McMillan Welcomes Community Service Snow Clearing

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the news that community service teams in Inverclyde are clearing snow covered paths and roads.

Offenders in Inverclyde continue to pay back the community during the wintry weather having already completed 220 hours worth of path and road clearing to a number of Elderly Day Care Centres.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Having switched from their usual community clean-up work such as cleaning graffiti and restoring fallen gravestones these low level offenders are doing a great service to their community during these dangerous conditions.

"Work is being carried out to clear the snow to allow residents to get out and about safely when many would be stuck indoors.

"I would join Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, in reminding all local authorities of the valuable source of labour which is available to help with winter emergency work.

"I raised this issue previously with the Justice Secretary and the First Minister recently in the chamber and am pleased to see the scheme making a real difference to communities across Scotland.

"During discussions I have had with Inverclyde Council on the work of community service orders I have requested they consider using offenders to undertake meaningful work in the community for example clearing culverts and snow. I am pleased the latter has proved fruitful and I will continue my campaign to ensure such worthwhile work is carried out by those serving community service orders.

"We are experiencing the worst snowfall at this time of year in Scotland since 1965 so it is good to see the country pulling together to make sure everyone is kept safe, warm and well equipped.

"Whether it is the army of gritters and snowploughs on our roads, our police and rescue services aiding those in need, or the caring neighbour, everyone is working above and beyond the call of duty to keep Inverclyde moving and our essential services open.

"This is a great example of a council responding quickly and using the available labour power from offenders on community service. These offenders are carrying out manual labour, shovelling snow, laying grit and clearing the streets during the severe conditions, and repaying their dues to the community".

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."