Well this is the final blog before Election Day – Thursday May 3.
It has been interesting plodding the miles round the new huge ward of Maybole, North Carrick and Coylton Different communities, town, village and country – yet many share the same concerns.
And what has topped the list? Not, as you might think, the closure of the Accident and Emergency Department of Ayr Hospital – though that was obviously a worry and a decision most hoped will be changed. However I did find ONE potential voter who approved of the change. But she was a senior nurse at Ayr Hospital and was taking the long view.
No, topping the list was roads – complaints about the condition of our roads, potholes etc, to speeding drivers and the need for more safety measures From Maidens, where there are numerous accidents with drivers speeding into the village, to the outskirts of Annbank, where there was a fatal accident last week the complaint is the same – car drivers are going too fast on our country roads. And you can add to that the timber lorries that speed along the Straiton to Minishant road, cutting up roadside verges and other drivers. People all over are demanding that something is done to improve our roads and make them safer.
And of course there is still the thorny question of the Maybole by-pass. Surely a new parliament will see that through. We can’t afford to stop applying pressure here.
You have my assurance that if elected I will be unceasing in seeking additional expenditure on road maintenance to try and catch up on the disgraceful 10 years backlog which has been caused by lack of investment hidden under the heading of “budget savings”.
Second was anti social behaviour – in particular underage drinking. People who live in what you would think are idyllic situations having their lives ruined by drunken kids and they are frustrated that the police seem to be able to do little about it. Yet another challenge that the new council has the opportunity to address and must do so quickly.
Pensions too came high on the list – but unfortunately standing for the council I wasn’t in any position to make any promises there if I get elected- though I could assure people that the new council will be doing everything in their power to bring down the council tax next year and it certainly looks like there will be concession for senior citizens. (After all the parties vying for power in the next parliament are promising that in one form or another.)
All I can do now is ask you to make sure you come out and vote on Thursday. There is a new style of voting for the council, a multi-candidate choice and that should make the result both historic and more interesting. Hope to see you at the polling station.
Sunday, 29 April 2007
Saturday, 21 April 2007
10 days to go
WELL the election campaign is well and truly underway.
But when you read all the publicity in the papers you`d be hard pressed to realise that the council elections are actually happening.
All the headlines, all the TV cameras, all the commentators are concentrating on the activities of the Holyrood candidates – or as all broadcasters seem to say, HOLLYrood elections. They`ve been watching too many movies.
And while it may be of great interest to everyone what Jack McConnell thinks of Alex Salmond, and vice versa; what Nichol Stephen has in mind, likewise Annabel Goldie, for the next session of the parliament, what happens in the County Buildings in Ayr will in fact have as much of an impact – maybe even more of an impact - on your day-to-day lives as the goings-on in Edinburgh. (OK a referendum on Independence will make a difference but that is three years away.)
Yet amazingly, going round the doors – I am sure I will be three inches shorter once this campaigning is over, I`ve walked so much – some people are surprised to learn that there are two elections going on on the same day.
And considering this is the first trial of PR voting for local elections in the country , that all the ward boundaries have changed and that instead of the usual X to select your candidate, you will not only be expected to number your choices you will be voting for more than one candidate in each ward, you`d think the council elections would be getting at least some publicity nationally.
Do I see a recipe for chaos on election night? I hope not. Though one native of Ireland now living here didn`t help my confidence. The voting system selected is the one used the Northern Ireland - the Single Transferable Vote system - and he assured me that folk won`t understand it - :`They`ll vote, 1, 1, 1, 1, instead of 1,2,3,4 and you`ll have loads of spoiled papers!`. Let`s hope he was underestimating the Scottish voter.
The only consolation is that all parties are facing the same problems, have the same concerns that they are getting their message across loud and clear.
As I write this there are only 11 more canvassing days left – and one more pre-election blog to write.
Next week I will let you know my view of your concerns, what folk have been talking about round the doors – and make one last appeal to you to get out there and vote.
