PDE Column, 8th June 2009 – Chamber Questions, Credit Unions, Photography Gems, Wildlife Week, Summer Fun

Any Questions?

Regularly in the Scottish Parliament Chamber I have the chance to ask Government Ministers questions.

This week I asked the Justice Minister Kenny McAskill about claims of new police recruits not getting adequate training before being sent out on the streets. It’s a tough job, particularly for a new recruit and they need the best training on offer.

Next week I will be asking Kenny McAskill question about helping law centres fight eviction cases. There are distressing stories, as highlighted recently by the Paisley Daily Express, where tenants face homelessness due to, unbeknown to them, their landlords not paying the mortgage payments.

In March the Justice Minister promised me he would be more than happy to have discussions with representatives of Scotland’s Law Centres, including the Paisley/Renfrewshire Law Centre. As yet I know of no meeting being arranged so I will be pushing for this again, given rising local responses.

Credit Unions

Credit Unions are vital in giving support to Scottish communities and protecting them becoming involved with loan sharks. In Renfrewshire we have some very valued Credit Unions.

Under the previous Labour Scottish Government the guaranteed funding for Credit Unions stood at £2.7m but under today’s Scottish Government funding has plummeted to under £250,000.

So I want the Scottish Government to explain how this shrinking ‘pot’ of money credit unions can bid for actually works.  Protecting people from unscrupulous lenders needs to be a priority in this period of economic downturn.

Photography Gems

An exhibition not to miss this month is Reid Kerr College’s award winning photography department’s exhibition. Set in the stunning location of Paisley Abbey, a selection of best work produced by HND Photography students is now on display. The standard of work is extremely high. Congratulations to the students of Reid Kerr College on their outstanding photography work over the past two years.
The exhibition is now open until the 26th June Mon – Sat 10am – 3.30pm

Wildlife Week

This is Scottish Wildlife Week. There are 230 events and activities taking place throughout Scotland including the celebration of peat lands, woodlands and marine environments throughout Scotland.

So if you have enjoyed Springwatch on telly get out and visit the real thing. The Scottish Wildlife Trust and its sister charities work tirelessly to conserve Scotland’s wildlife and ensure that future generations can also enjoy its diversity. I happily supported the motion in the Scottish Parliament commending their efforts and celebrating Wildlife Week. And the photo shows me at Murshiel looking for Harriers!

To find out full details of all Wildlife Week events log onto http://www.swt.org.uk/events/wildlife-week/

Summer Fun

It has been great to see the summer sun come out at last. June sees many local outdoor events. Renfrew has just held its very successful Gala Day and within the next few weeks there is the Barshaw Gala Day, Fountain Gardens Gala Day and the Accord Hospice Summer Fayre.

If you have not been out for a while think about going along to one of these events. I know my kids love ice cream and fun fair stalls and rides so fingers crossed for continued great weather. Whatever people say about the state of Paisley’s streets everyone recognises Paisley’s strong community spirit. So be part of it this summer. Rain or shine!