MSP & Councillor Welcome News of New Larkfield Nursery

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Ward Councillor Innes Nelson have today (Monday) welcomed the news that Inverclyde Council is to open a new nursery in the Larkfield area of Greenock following last October’s closure of Ladybird Pre 5 Centre.

Mr McMillan attended and spoke in support of the campaign to save Ladybird Pre 5 Centre at the public meeting on Wednesday 13th October 2010.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the news that a new nursery is to be established in the Larkfield area of Greenock.

"I was only too happy to attend the public meeting in support of the campaign to save Ladybird Pre 5 centre. Therefore, I am pleased that a new nursery will be established in Larkfield.

"I note the number of places at the new nursery is less than what was previously available, however, this is a step in the right direction."

Councillor Nelson said:

"The new nursery, although not a like for like replacement, will go some way towards meeting the needs of parents in the area."

McMillan Receives A78 Update from Transport Scotland

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Monday) received a response letter from Transport Scotland in relation to the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction.

Mr McMillan had previously written to Transport Scotland to highlight concerns from constituents in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay to the revised junction layout. In the response letter Transport Scotland indicate, a post construction road safety audit has been undertaken at the junction and its performance continue to be monitored… To enable a quantitative evaluation of the revised junction layout we have instructed a follow up conflict study to compare the before and after safety performance of the revised arrangement.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I'm pleased Transport Scotland have listened to the concerns of my constituents and have indicated they will undertake a follow up conflict study to compare the before and after safety performance of the revised arrangement.

"I know from the correspondence I have received from constituents in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay they are concerned with the revised junction layout.

"Therefore, I felt it was important to write to Transport Scotland, again, to highlight my concerns and those of my constituents and to ask that action be taken to improve road safety on the A78.

"Since I started with this campaign, progress has been made, although it has been slow and hard work. I will continue to fight for improved road safety improvements on the A78 as a top priority."

McMillan Responds to Flooding Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has made his views known on the issue of flooding by responding to the Scottish Government's flooding consultation. The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act – Delivering Sustainable Flood Risk Management consultation document gave respondents the opportunity to shape the way in which flooding, and the impact of flooding, is managed across Scotland.

Mr McMillan highlighted the issue of flooding in the West of Scotland region and in particular Inverclyde which has witnessed numerous flooding events.

Mr McMillan said;

"I have been campaigning vigorously for improved flood protection for the West of Scotland region which I have represented since 2007 as a Member of the Scottish Parliament.

"In particular I wanted to highlight the problems Inverclyde has had to face with flooding and a lack of investment over the years to address this important issue.

"I have worked alongside my colleague Councillor Jim Grieve in supporting constituents in the east end of Greenock after the devastating flooding in December 2008 and I have been supporting businesses in the west end of Greenock in their aim of achieving better flood defences.

"I fully appreciate the record of delivery on flooding by the current SNP Government in passing the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill and the Reservoirs (Scotland) Bill. This is contrary to previous Scottish Executive’s who have ignored this important issue.

"Therefore, I hope the SNP Government will continue to invest in flood prevention and take actions which protect the most vulnerable and those areas at greatest risk of flooding."

McMillan signs The Pledge for Prostate Cancer

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has expressed his backing for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by signing The Pledge for Prostate Cancer.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which runs from 1 – 31 March, is an annual health awareness campaign organised by The Prostate Cancer Charity. The theme of the month is a celebration of awareness and The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland is mobilising people and urging them to 'declare they are aware'.

Mr McMillan said:

"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Scotland. 2,700 men in Scotland are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and 19,000 are currently living with the disease. Two men die of prostate cancer every day.

"Despite this, we still have a long way to go in terms of understanding the causes and identifying the most effective ways of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer - as well as improving the public’s knowledge of some of the issues faced by people affected by the disease.
"That’s why I was delighted to sign The Pledge for Prostate Cancer during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2011. I hope men and women of all ages and all walks of life get behind the campaign and are able to declare ‘I’m aware’ come April."

Ann Ferguson, Head of Scotland Operations at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said:

"It is fantastic that Mr McMillan is showing his support for men and their families affected by prostate cancer. We hope many more politicians will follow suit and back the pledge to ensure prostate cancer remains firmly in the spotlight well beyond Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and that the improvements we are calling for receive due attention."

Anyone wanting to participate in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month can request an information pack. Please call 0141 314 0050, email mailto:aware@prostate-cancer.org.uk/omailto:aware@prostate-cancer.org.uk or visit the campaign website http://www.prostateaware.org.uk/

Anyone concerned about prostate cancer can call The Prostate Cancer Charity's free and confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383. The Helpline is staffed by specialist nurses and is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Wednesdays from 7pm - 9pm. Alternatively please visit http://www.blogger.com/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Documents%20and%20Settings/PCCScotland/Desktop/www.prostate-cancer.org.uk

McMillan Welcomes Help for Inverclyde’s Poorest Families

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government's Child Poverty Strategy.

