PDE Column, 8th March 2010 – Renfrew Ferry, Linwood Gangs, No Smoking Day, Water Problems, Factoring, Mod Success

Campaigning Pays off

In January my post bag was dominated by objections to the axing of the Renfrew Ferry. Local campaigners like Liz Grant, tirelessly collected 2800 signatures in just a week to keep the Ferry. Jim Sheridan MP, I and many others lobbied Strathclyde Passenger Transport to reverse the decision. SPT were wrong to propose closing the Ferry and we did not let party loyalty get in the way of condemnation on a wrong decision.

Thankfully – SPT’s new leadership have been “big” enough to think again. They have successfully searched for a new operator for the ferry. So I expect we will now have operator, with a new ferry boat on the route and a saving to the public purse by the summer. This is politicians listening and responding to public pressure. We need more of that today.

Let’s hope SNP led Renfrewshire Council is also “big” enough to think again today on school transport. Labour Councillors have called an emergency meeting which is taking place today. I hope the hundreds of parents who petitioned for a rethink since this wrong decision was taken in January are not disappointed.

Linwood gangs

I have been pressing for a greater police presence in response to the trouble at the Clippens shops. The police tell me Linwood West in one of their priority areas with police officers robustly targeting youth disorder and seizing alcohol from under age drinkers. They promise they will explore Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). There is no doubt people want quick action. Several gang members are now taking part in a KANDO gang diversion programme. Diversionary activities, including the youth bus, football and rugby are also being provided. Campus Officers in schools are also working with head teachers to tackle gang violence.

But these are longer term solutions. The community want the police to make good the Divisional Commander’s recent promise that this disorder will not be tolerated and we will continue with all of these measures to target the minority of individuals whose actions cause fear within the community.

No Smoking day 2010

No Smoking Day takes place on 10 March 2010.The smoking ban was controversial but it is making a real difference. But smoking still remains the number one cause of premature avoidable death in Scotland with 13,500 deaths due to smoking every year, so there is a real need for more support to stop smoking.

Water Problems

Lots of people contact me about flooding matters. So I am pleased that Scottish Water is holding a Public meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday 9th March, in the Glynhill Hotel, Paisley Road, Renfrew. They will be holding a question and answer session from 6 p.m. and everyone is welcome. If you want to attend phone 01383-8482782.

Factoring

Last week in the Parliament I was pleased to support a Labour led debate urging action against bad factors. Research had shown that the property management market is not working well for consumers in Scotland – and locally, regular contacts to me from constituents confirm there have been number of cases where factoring has been a real problem.

The proposals debated would require property factors to be registered and to provide for their clients a negotiation procedure for the homeowners to access in cases of dispute. This should offer a better chance of fair resolution between the parties. Progress was made toward the introduction of legislation to ensure better accountability of property managers for their standards and the services that they provide.

Mod Success

Congratulations to Paisley on securing the Mod in 2013 for the first time ever. This is great news for the local tourism and hospitality industry. Well done to everyone who made it happen.