses in Inverclyde not punishing them".

McMillan Launches Port Glasgow Residents Survey

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Tuesday) sent out a residents survey to constituents in Port Glasgow to ask for their views on a number of local infrastructure and transport issues. The residents survey has been sent to around 3,000 households.

Mr McMillan said;

"For some time the town centre has been the subject of negative stories regarding the number of shop closures and I have received suggestions proposing possible methods of improving the current situation.

"One of the main areas of concern surrounds access to the town centre as a result of the change of road layout in recent years.

"I recently met with Port Glasgow traders who raised a number of proposals which they feel would make the town centre more accessible and easier to navigate through, whilst joining up the town centre to the new development.

"Therefore, the purpose of my residents survey is to ask the people of Port Glasgow for their views and opinions on these issues.

"I hope to receive a good response rate which will allow me to take forward proposals to better improve the local infrastructure and transport network."

McMillan Welcomes Universal Health Checks

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s universal health checks for Scots aged between 40 and 74.

The new ‘heart MOT’ will be piloted during 2011 with the new web-based self assessment ‘Life Begins at 40’ service to be rolled out across Scotland.

Mr. McMillan said;

"By doing everything the health services can to identify those at risk from heart disease, diabetes and stroke as early as possible the Scottish Government is once again showing their commitment to creating a healthier Scotland.

"The new 'heart MOT' health check will also prove vital for researching health prevention.

"The checks are for all individuals aged 40-74 - not just those believed to be at risk - and will mean that professionals will be able to test the success of a general heart check-up for the first time.

"The Scottish Government will also continue to support health check programmes that target those most at risk. The Keep Well programme, which currently provides health checks in certain areas of high deprivation, will now be extended to cover all of Scotland's poorest communities from 2012.

"We know Inverclyde falls into these categories so anything that can be done to lower people’s risk of developing health threats such as diabetes and heart disease should be welcomed".

McMillan Highlights East Dunbartonshire in Tourism Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Marine Tourism and Recreational Boating has highlighted East Dunbartonshire tourism in a speech in the Scottish Parliament. During his speech Mr McMillan raised the benefits of the new Southbank Marina in Kirkintilloch

Mr McMillan said;

"It's important to highlight the many positive aspects the area of East Dunbartonshire has to offer and one of those is through tourism.

"With the creation of the new Southbank Marina in Kirkintilloch, which has more than 40 berths, there is an opportunity to showcase the area and at the same time bring much needed economic benefits.

"During the year of Homecoming we had the excellent Kirkintilloch Canal Festival which further demonstrated the area's positive outlook on tourism.

"Therefore, I hope we will be able to build upon these successes and bring more economic benefit to the area of East Dunbartonshire in the future."

McMillan Grills Whisky Chiefs

Stuart McMillan MSP, a member of the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has today questioned Diageo boss Paul Donaghy over the loss of 900 jobs in Glasgow and Kilmarnock despite spending £400 million on advertising and promotion.

Donaghy was giving evidence at the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee along with John Beard, chief executive of Whyte and MacKay, which is also cutting 71 jobs in Scotland. Mr McMillan took them to task over their advertising budgets, especially the millions of pounds spent on adverising in Formula 1 every year.

Mr McMillan asked; "In terms of the restructuring, how do the both of you justify to your employees that are about to lose their positions signing deals for advertising with Formula 1 teams?"

Stuart went on to say; "There could be a perception that it's the people in Scotland, the workforce in Scotland, which is going to suffer because of other external factors, as well as additional money going to promote the product and particularly the Indian market - ie the promotion in Formula 1."

Afterwards Stuart noted; "Whilst I fully accept that organisations have an obligation to promote their businesses, I feel that such largesse in advertising budgets is unacceptable when hundreds of workers are losing thier jobs in Scotland. I believe that money could have been spent on keeping these loyal employees in work instead of spending millions advertising in Formula 1."

McMillan Welcomes Marine (Scotland) Act

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has congratulated the Scottish Government for Scotland's Marine Bill on receiving Royal Assent.

This Act marks a major turning point in safeguarding the future of Scotland’s seas and laying the foundations for a more simplified marine planning and licensing system.