Launched yesterday (Tuesday) by Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, the strategy will help Inverclyde's poorest families to increase their household incomes and improve their children's life chances.

Mr McMillan said;

"This fund will support projects that offer parenting support, affordable childcare and family health initiatives.

"We already have beneficial home grown policies such as free heating help for low-income families, freezing the council tax and scrapping prescriptions charges. So this policy will assist in changing the downward trend on child poverty and ensure the next generation from Inverclyde get every opportunity to thrive and prosper.

"So many children today are born without the things many of us take for granted such as a warm home or a good education. This strategy is a fantastic step forward in tackling child poverty.

"However it is concerning that all the good efforts of the SNP Government could be derailed by the UK government's savage cuts to welfare which will pull the rug from under many of Inverclyde's most vulnerable families.

"That's why it is more important than ever that Scotland, as soon as possible, has responsibility over the benefits and tax system."

McMillan Welcomes Funding Boost for Post Offices

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement by the SNP Government that a £1 million fund for 2011/12 to help local post offices diversify their activities has been launched. The funding was announced by the Finance Secretary John Swinney during February's Stage 3 Debate on the Budget Bill 2011/12.

The original scheme has seen 49 small post offices around Scotland receiving offers of awards of up to £25,000 , helping them provide new services not available locally, such as the sale of fresh produce, setting up an internet café and expanding the retail operation through a website.

Mr McMillan said;

"This announcement, once again, shows that the SNP Government is focussed on protecting important frontline public services in these troubled economic times – even those controlled and often threatened by Westminster.

"£1 million is a substantial amount to help local post offices survive and offer non-post office activities in Scotland. Yet it is something Labour's MSPs voted against in the Scottish Parliament Budget vote.

"Post offices play an important role in the life of some communities. As well as postal services, they can provide access to money and banking facilities, support for local shops, and a hub for the community.

"This is reflected in the high value the SNP Government and local people attach to their post office.

"I look forward to hearing the announcement of which post offices have been successful in receiving funding."

McMillan Hands Over Charity Cheque to Chapelton Tenants & Residents Association

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has recently handed over a charity cheque of £50.00 to Chapelton tenants & Residents Association, Port Glasgow. The cheque was from ComRes, and obtained by Mr McMillan to give to a charity or organisation of his choosing for completing a research project with the organisation.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to have the opportunity to hand over this charity cheque to Chapelton tenants & Residents Association and hope it will provide them with some assistance.

"It's important to recognise the excellent contribution such associations make in offering assistance and support to tenants and residents in their area and throughout Inverclyde.

"I would like to wish everyone involved in the Chapelton Tenants and Residents Association every success for the future.

McMillan Welcomes News of Upgrade Work to Bankfoot Roundabout

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Transport, Keith Brown MSP that the A78 Bankfoot Roundabout is to receive upgrade works.

Mr McMillan received the news in a response letter from the Minister for Transport, Keith Brown MSP which indicated Amey have been instructed to develop design options to address the safety performance of the roundabout and prepare a full detailed design by April 2011. It is anticipated that the detailed design will involve reprofiling the roundabout and could be complete before the end of 2011.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am delighted to receive the news, from the SNP Government, that the A78 Bankfoot Roundabout is to have much needed upgrade works to improve road safety in the area. This has been a long standing issue since the creation of the roundabout which predates the SNP coming to power in 2007.

"Recently, I had the opportunity to raise a number of issues with the Minister for Transport one of which was the camber of the roundabout. Therefore, I know the many constituents in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay who responded to my consultations on the A78 Trunk Road will join with me in welcoming this announcement.

"Seeing improved road safety measures on the A78 Trunk Road is something I have and will continue to campaign in support of as it is necessary to provide better safety conditions.

"This announcement, once again, highlights how this SNP Government is listening and ultimately delivering for the people of Inverclyde.

McMillan stands for human rights

Stuart McMillan MSP adding his support to Amnesty International’s campaign pledge ‘Scotland Stands for Human Rights’.

McMillan Attends Coastguard Briefing in Parliament

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan attended the Coastguard briefing in Parliament this evening organised by his SNP colleague, Alasdair Allan MSP (Western Isles). This briefing followed on from the event that took place in Port Glasgow Town Hall last week.

Speaking afterwards Stuart said:

"The briefing was attended by more than 10 MSPs and was yet another opportunity for all MSPs to highlight their concerns about the proposals put forward by the UK Coalition Government.

"As we know in Inverclyde, the Navy Buildings in Greenock will be one of the casualties of the proposals with 2 large super centres and some smaller centres to be used across the whole of the UK.

