Putting Holyrood on the right track

The Railway Museum in Bo’ness is to be the subject of a members business debate in the Scottish Parliament on Feb 4th

 

The debate comes hot on the heels of an exhibition in the parliament by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (see attached photograph), which was sponsored by Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie. The exhibition highlighted the work of the SRPS in Bo’ness, and their plans for the future. The Society’s aspiration, as recent members’ motions have noted, is to build on its success and inspire a new generation of engineers, encouraging active participation through volunteering.

 

Cathy said:

 

“The Railway Museum in Bo’ness is more than just a national treasure – it is one of Europe’s major transport collections. There are exhibits that are unique within the UK, without parallel even in the collection in York. We need to give it the recognition and support it deserves. The museum brings the past to life and enables people to experience our heritage. It boosts the local and national economy.

 

“But the SRPS could do more, if it were given more support. They have many plans that are raring to go, such as improvements at the Manuel junction, extending their education work; and expanding the scope of activities for volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds … if funding can be found.”

 

The debate picks up on the themes of the exhibition and in particular  will highlight the contribution made by the late John Burnie. Both Chris Harvie (a close friend of John Burnie) and Cathy Peattie, the local MSP, have tabled motions on John Burnie and the Railway Museum (see below), which have attracted widespread support.

 

S3M-05382 Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Scottish Labour): John Burnie— That the Parliament expresses sympathy to the widow and family of the late John Burnie, 1946 to 2009, engineer and effective founder, through the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, of the Scottish Railway Museum at Bo’ness, one of Europe’s greatest railway collections, and expresses support for John Burnie’s longer-term ambition to make the museum a centre of technical education, an issue of great importance in coping with new engineering challenges.
Supported by: Dr Christopher Harvie, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Anne McLaughlin, Angela Constance, Rob Gibson, Bob Doris, Mr Frank McAveety, Robin Harper, Trish Godman, Joe FitzPatrick, Hugh Henry, Aileen Campbell, Helen Eadie, Dr Ian McKee, Rt Hon George Foulkes, Mary Mulligan, Kenneth Gibson, James Kelly, John Park, Jackie Baillie, Christina McKelvie, Patricia Ferguson, Bill Kidd, Michael Matheson, Rhona Brankin, Karen Whitefield, Linda Fabiani, Gil Paterson, Christine Grahame, Tom McCabe, Marilyn Livingstone, Margaret Mitchell (Lodged on Wednesday, December 09, 2009; Current)

Advice on offer as snow continues

SNOW and cold weather continues to cause problems for people across the Falkirk Council area. The Council is updating its website daily with the latest information, including advice on roads and travel.

Today (Tuesday), Robert McMaster, head of roads at the Council, said: “A band of powdery snow giving deposits of one to two inches passed over the Falkirk area overnight.  This snow, allied to temperatures of minus 9 degrees caused difficult driving conditions particularly in the west of the area.  Gritting teams were out treating Primary one roads and footpaths from 5 am. Teams from roads, building maintenance and grounds maintenance are working to treat footpaths and roads within the area.  Grounds maintenance will be filling grit bins, building maintenance are tackling footpaths around the high flats, and roads teams will tackle complaints with particular attention to access to shopping areas and schools.”

Keep up-to-date at www.falkirk.gov.uk

The Met Office also posts regular updates – and weather warnings – on its website. Visit: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/ta/ta_forecast_weather.html

The Direct Gov website is also providing useful advice on the bad weather http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_174618

Bin collections

BIN collections are trying to get back to normal, with blue and green bins being collected on a fortnightly basis. So if your blue wheelie bin would be put out this week – put your blue bin out as normal (and green bin next week).

If the bin isn’t collected on time, due to bad road conditions, leave it out. Spare crews are going round trying to catch up with collections, so may come round to get it.

Falkirk Council’s neighbourhood services director Stuart Ritchie said: “As you know most main roads are snow/ice free. However most of the side roads (where the majority of our bins are collected from ) are more difficult to access due to snow/ice. It is also worth bearing in mind that crews have to walk on the pavements/roads pulling and pushing bins and its not just an issue of vehicular access.”

Cold weather payments

If you’re on a low income, a Cold Weather Payment may be available to help you for each week of very cold weather in your area. You may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment for each week of very cold weather in your area if you get Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance with a support or work related activity component in the main phase. 

The Met Office have notified the Department for Work and Pensions that 2 periods of very cold weather have occurred in the FK3 (Grangemouth) postcode area between 1 November 2009 and 30 December 2009, triggering Cold Weather Payments. The Direct Gov website has more information on this, plus a postcode checker, to see if you’re eligible.

