PDE Column, 21st June 2010 – Linwood, Disability Harassment, ASBO’s, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, PACE

Linwood

I was delighted to attend a most heartening 150th Anniversary celebration service of Linwood Parish Church.

Unsurprisingly over the following lunch, discussions turned to the continuing frustrations and disappointment over Tesco’s lack of progress on the town centre. Many Buddies will be aware that Tesco’s promises to Linwood over three years ago were not merely for a store but for a whole new town centre. Hence this delay has meant no sign so far of the promised new health centre, library, community halls, and supermarket – and significantly no news of a planned start date offered from Tesco as yet.

The reason cited for the delay over recent months is the sensitive legal process of moving the remains from the 19th century Speirs family vault. The Court of Session in Edinburgh is currently presiding over the case. But I was reminded that it was the office bearers of the Linwood Parish Church themselves who told Tesco, three years ago, about the existence of the burial vault. So it is understandable that locals wonder why this legal process began only in the spring of this year.

The current collapsing unoccupied centre renders the whole town centre derelict and unsafe. Anything of scrap value has been stolen and the windows of the empty flats above the shops have provided attractive targets for brick throwing local youths. The empty flats have been broken into and I am also urgently pursuing with Tesco the reports of additional potential dangers associated with live electricity and gas. I continue to press senior Executives of Tesco not only make the site safer but to show the people of Linwood they will make good on their promises and announce their full commitment to start the much awaited new project before the end of this year.

Disability related harassment – have your say

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is investigating whether public bodies and public transport providers are fulfilling their legal obligations to prevent disabled people from being harassed. 

Every working day at least one person on average appears in court charged with a crime against a disabled person, nearly half of which involve violence.  Evidence suggests that many more incidents of targeted violence or hostility go unreported or are not dealt with properly.  The Inquiry is examining how victims of disability-related harassment, which includes name-calling, intimidation, bullying or violence, have been supported by public bodies and

Members of the public are being asked if they sought help from any public body or transport provider and what support they got, either as a result of being harassed because of their disability or because of their connection to someone who is disabled. 

The first wave of evidence will be collected until Friday 10 September 2010.

More information about the Inquiry and how to give evidence can be found on the Commission’s website at www.equalityhumanrights.com/disabilityharassmentfi  or by contacting the Scotland Commission’s helpline by Telephone: 08456 045 510 or Textphone: 08456 045 520

Anti Social Behaviour Orders

My postbag and surgery visits from constituents sadly tell me that Anti Social Behaviour has not disappeared in Renfrewshire – far from it. It therefore puzzles me that not one ASBO was issued in Renfrewshire last year. I am asking the local police Commander why that can be?

Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce

This week I and fellow Renfrewshire constituency colleagues will meet with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues for our local businesses and the challenges they face in these difficult economic times. The Chamber plays an integral role in local businesses prosperity and it works to keep Renfrewshire as a whole in a commercial spotlight as a good place to do business.

Summer fun at PACE Youth Theatre

For anyone looking for something for kids in the summer, PACE Youth Theatre is running their performing arts festival over the summer holidays. It’s open to all, members and non-member, between 3 & 18.  SummerFest 2010 runs from 30th June to 16th August, usually between 10-4. For any child interested in music, dance or drama it looks fun packed. More information including the full programme can be found at /www.pacetheatre.co.uk/YouthTheatre/fest_home.asp or by calling 0845 130 5218