All is not as it seems in the “political scene”
If you read the local papers recently you will have got the impression that Paul Torrance and Gibson Macdonald hate each others politics and guts. Well Paul’s been in hospital – all the Tories sent him a get well card genuinely wishing him well. On Friday he was in the County Buildings looking bronzed and fit. Paul then sought out Gibson and shook him by the hand to say a warm thanks for the friendly gesture sent at a time when he was feeling low. So there you are it is possible to argue forcefully but still respect each other.
But when you read all the publicity in the papers you`d be hard pressed to realise that the council elections are actually happening.
All the headlines, all the TV cameras, all the commentators are concentrating on the activities of the Holyrood candidates – or as all broadcasters seem to say, HOLLYrood elections. They`ve been watching too many movies.
And while it may be of great interest to everyone what Jack McConnell thinks of Alex Salmond, and vice versa; what Nichol Stephen has in mind, likewise Annabel Goldie, for the next session of the parliament, what happens in the County Buildings in Ayr will in fact have as much of an impact – maybe even more of an impact - on your day-to-day lives as the goings-on in Edinburgh. (OK a referendum on Independence will make a difference but that is three years away.)
Yet amazingly, going round the doors – I am sure I will be three inches shorter once this campaigning is over, I`ve walked so much – some people are surprised to learn that there are two elections going on on the same day.
And considering this is the first trial of PR voting for local elections in the country , that all the ward boundaries have changed and that instead of the usual X to select your candidate, you will not only be expected to number your choices you will be voting for more than one candidate in each ward, you`d think the council elections would be getting at least some publicity nationally.
Do I see a recipe for chaos on election night? I hope not. Though one native of Ireland now living here didn`t help my confidence. The voting system selected is the one used the Northern Ireland - the Single Transferable Vote system - and he assured me that folk won`t understand it - :`They`ll vote, 1, 1, 1, 1, instead of 1,2,3,4 and you`ll have loads of spoiled papers!`. Let`s hope he was underestimating the Scottish voter.
The only consolation is that all parties are facing the same problems, have the same concerns that they are getting their message across loud and clear.
As I write this there are only 11 more canvassing days left – and one more pre-election blog to write.
Next week I will let you know my view of your concerns, what folk have been talking about round the doors – and make one last appeal to you to get out there and vote.
All is not as it seems in the “political scene”
If you read the local papers recently you will have got the impression that Paul Torrance and Gibson Macdonald hate each others politics and guts. Well Paul’s been in hospital – all the Tories sent him a get well card genuinely wishing him well. On Friday he was in the County Buildings looking bronzed and fit. Paul then sought out Gibson and shook him by the hand to say a warm thanks for the friendly gesture sent at a time when he was feeling low. So there you are it is possible to argue forcefully but still respect each other.
Friday, 13 April 2007
Playing Politics
WHEN is politics serious and when does it become a game?
It appeared to become a game last week when Councillor Paul Torrance hauled himself out of his sickbed and Councillor Helen Moonie came home early from a conference in Edinburgh with the sole aim of defeating a Tory recommendation to turn down the application for a massive windfarm at Dersalloch, above Straiton
It was a good game. Five Labour councillors got together to overturn this recommendation - the vote was 5-4 - against the advice of planning officials who recommended refusal, against the wishes of neighbouring Labour controlled East Ayrshire Council (most of the site visual affects East Ayrshire above Dalmellington). Labour Justice Minister and MSP for the area Cathy Jamieson opposed the plan, as did thousands of residents who signed a petition to that effect.
But most of all Prestwick Airport opposed the plan as they foresaw problems with radar affecting flight plans and said openly this could affect the future development of the airport – and as a result could pose a threat to jobs out there.
But hey why should all that matter when Labour could get one over their Tory opponents. A great wheeze – and one that may come back to haunt them.
It is ironic that South Ayrshire should have had control over this decision considering the windfarm will have little impact on Straiton – it won`t be seen or heard from the village so there has been no great raising of voices against the plan there. It will of course bring a cash rental to the community. However it will impact on Dalmellington and maybe even the future of the airport.
