McMillan Encourages Inverclyde to Support National Spring Clean

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is encouraging people in Inverclyde to take part in Nation Spring Clean events.

The annual event, which runs from 1st April to the 31st May 2012, has a number of clean ups organised in Inverclyde by schools and community councils.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The National Spring Clean campaign is a great way for everyone to get involved in keeping Inverclyde clean and tidy, and shows a real sense of community spirit.

"It’s also good exercise and benefits all when we can look round at litter-free streets and parks.

"I would encourage people of all ages in Inverclyde to check out the campaign website and go along to an event that’s been organised – or even better, get together with some friends or colleagues to organise their own ‘spring clean’ and register that online too.　 It’s not too late and anyone who registers a Clean-Up event on the campaign website will be sent a free clean-up pack including tabards, posters, stickers and bin bags.

"We can all make a difference to the area and I’m hoping to get along to some events myself".

McMillan Comments on Further Greenock Flooding

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has commented on the flooding over the weekend around the Broomhill area.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Yet again the inclement weather means this part of Greenock has suffered further flooding.
"If the watercourse around the area was cleaned out properly and continuously maintained flooding here would be less likely.

"Once again Greenock is suffering and with indications showing flooding could be a more regular occurrence due to climate change we must ensure everything is done to prevent Greenock residents and businesses suffering any devastating consequences".

Cllr Jim Grieve added;

"I know that Inverclyde Council are waiting for the flooding report for the whole of Inverclyde which I’m sure all residents will look forward to with interest.

"However, I feel it would be beneficial for residents in Greenock to know what the contingency plans are in the meantime in order to protect homes and businesses from what could be a costly event".

McMillan Says ‘National Spring Clean’ Can Keep Inverclyde Beautiful

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) is encouraging people in Inverclyde to take part in April’s National Spring Clean.

Organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful the campaign runs throughout April, and communities in Inverclyde are encouraged to show pride in their local area by helping to keep it clean and tidy.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I hope people in Inverclyde will take this opportunity to play their part in sprucing up the area as spring approaches.

"The Scottish Government has provided additional funding to support events across Scotland, so I hope that even more than the 20,000 people who took part nationwide last year will get involved this year.

"During this Year of Homecoming, when we are expecting many extra visitors to Scotland, it will be great if community pride helps keep Inverclyde looking at its very best.

"I am looking forward to helping out the pupils at Earnhill Primary School in Greenock with their National Spring Clean event on 24 April and hope other schools and community groups will take up the opportunity to do their bit too.

"It’s easy to get involved and more information is available on existing events and help to plan your own on the website http://springclean.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/".

McMillan Welcomes Commitment by Environment Minister to visit Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news that the Minister for Environment, Roseanna Cunningham MSP has accepted his invite to visit Inverclyde to view first hand the areas which flooded in December 2008.

The Minister was responding to a question raised by Mr. McMillan in the Scottish Parliament chamber where he asked what assistance the Scottish Government could provide Inverclyde to tackle flooding.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted the Minister for Environment said she is happy to give the commitment to visit Inverclyde to view first hand the areas which flooded so dramatically at the end of last year.

"She also made it clear that Inverclyde Council do not currently have a flood prevention scheme but it is my understanding that it is due in the coming months. I hope it is before we see any more devastating flooding in Inverclyde which have already been too numerous.

"The Minister also made it clear that the Scottish Government would urge any councils in a similar position to Inverclyde to submit intended plans early on in the term so as to gain full advantage of assistance available.

"I recently met with SEPA and Scottish Water to discuss what could be done to prevent such flooding problems from occurring again in the future. Both meetings allowed me to take the organisations on site visits of where Inverclyde is prone to flood and make them aware of the problem.

"I think it's important the Minister for Environment comes to Inverclyde to see the problems and reassure constituents that the Scottish Government is doing everything in its power to tackle flooding.

"I look forward to greeting the Minister in Inverclyde in the not too distant future".

McMillan Highlights Climate Challenge Fund

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today welcomed the first round of funding from the Scottish Government to tackle climate change in communities around Scotland.

More than £700,000 of awards were announced today from over £18 million available for the next three years. Projects supported help drive community led action to reduce carbon emissions.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This first round of funding is a fantastic step towards empowering communities to do their bit to tackle climate change.

"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing us today, both here in Scotland and across the world. Scotland can be part of the global solution.

"I would urge communities in Inverclyde to apply to the £18.8 million Climate Challenge Fund to enable communities to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and make a real difference to the local and national environment.

"Some of the projects supported in this year include developing a community heat and power scheme, to provide more cost effective energy; converting a local leisure centre to more energy efficient lighting and providing cycling training for young people to encourage more sustainable and active travel.

"All of these and more are easily attainable in Inverclyde so I hope many more people here will take up the climate challenge".

Notes

· A total of £705,700.36 has been awarded to 14 projects through the first round of grants. Full details of successful applicants can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/SustainableDevelopment/funding/ClmateChallengeFund/CCFgrantsannounced

· The Climate Challenge Fund is open to Scottish-based, not-for-profit distributing community groups including voluntary, not-for-profit and charitable organisations, schools and community groups which can also work in partnership with local authorities, housing partnerships, colleges and universities.

· A total of £18.8 million will be available over the next three financial years. The fund will award grants to projects which meet set criteria up to a maximum of £1 million. There is no minimum amount which communities.

McMillan Welcomes Energy Saving Advice

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today welcomed a new advice network to help Scots cut fuel bills.

The Energy Saving Scotland advice network is managed by the Energy Saving Trust and funded by the Scottish Government. The network has recently undergone an upgrade in order to reach 250,000 people each year with more locally focused advice.

Mr. McMillan said;

"We all need to play a part in creating a greener Scotland and this network will not only advise people on how to do that but can also help save you some money.

"I hope people in Inverclyde take the opportunity to get in touch with Energy Saving Scotland to learn how they can use energy effectively while reducing pollution and keeping their own costs down.

"This is the latest in a series of measure the SNP Government are taking to tackle climate change and I think it’s a welcome move".

Notes:

· The Scottish Government announcement can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/06/04100843

· People can access their local services on freephone 0800 512 012 or visiting the Energy Savings Trust website at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/.

McMillan Acknowledges In It To Bin It Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating the Greenock Telegraph for their We’re In It To Bin It campaign.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This campaign, supported by Inverclyde Council, should be welcomed for encouraging everyone to think about what they do with their litter.

"The schools and community groups, like the Scouts, that have already shown their willing to get involved with their litter pick-ups should be commended.

"This motion I have submitted to Parliament is to say well done to those already involved and to encourage others to play their part in making Inverclyde a cleaner and safer place to be.

"I hope people continue with their efforts long after this particular campaign has ended".


Text of motion:

Date of Lodging: 7 May 2008

Short Title: In It To Bin It

S3M-01850 Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament congratulates the Greenock Telegraph on their "We're In It To Bin It" campaign supported by Inverclyde Council; acknowledges the drive to encourage Inverclyde businesses and community groups to organise a litter pick-up; also recognises the efforts of the pupils at Ravenscraig, Inverkip, St Ninians, Earnhill, Sacred Heart, St Laurence’s, St Patrick’s, Lady Alice, King’s Oak, St Kenneth’s, St Gabriel’s, St Michael’s and Overton Primary Schools in their bid to tackle litter around their school, and encourages the clean-up throughout Scotland to continue after the newspaper campaign is finished.