Portions of this material © Crown Copyright.

It’s the fighters who change the world . . .

LABOUR’S Scottish Secretary, Jim Murphy MP, talks about the Queen’s Speech – and a new video which reminds people of Labour’s legacy.

He says: “Last week’s vote in Glasgow shows that Labour teamwork wins elections. When we stand up for our values, people choose Labour.

“For most of the last 100 years Labour has been without power.
But our party has always stood up for what we believe in – even against the odds. We’ve made a video about it which will be shown on TV tonight. (Click the video above to see it above).

“Even in tough times, Labour stands for Scotland. We truly are Scotland’s party: founded by Keir Hardie and proud now to have a Prime Minister from Scotland.

”Today’s Queen’s Speech sets out what the Labour government will do before the general election. We will take real action on jobs, child poverty, on green energy, on curbing bankers’ bonuses – and on banning the horror of cluster bombs.

Local MSP promoted in Shadow Cabinet reshuffle

Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie is now Labour’s Scottish Parliament spokesperson on Climate Change, following a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle.

Cathy said that she is looking forward to the challenge of her new role.

“Having been very involved with the Scottish Parliament’s Climate Change Bill, which has been recognised internationally for the strength of its provisions, I am now keen to ensure that the legislation translates into equally strong action by Scottish Government, local authorities and other public bodies, working with civic organisations, businesses and the people of Scotland.”

She will also continue as Deputy Convener of the Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee, which has just launched an Inquiry into Active Travel (photograph attached)

Speaking about the Inquiry, Cathy said:

“Active travel benefits people’s health and the environment. We want to encourage more people to change their travel habits and opt for walking and cycling as main forms of transport.

“We are seeking views not just from organisations, but from anyone with an interest or involvement in walking, cycling and other form of active travel, about how they choose to travel, and what incentives would make people participate in more active travel.

“We will be looking at what progress has been made and what can be done to remove barriers and increase numbers walking and cycling. We will also consider active travel schemes operating in other countries.”

For further information, contact Cathy or visit the Scottish Parliament website http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/ticc/inquiries/ActiveTravelViews.htm

SNP ‘wasting time and money’ on referendum

SCOTTISH Labour leader Iain Gray has attacked the SNP Scottish Government for “not doing enough” to stimulate economic recovery. 

Mr Gray said: "Alex Salmond and John Swinney froze in the headlights at the height of the banking crisis while the UK government stepped in to save Scottish banks and stimulate the overall economy.

"Labour at Holyrood came forward with a 15 point plan while the SNP did nothing. I am relieved that finally John Swinney has followed most of our plan.

"But the SNP still do not get it. Alex Salmond and John Swinney are more intent on wasting time and money on a referendum nobody wants and a National Conversation no one is listening to. They are more interested in pursuing the narrow interests of the SNP than those of ordinary Scots concerned about jobs and the economy."

Labour – committed to social justice

Labour – doing more for the country

FM under fire over Council Tax

SNP First Minister Alex Salmond has come under fire for for not paying council tax.

Labour leader Iain Gray said: "Three years ago, Alex Salmond said that if he was First Minister, he would pay council tax on his First Ministerial residence. Alex Salmond is now First Minister – but he’s not paying the Council Tax on Bute House.

"I know Alex Salmond told voters he would abolish council tax. Is he doing it one person at a time – starting with himself? The rest of Scotland is facing up to the realities of the recession. Tightening their belts. Paying their way.

"How does the First Minister think they feel when they read he has dodged his personal council tax promise? The newspapers call this hypocrisy. But isn’t it just contempt for the Scots who are worrying about their jobs, their pay and their mortgages."

Labour – helping young people

Relocation – not closure – plans for gallery

SENIOR Labour politicians within Falkirk Council this week spoke out about plans for Falkirk’s Park Gallery and expressed concern at a "misleading" campaign, headed by a Glasgow-based artist and opposition politicians.

Last month (Sept), the Council’s leisure, tourism and community committee, agreed to relocate the Park Gallery in Falkirk’s Callendar Park to space inside the A-listed Callendar House from April next year. The matter will be debated by the full Council next week.

The current gallery facility, housed in a small outbuilding, has no toilet and restroom facilities for staff. Figures for 2008/2009 year show the gallery attracted 4145 visitors in the year. A total of 28,268 people visited Callendar House in the same period.

Administration figures believe attendances at the gallery could be boosted with a move to Callendar House. Part-time staff, who currently work alone in the present gallery building, would also have the support of Callendar House colleagues – and access to on-site toilets and other facilities.