It is now up to the Executive to decide on the future of the windfarm – while under the impression that South Ayrshire Council approves of it.
This is the type of behaviour that is putting people off voting – and quite a lot of them have been saying just that as I continue to go round the doors.
Dangerous roads – and driving – have again come to my attention this week – this time the target is the road between Maybole and Maidens, past Culzean..
It would appear a lot of traffic is taking this alternative route - the local theory is they are trying to avoid the speed cameras on the A77. They are speeding round dangerous bends on this lesser road many of them landing in fields and going through hedges according to the locals.
The villagers of Maidens are getting fed up with it – rightly so. Even horses from the riding stable are at risk as cars speed into the village. There is no horse warning sign as you get in other part of the area.
More warning signs and slowing down measures are definitely needed– something for the new council to tackle. I think.
It appeared to become a game last week when Councillor Paul Torrance hauled himself out of his sickbed and Councillor Helen Moonie came home early from a conference in Edinburgh with the sole aim of defeating a Tory recommendation to turn down the application for a massive windfarm at Dersalloch, above Straiton
It was a good game. Five Labour councillors got together to overturn this recommendation - the vote was 5-4 - against the advice of planning officials who recommended refusal, against the wishes of neighbouring Labour controlled East Ayrshire Council (most of the site visual affects East Ayrshire above Dalmellington). Labour Justice Minister and MSP for the area Cathy Jamieson opposed the plan, as did thousands of residents who signed a petition to that effect.
But most of all Prestwick Airport opposed the plan as they foresaw problems with radar affecting flight plans and said openly this could affect the future development of the airport – and as a result could pose a threat to jobs out there.
But hey why should all that matter when Labour could get one over their Tory opponents. A great wheeze – and one that may come back to haunt them.
It is ironic that South Ayrshire should have had control over this decision considering the windfarm will have little impact on Straiton – it won`t be seen or heard from the village so there has been no great raising of voices against the plan there. It will of course bring a cash rental to the community. However it will impact on Dalmellington and maybe even the future of the airport.
It is now up to the Executive to decide on the future of the windfarm – while under the impression that South Ayrshire Council approves of it.
This is the type of behaviour that is putting people off voting – and quite a lot of them have been saying just that as I continue to go round the doors.
Dangerous roads – and driving – have again come to my attention this week – this time the target is the road between Maybole and Maidens, past Culzean..
It would appear a lot of traffic is taking this alternative route - the local theory is they are trying to avoid the speed cameras on the A77. They are speeding round dangerous bends on this lesser road many of them landing in fields and going through hedges according to the locals.
The villagers of Maidens are getting fed up with it – rightly so. Even horses from the riding stable are at risk as cars speed into the village. There is no horse warning sign as you get in other part of the area.
More warning signs and slowing down measures are definitely needed– something for the new council to tackle. I think.
Friday, 6 April 2007
Cash for communities
There was good news for rural communities – in fact all communities – this week when the council approved a cash bonanza.
Starting from now Community Councils are to receive real cash to pay for pet projects they identify as good for the local people. (Up until now the only cash they have received has been to cover administration costs). It could be spent on the creation of community gardens, a clean up litter/grafitti campaign, playschemes for kids, additional facilities for the elderly – the list is endless.
Grants will range from a minimum of £2,000 for smaller communities rising to £5,000. The only snag – if you could describe it as that – is that the project has to get the approval of the council before getting the go-ahead. Councillors see that as a safeguard against spurious schemes. But that`s where County Buildings interference will end. The money is the community`s to spend as the people have decided.
I was out and about in really rural South Ayrshire this week and was disturbed to learn about the amount of crime taking place in the countryside. Farm gates being stolen, machinery damaged – pointless acts of vandalism that cost farmers dear. You don`t tend to hear about this anti-social behaviour. Town crimes seem to make the headlines.
Even more disturbing was learning of the abuse of the Freedom to Roam we now have - the new legislation brought in by the Scottish Parliament... While it lets the rest of us enjoy the countryside there are of course those that abuse the privilege – like the groups of men reportedly going out with lurchers and hunting deer. Brutal and bloody and on our doorstep. The police know about it – but I guess catching them in the act is another thing.