Mr. McMillan said;

"We are lucky to have some of the most fantastic coastline in the world in Scotland and I’m delighted this Act has now come in to being, safeguarding our seas for future generations.

"The Marine Bill was an issue highly regarded during meets of the Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism, which I chair, and I know from our discussions it is an extremely welcome piece of legislation.

"Marine Protected Areas will help us protect important marine habitats and species and the Act ensures that the site selection process is underpinned by sound scientific advice.

"We must now build on modernising our seas, for example, with wind and wave power to develop our fight against climate change.

"Improved planning and licensing will support the development of renewable marine energy. We owe it to future generations to ensure our seas are managed and harvested sustainably.

"Economic growth is vital, but it should be balanced with protection for our stunning marine environment".

McMillan Welcomes Continued Scottish Government Support for Veterans

The announcement that the Scottish Government will support Veterans projects this year with an investment of an £80,000 fund has been welcomed by Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP).

The projects will deliver new or innovative approaches to veterans' issues, or activities not funded by the Scottish Government or the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The Scottish Government is clearly committed to supporting our veterans, which is only right and proper given the debt of gratitude we owe them.

"Many forces personnel suffer psychologically when on tours of duty and this funding will go a long way towards assisting projects aimed at helping veterans re-adjust to civilian life.

"Housing, employment and re-training are all issues facing veterans who leave the forces and one which can be addressed, and is being done with this funding.

"Given the ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq it is an extremely important time to assist out armed forces in this way."

McMillan Writes to East Dunbartonshire Council over Community Safety Services

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has written to Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council in connection with the recent decision by the ruling Labour/Conservative administration to cut Community Safety Services at the Council by around 65%.

Mr McMillan said;

"Cuts of this magnitude would be devastating and have a profound affect on local communities. It would damage the reputation which has been built up over the last couple of years by the Community Safety team in East Dunbartonshire.

"I know my colleague Councillor Anne McNair has been a strong critic of these cuts, being imposed by the ruling administration, as this will decimate a service which has been developed to protect our local communities.

"Therefore, I hope that these cuts can be reversed and that the ruling Labour/Conservative administration change their position to ensure safety in local communities is not placed in jeopardy."

MSP and Councillor Welcome Recommendation to Keep Princes Gate in East Dunbartonshire

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) along with Ward Councillor Gordan Low have welcomed the recommendation from the Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) for Scotland to adopt its Revised Recommendations without change, as its Final Recommendations to Scottish Ministers. Therefore, if the LGBC recommendations are agreed then the Princes Gate development and an adjacent potential affordable housing site will remain within the East Dunbartonshire Council boundary.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the recommendations being brought forward by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland to adopt its revised recommendations and therefore keep Princes Gate in East Dunbartonshire.

"This decision will be a victory for the many residents of the area who have campaigned vigorously to keep Princes Gate in East Dunbartonshire

"From the outset the residents made it very clear to me that they do not want to see their homes moved into the local authority area of Glasgow and lose the amenities and benefits of being part of East Dunbartonshire."

Councillor Low said;

"The residents made a strong case as to why they were against the proposals to take Princes Gate out of East Dunbartonshire local authority area.

"As ward councillor I have been committed to supporting the residents in their campaign to have these proposals dismissed.

"While I am disappointed that the Local Government Boundary Commission has not accepted our arguments over Wester Lumloch, I am delighted common sense has prevailed as regards Princes Gate and that the Commission has listened to the views of the local community.

McMillan Raises Issue of Probationary Tenancies with Government

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has raised the issue of re-introducing probationary tenancies with the Scottish Government. Mr McMillan is keen to ascertain whether the Scottish Government will look into re-introducing probationary tenancies for use by housing associations as a method of dealing with tenants who commit acts of anti-social behaviour and become repeat offenders.

Bringing in probationary tenancies would allow housing associations to offer lets for a short term or trial period for example 6 months. During this time if the tenancy is breached the housing association would have the option to cancel the let.

Mr McMillan said;

"I felt it was important to raise the issue of probationary tenancies with the Scottish Government after a recent meeting with a housing association who suggested that the idea should be investigated as a possible method of tackling anti-social tenants.

