JIM LOGUE Political partnerships can benefit everyone

Politicians at every level too often state there are no certainties in public life.

I think everyone would agree the challenges facing the public sector have increased significantly, especially since the EU Referendum and change of Prime Minister.

It is perhaps timely to reflect on the relationships between members of UK and Scottish Parliaments and locallyelected councillors.

Despite cordial personal relations, all too often disproportionate political energy is wasted scoring political points — game playing.

The irony is all elected representatives share the aim of bettering and improving opportunities for all electors and residents.

I fully accept and acknowledge politicians have ideological differences. However, faced with the current political and economic climate, I believe there is a compelling need for a more measured approach to be taken by all elected representatives, no matter their allegiance, to maximise every possible opportunity to deliver better services.

I am pleased Alex Neil MSP and Neil Gray MP have adopted a similar position to me in relation to the proposed changes affecting Monklands General Hospital. After detailed discussions with the chief executive of Lanarkshire Health Board, we all accept — in the interests of patient safety — the status quo is neither realistic nor sensible.

We are delighted these changes will not lead to the downgrading of the Accident and Emergency Unit or adversely affect the future development of a new hospital.

I mention this particularly because, as has happened in the past, there might have been a temptation to play party politics and indulge in unseemly posturing with little or no consideration of the effect on the patients.

The growing challenges to all elected representatives should focus our minds on developing a fresh, more collegiate approach — working in partnership, not opposition.

Here is just one area among many; town centres. All elected representatives, at every level, are frequently challenged about the ‘deterioration’ of Airdrie and Coatbridge town centres, highlighted by the number of empty shops.

It is no consolation to see just about every town centre in Scotland facing the same dispiriting scene.

We are all fully aware shopping has changed hugely over the last decade as a result of internet shopping and the development of retail parks.

Look no further than Airdrie and the development of Gartlea retail park and at High Street or Faraday retail park in Coatbridge.

This in turn has had a negative impact on South Bridge and Graham Street in Airdrie and Main Street in Coatbridge.

It’s clear the traditional role of town centres can no longer be sustained.

The challenge to elected members is to push for change to planning restrictions, licensing conditions, non-council tax regulations, business startup grants and simplified governance procedures with all representatives having distinctive roles in all of these areas.

The existing rules are no longer fit for our communities.

As council leader, I am determined to create every opportunity for growth in our local economy, and this applies every bit as much to housing as commercial and retail provision.

Bring people in and businesses will follow. The massive improvements upgrading the M8 motorway, puts us in an ideal position to attract people and businesses.

All politicians need do is come together, focus on outcomes, leave party hats outside and develop and seize the opportunities.

More measured approach is needed by elected representatives to maximise every possibility to deliver a better service

Challenging time Airdrie town centre shops are struggling