A Straiton resident contacted me this week to complain about the speeding timber lorries he meets on the road. He wanted to show me the extent of the damage they were causing. I pointed out I was aware of the problem driving the road regularly but he insisted on showing me for himself – which led to a most enjoyable drive in a bright red left-hand drive Corvette! Cool! (as the kids say) However he was able to point out not just the damage to the road surface but the real mess the lorries are making of the verges. Plus of course the danger from heavy vehicles driving at excessive speed. I am currently trying to find out what conditions were agreed with the Forestry Commission regarding speed etc when the haulage started.- and what happened to the rail plan.
Well election time is really with us – the dreaded political placards are appearing on the lamp standards all over the place. Me, I would ban them, particularly as the parties are so keen to erect them but aren`t quite so quick to remove them after the results are known. And I am not targeting one particular party – though Labour have been first out the starting gate – they are all as bad as each other!
Starting from now Community Councils are to receive real cash to pay for pet projects they identify as good for the local people. (Up until now the only cash they have received has been to cover administration costs). It could be spent on the creation of community gardens, a clean up litter/grafitti campaign, playschemes for kids, additional facilities for the elderly – the list is endless.
Grants will range from a minimum of £2,000 for smaller communities rising to £5,000. The only snag – if you could describe it as that – is that the project has to get the approval of the council before getting the go-ahead. Councillors see that as a safeguard against spurious schemes. But that`s where County Buildings interference will end. The money is the community`s to spend as the people have decided.
I was out and about in really rural South Ayrshire this week and was disturbed to learn about the amount of crime taking place in the countryside. Farm gates being stolen, machinery damaged – pointless acts of vandalism that cost farmers dear. You don`t tend to hear about this anti-social behaviour. Town crimes seem to make the headlines.
Even more disturbing was learning of the abuse of the Freedom to Roam we now have - the new legislation brought in by the Scottish Parliament... While it lets the rest of us enjoy the countryside there are of course those that abuse the privilege – like the groups of men reportedly going out with lurchers and hunting deer. Brutal and bloody and on our doorstep. The police know about it – but I guess catching them in the act is another thing.
A Straiton resident contacted me this week to complain about the speeding timber lorries he meets on the road. He wanted to show me the extent of the damage they were causing. I pointed out I was aware of the problem driving the road regularly but he insisted on showing me for himself – which led to a most enjoyable drive in a bright red left-hand drive Corvette! Cool! (as the kids say) However he was able to point out not just the damage to the road surface but the real mess the lorries are making of the verges. Plus of course the danger from heavy vehicles driving at excessive speed. I am currently trying to find out what conditions were agreed with the Forestry Commission regarding speed etc when the haulage started.- and what happened to the rail plan.
Well election time is really with us – the dreaded political placards are appearing on the lamp standards all over the place. Me, I would ban them, particularly as the parties are so keen to erect them but aren`t quite so quick to remove them after the results are known. And I am not targeting one particular party – though Labour have been first out the starting gate – they are all as bad as each other!
Sunday, 1 April 2007
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
There is an interesting public consultation going on in Coylton right now.
A couple of weeks ago an advertisement appeared in the local press with the dramatic statement -`An accident waiting to happen! How Long? Scottish Executive 2006`. The quote was from the public local enquiry into the finalised local plan and referred to the traffic situation on the A70 past Coylton Primary School.
A public information advert? No it turned out to be an advertisement for a public exhibition last Thursday night spelling out details of three potential housing developments in the village.
Tied to these developments getting the go-ahead, villagers were told – would be a 65 space car park next to the school providing a safer dropping off area for kids; a system of traffic free footpaths and cycle ways through the village linking homes in Hillhead, Joppa North and South with the school and each other; and three pelican crossings with associated traffic lights, at the school, where the road from Dalrymple and Drongan joins the A 70 and at the dangerous corner of Manse Road.
