Motorway upgrade running to schedule

Road disruption

I am only getting back to driving this week after the C section I had with my twins. But I have recently ventured out with my husband and children to visit relatives on the weekend. Even on a Sunday we faced delays because of the work being carried out at the White Cart Viaduct.

And I hear the radio stations report how bad it is at peak periods.  Recent accidents have demonstrated the need for this work – but I wanted to make sure there would be no additional delays in finishing this work. So this week I have been in contact with the firm carrying out this essential upgrading work.  They tell me that work is running to schedule. The project is now in its seventh week of twelve weeks.  Upgrading the barriers on the eastbound carriageway is complete and the same measures are now being carried out westbound.  

Meanwhile I welcome the Labour led Scottish Executive’s decision to remove the tolls on the Erskine Bridge. It is showing my age to admit that as a pupil at Bishopton Primary I recall the bridge being opened by Princess Anne over thirty years ago!

Child trust funds

As a new mother your eye is drawn to measures involving children. So I was particularly pleased last week to see two important steps for Scotland’s children. The first was the start of the smoking ban in public places – at least today’s babies will not be dying of passive smoking in the future – and the second was the announcement in the budget to further payments into Child Trust Fund accounts at age 7.   The Child Trust Fund is a savings and investment account designed to give our children a financial start in life.  Children born on or after 1 September 2002 receive a £250 voucher to start their account. The account belongs to the child and can’t be touched until they turn 18, so that children have some money behind them to start their adult life. If you want to find out more visit www.childtrustfund.gov.uk or call 0845 302 1470 to see if your child is eligible. Budget 2006 committed a further £250 for all children at age 7 and £500 for children from lower-income families.  There was also more cash for the Child Tax credit. Nine out of ten families with children can get tax credits. All families with children can claim Child Tax Credit if their income is no more than £58,000 a year (up to £66,000 if you have a child under one). To find out if you are eligible visit www.direct.gov.uk