"Tonight confirmed what I previously thought, these proposals are nothing short of a cost cutting drive and safety concerns are not uppermost in the minds of the UK Government.

"It is beyond belief that the Greenock facility will be adversely affected with the vast range of maritime traffic it covers. Also, it was interesting that tonight it was admitted that if the agency were starting afresh, it would be inconceivable for the central belt of Scotland not to have a fully operational coastguard station.

"I raised a number of issues this evening including the resilience of the existing system as well as simulation of the proposed new system.

"The answers I received highlighted to me that there is no case whatsoever for removing services from Greenock."

McMillan Welcomes Abolishment of Prescription Charge

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news that the Scottish Parliament's Health Committee has voted to abolish all prescription charges as of 1st April 2011.

When the SNP Government came to power Prescription Charges cost £6.85, since then the it has gradually been reduced, it was lowered to £5 in 2008-09; £4 in 2009-10; £3 in 2010-11 and will be free from 1 April 2011.

Mr. McMillan said;

""I am delighted that thanks to the SNP Government from April 1st prescriptions will be free at the point of use for the people of Inverclyde and Scotland.

"Prescription charges were an unnecessary tax on ill-health which put additional pressure of the family budget at a time when people were already suffering through sickness.

"The NHS was founded on the principle of free health care for everyone and I am pleased that the SNP Government has returned it to that state.

"This is another commitment delivered by this SNP Government which will improve the lives and health of people in Inverclyde, and also save them money at a time when so many families are hard pressed."

McMillan Welcomes Passing of the Damages (Scotland) Bill

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today welcomed the passing of the Damages (Scotland) Bill.

The bill has sought to improve the rights to damages in respect of personal injuries or death. It is hoped this bill will help cut the unnecessarily long legal debate on damages issues.

Stuart said:

"I welcome the passage of the Damages (Scotland) Bill today.

"It continues the excellent record of this Parliament in working to deal with damages issues, as had previously been demonstrated when we passed the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) Bill.

"I signed the bill to allow it to enter into the parliamentary process, and I have spoken in favour of the bill during Stage 1 and also today.

"This bill will provide recompense for victims and the families of victims who have been wronged through no fault of their own.

"The bill is a welcome addition to the statute book and shows what can be achieved when the parties in the Parliament actually work together."

McMillan Supports Cheaper Fuel in Inverclyde

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan welcomed the vote in Parliament tonight calling for cheaper petrol and diesel at our petrol stations.

The motion was proposed by the Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, who called on the UK Government not to increase the cost of fuel at the next budget. The motion also calls for the introduction of a Fuel Duty Regulator; a method of decreasing the cost of fuel as fuel duty increases.

Speaking afterwards Mr. McMillan said:

"I fully support the campaign to have lower fuel across Inverclyde and Scotland. The price we pay at the pump is extraordinary high despite the fact we have oil being extracted from the North Sea.

"Locally, we know of the frustration of drivers who pay more for fuel in Inverclyde as compared to Renfrewshire. The daily updates from the Greenock Telegraph have been helpful in highlighting this problem.

"I was not surprised that the 2 Greens voted against the motion this evening but I was surprised that local Labour MSP, Duncan McNeil voted with the Greens. I know that Inverclyde residents feel hard done by with the cost of fuel and the small business sector feel it particularly challenging.

"Higher fuel costs results in higher costs for the goods we buy in our weekly shopping as well as the higher cost of filling up our cars. As we are all trying to weather the current economic climate, I know higher fuel costs will not help the Inverclyde economy.

"The SNP Government have consistently helped local communities across Scotland. The SNP have introduced the Council Tax Freeze for 4 years, scrapped Prescription Charges from 1st April and now are campaigning to have lower petrol and diesel costs.

"It’s just a shame that Labour members voted against these measures that will benefit Inverclyde residents and businesses."

McMillan Adds His Support to CHILDREN 1ST Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has recently added his name in support of CHILDREN 1ST campaign to prevent violence against children and young people.

In 2009-10, CHILDREN 1ST worked with over 3600 children and young people at risk of or who had suffered abuse, neglect or violence.

Mr McMillan said:

"I am delighted to be supporting CHILDREN 1ST’s campaign to prevent violence against children.

"Far too many children in Scotland experience violence in their homes and communities.

"I believe that violence against children and young people is unjustifiable, unacceptable and preventable and hope that everyone will support the campaign. We must all do everything we can to prevent all forms of violence against Scotland’s children and young people."

Anne Houston, Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1ST, added:

"If we are to succeed in changing attitudes and preventing violence against children in Scotland, it is vital that we have the support of politicians from all communities and political parties. We welcome Stuart McMillan MSP as a supporter to our campaign and look forward to working with him/her to build a better future for vulnerable children in Scotland."