The cost of these benefits - £400,000. Obviously something the cash strapped council can`t look at.
A very altruistic, community responsible plan - or a blatant inducement aimed at the planning department to help ease the planning process?.
There is a saying there is no such thing as a free lunch or as Virgil said, beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Hope Homes after all is in business to build houses and make money.
But again there is a traffic problem in Coylton. As well as speeding traffic there is congestion on the busy stretch of road morning and mid afternoon when parents anxious about their kids` safety, park along the road outside the school..
And there is a need for more housing in South Ayrshire, particularly low cost housing which Hope Homes say is included in their plans.
A dilemma for villagers. Already residents and parents at Manse Road are worried about more congestion there and some see traffic lights at the corner creating a more dangererous situation rather than a safe solution; and one home owner doesn`t want beeping traffic lights outside her house.
A lot of questions and concerns have still to be answered.
But it is early days. Obviously the company has done a good PR job coming in early with their consultation – and it is to be hoped they keep up this good relationship with the villagers throughout the planning process. What the new council will make of it is another matter. I understand that this type of pre-application process will become standard practice when the new planning procedure becomes law.
On the subject of traffic through Coylton and particularly speeding motorists. I happened to be travelling through on Saturday, as a passenger, when I pointed out to the driver (who shall be nameless) that he was going at 40mph through a 30mph stretch. `There aren`t any speed cameras` was his reply. A typical (male) response – so shouldn`t the police be pushing for a speed camera on this stretch? And as one Manse Road parent pointed out to me – Coylton Primary is the only one locally that doesn`t have speed bumps outside. That would certainly put the brakes on the speedsters.
A couple of weeks ago an advertisement appeared in the local press with the dramatic statement -`An accident waiting to happen! How Long? Scottish Executive 2006`. The quote was from the public local enquiry into the finalised local plan and referred to the traffic situation on the A70 past Coylton Primary School.
A public information advert? No it turned out to be an advertisement for a public exhibition last Thursday night spelling out details of three potential housing developments in the village.
Tied to these developments getting the go-ahead, villagers were told – would be a 65 space car park next to the school providing a safer dropping off area for kids; a system of traffic free footpaths and cycle ways through the village linking homes in Hillhead, Joppa North and South with the school and each other; and three pelican crossings with associated traffic lights, at the school, where the road from Dalrymple and Drongan joins the A 70 and at the dangerous corner of Manse Road.
The cost of these benefits - £400,000. Obviously something the cash strapped council can`t look at.
A very altruistic, community responsible plan - or a blatant inducement aimed at the planning department to help ease the planning process?.
There is a saying there is no such thing as a free lunch or as Virgil said, beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Hope Homes after all is in business to build houses and make money.
But again there is a traffic problem in Coylton. As well as speeding traffic there is congestion on the busy stretch of road morning and mid afternoon when parents anxious about their kids` safety, park along the road outside the school..
And there is a need for more housing in South Ayrshire, particularly low cost housing which Hope Homes say is included in their plans.
A dilemma for villagers. Already residents and parents at Manse Road are worried about more congestion there and some see traffic lights at the corner creating a more dangererous situation rather than a safe solution; and one home owner doesn`t want beeping traffic lights outside her house.
A lot of questions and concerns have still to be answered.
But it is early days. Obviously the company has done a good PR job coming in early with their consultation – and it is to be hoped they keep up this good relationship with the villagers throughout the planning process. What the new council will make of it is another matter. I understand that this type of pre-application process will become standard practice when the new planning procedure becomes law.
On the subject of traffic through Coylton and particularly speeding motorists. I happened to be travelling through on Saturday, as a passenger, when I pointed out to the driver (who shall be nameless) that he was going at 40mph through a 30mph stretch. `There aren`t any speed cameras` was his reply. A typical (male) response – so shouldn`t the police be pushing for a speed camera on this stretch? And as one Manse Road parent pointed out to me – Coylton Primary is the only one locally that doesn`t have speed bumps outside. That would certainly put the brakes on the speedsters.
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