McMillan Comments on accident at A78 / Main Street Junction, Inverkip

Commenting on the news that there was an accident this evening at the A78 / Main Street junction in Inverkip, Stuart McMillan MSP said:

"First and foremost I hope those involved in the accident are not hurt and I wish them a full and speedy recovery.

"A few months ago, constituents contacted me about the junction and their fears that the junction was an accident waiting to happen. Unfortunately, those fears have now been proven to be accurate.

"I undertook my consultation of both Inverkip and Wemyss Bay to gauge public opinion about the safety of the junction and the A78. I received a massive 41% response rate from Inverkip alone which highlighted that there is widespread concern about the junction.

"I will be contacting Transport Scotland to highlight this accident to them as further evidence that this junction is dangerous even though only last week Transport Scotland agreed to undertake a 3 month long survey about the A78 in response to my survey results.

"Also, last week, I raised this issue of this junction and the survey results in the Scottish Parliament during a debate of the West of Scotland Transport Infrastructure, as well as questioning the Transport Minister during Question Time.

"I look forward to the results of the survey and I hope this accident is fully considered in addition to the survey".

McMillan Encourages Town Centre Regeneration Bids

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) is encouraging towns in Inverclyde to bid for their share of the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund.
Applications for the scheme which aims to revitalise the country's hard pressed high streets are now open.

The fund will complement efforts already underway to support town and city centres across Scotland which are feeling the effects of the economic downturn.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The opening of applications to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund is good news for High Streets in Inverclyde as it means that they can bid for much needed funding in this tough economic climate.

"These are hard times for businesses and families across Scotland and the SNP Government in Scotland is working hard to meet these challenges and refocus activity and thus ensuring people in Inverclyde get through the economic downturn in the strongest possible position.

"This funding highlights the importance of Scotland's town centres to the economic and social fabric of the nation and the Scottish Government's commitment to the improvement of our local high streets.

"I hope people in Inverclyde take this opportunity to bid for funding for their town".

McMillan Welcomes Government Energy Saving

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government of a new deal with Scottish electricity companies that will see Scotland’s taxpayers save up to £10 million a year and help Scottish public bodies go greener.

Presently the Scottish public sector spends about £200 million a year on electricity but from autumn, all public bodies in Scotland including councils, health boards, universities, and college can take advantage of the contracts.

Mr McMillan said;

"This is another example of the Scottish Government working hard during the recession to protect money which could ultimately be used to create employment within Scotland.

"By saving £10 million with the bulk buying of electricity the Government can use that money to ensure further employment in Scotland occurs which increases the likelihood of turning the corner and getting out of this recession.

"The Scottish Government have been developing this innovative idea since last August, and have now delivered.

"Once again it seems like the Scottish Government have got what it takes to help Scotland prosper and fight through this difficult economic situation."

McMillan Highlights Swine Flu Advice Line

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has highlighted the dedicated swine flu advice line which can be accessed through NHS 24. The line will give the public valuable information about swine flu and what to do if they have any concerns.Callers to NHS 24 – 08454 24 24 24 – will now be given the additional option of being put straight through to a dedicated team who are dealing with swine flu.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Although we have had two confirmed cases in Scotland, we are not in a pandemic situation and the level of threat to public health remains low.

"It's vital that members of the public can readily access reliable and trustworthy information about swine flu. This advice line will be an easy way for people to keep abreast of the situation.

"As there are suspected, but not yet confirmed cases, in the NHS Greather Glasgow and Clyde area I would encourage people in Inverclyde to take heed of the adverts and leaflets coming their way this week on precautionary measures".

McMillan Welcomes First Marine Bill for Scotland

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has commented on the first Marine Bill introduced by the Scottish Government today (Thursday).

The Bill is set to deliver more opportunities to boost the economy while improving conservation measures. It comes following calls from environmental groups, the marine industry and coastal communities for more effective, joined up management of Scotland's unique seas.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This Bill is vital for safeguarding the future of our marine industries – be it the leisure, working or environmental aspect, this Bill is exceptionally important.

"Scotland holds a quarter of Europe's total tidal and offshore wind resource and 10 per cent of its potential in wave power. Our seas generate more than £2.2 billion for the Scottish economy and there is huge potential to increase economic growth from our seas but it needs to be done in a sustainable way.

"Striking the right balance between the long-term viability and growth of our marine industries and the enhanced protection of our special marine environment is at the very heart of this Bill.

"Scotland is also a leading marine tourism destination and I am looking forward to considering the Marine Bill in some detail in my soon to be established Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism".

McMillan Welcomes HMIe Report

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news from a report published by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) that Kelly Street Children's Centre Greenock has highly-motivated, confident learners throughout the centre. The report also highlighted 'the work of the management team in developing leadership skills within the staff team.'

Mr McMillan said;

"Its excellent news to hear this report from HMIe which states that Kelly Street Children's Centre offers a high-quality curriculum.

"A great deal of credit goes to the hard work and dedication shown by all staff members in receiving such a report. This is why I have lodged a motion of congratulations in the Scottish Parliament.

"I note the inspectors have acknowledged the transitions from nursery to P1 and the approaches to developing children's skills in technology are examples of good practice at the centre."

McMillan Highlights Cost of Budget Cuts by Westminster to Inverclyde and Scotland

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Wednesday) highlighted the Scottish Government figures that point to a threatened 9,000 job losses as a result of the real terms cut in the Scottish Budget in 2010/11 announced by the Chancellor. The £500 million cut to the Scottish budget from Westminster could cost Inverclyde up to £8.32 million in lost funding for 2010/11.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am angered and disappointed to hear of the cuts to the Scottish budget which could threaten up to 9,000 Scottish jobs and cost Inverclyde up to £8.32 million in lost funding for 2010/11.

"The Chancellor’s actions have only served to hamper the Scottish Government's actions for recovery, by slashing the money available in Scotland to invest in jobs and communities.

"It is right to tighten our belts, that’s why the Scottish Government has a 2% a year efficiency programme, with the savings reinvested in public services. But the UK plans top slice money from the Scottish Government budget.

"I urge the Westminster Government to scrap the ID card scheme and remove trident missiles from Scotland, two projects that the public do not want, which would save the taxpayer massive amounts of money and allow more investment rather than the cuts Westminster are taking to the Scottish budget."