"I know from undertaking constituent surgeries that the issue of noisy and anti-social neighbours has been raised on numerous occasions.

"Therefore, I have asked the Scottish Government whether it would consider introducing probationary tenancies for use by housing associations as I believe this would be a method of trying to combat the problem of anti social tenants."

McMillan Adds His Support to No Smoking Day

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Friday) added his support to No Smoking Day which takes places this year on Wednesday 10th March 2010. In its 27th year, No Smoking Day is encouraging smokers to quit smoking, save thousands of pounds and take the opportunity to find out about help and support available.

Stuart McMillan said:

"No Smoking Day is a fantastic campaign to help and support smokers who want to stop smoking. I’m encouraging smokers in Inverclyde to break free on No Smoking Day and give up cigarettes for good!

" In this current economic climate, hardworking families are finding it particularly difficult. If you stop smoking today, within a month you are £180 better off.

"Visit your local stop smoking service for help and advice on how to stop smoking and increase your chances of success by up to four times."

Duncan Bannatyne, No Smoking Day President, entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star said:

"Quitting smoking isn’t always easy. Most of the nine million UK smokers say they’d like to quit, and many have tried to stop several times over the last year.

"If you’ve tried and failed a few times, it’s easy to give up hope. But you’ll find few ex-smokers that quit the habit on their first attempt. So pick yourself up, dust yourself down and believe that this time you really can do it!"

McMillan Welcomes Care Information Service

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s launch of a new information service for older people in Scotland.
Care Information Scotland (CIS) offers a single point of information on the care available for older people in Inverclyde.

It offers detailed information for older people and their families on the range of community care services available from local authorities, the private and voluntary sector.

Mr. McMillan said;

"We have some fantastic care services for older people in Inverclyde but sometimes it’s not easy to find out about these services.

"This service, the first of its kind in Scotland, offering a single point of information is an ideal way to make sure people can find out about the local services available.

"It will make things a lot easier for people looking to find out about care and support as it is clear and understandable for all.

"I would encourage anyone unsure about what is available either to themselves or family members to give the helpline a call on 08456 001 001 or have a look at the website http://www.blogger.com/www.careinfoscotland.co.uk".

McMillan Raises T-Mobile Jobs Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) raised the issue of employment at T-Mobile's call centre in Inverclyde. Mr McMillan was responding to a letter he received from the Managing Director of T-Mobile (UK) which confirmed the UK merger of T-Mobile and Orange UK.

Mr McMillan is keen to ascertain what the merger will mean for T-Mobile call centres and specifically the call centre in Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am grateful for the continued update from T-Mobile about their proposed merger with Orange UK.

"However, I am keen to know what this means for their staff based in Scotland and specifically at the Inverclyde call centre.

"It's important that T-Mobile continue to invest in their call centres and staff as the centres provide a major employment opportunity.

"Therefore, I hope I will receive re-assurances from the Managing Director that the call centre in Inverclyde is part of their plans for now and the future."

McMillan Concerned With Alcohol Related Hospital Discharges

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) voiced his concerns with the news that Inverclyde local authority area has seen a 9% rise in alcohol related hospital discharges. The figures show that in 2004/05 there was 1018 hospital discharges relating to alcohol in Inverclyde and by 2008/09 the figure had risen to 1109.

Mr McMillan said;

"These figures make startling reading and highlight the problem this country faces with alcohol misuse.

"I have raised the issue of alcohol misuse with the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Health Convenor of Inverclyde Council and they are both in agreement with myself that something must be done to address this problem

"Therefore, It is vital that drastic action is taken and I believe the raft of measure being put forward by the Scottish Government in the Alcohol Etc.(Scotland) Bill must be implemented to tackle alcohol misuse and the number of alcohol related hospital discharges.

"This is why introducing a minimum price on the unit sale of alcohol would target the cheap, high strength alcohol and would not affect responsible drinkers.

"I hope that the opposition parties will see sense and back the Scottish Government's proposals and show that we are all serious about tackling alcohol misuse once and for all."