So much has occurred in the last few months

will have the opportunity to represent and champion their constituents’ issues in the Airdrie and Coatbridge areas.

Competent local government, often overlooked in terms of the media and social media focus for national politics, is essential for the smooth running of our public services.

The ten new Scottish Conservative councillors in North Lanarkshire bring with them a wealth of experience from all walks of life, differing backgrounds and age groups.

These new councillors have already hit the ground running and are keen to hear your views and concerns regarding the amenities and services provided in your ward.

In terms of my Parliamentary work one issue which I have been focusing on is the M8/ M73/M74 improvement project.

The works began in 2014. Since then local residents and particularly commuters in Airdrie, Coatbridge and throughout Lanarkshire have gritted their teeth and endured the disruption caused by the works, in the knowledge that in the long term the improvements will make a real difference to commuting times.

However, it has become evident that the spring 2017 completion date was not going to be achieved and that some of the recent diversions have not been well handled. When I tackled the Cabinet Secretary, Keith Brown, about these issues he assured me that the motorways would be fully open by the second week in June, with only ‘snagging’ works due to continue through to September.

Unfortunately, some of this ‘snagging’ has included the absence of vital signage, resulting in even local residents getting lost and missing turnoffs. So, whilst I fully welcome the long term benefits realised by this project, it’s crucial that the Scottish Government doesn’t take its eye off the ball in these final stages.

The consortium responsible for carrying out the works has been woeful at responding to concerns raised by local residents, with constituents stating that they’re bounced between Transport Scotland and Scottish Roads Partnership and ultimately not receiving an adequate reply.

Last week I met with Mike Reid from Transport Scotland, drove around the project area and pointed out the various spots where there were signage problems. I am grateful that he took the time to do this and hopeful that, for example, the signage gives an earlier indication of the Coatbridge slip road travelling west from Edinburgh.

There will still be some understandable disruption as the massive signs are fitted to the gantries and when the ‘snagging’ is complete in the autumn I am confident everyone will consider it was all worth it.

In the meantime, let’s hope as summer holidays approach we can all enjoy some warm sunny weather.

The consortium responsible for carrying out the works has been woeful at responding to concerns