Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Chaos in the country as Scotland gets no leeway
We are, without doubt, living through one of the most turbulent periods of politics these isles have ever seen.
The latest round of government resignations following the Brexit deal announcement prove that.
As I write this, Tory cabinet ministers are falling like ninepins – and it may get worse over the coming weeks and months as the document is scrutinised and dissected.
As it looks at present, Scotland has received no leeway in the deal, despite Scots voting overwhelmingly to remain in the EU.
Fishing rights will be negotiated “at a later date” and, until then, Scottish waters and fishing stock will be fair game to EU vessels, against Tory promises.
However, it got a bit brighter for Airdrie with last week’s announcement by health secretary Jeane Freeman of an independent review into NHS Lanarkshire’s option appraisal and consultation process for the replacement University Hospital Monklands.
Ms Freeman’s decision means that everything Alex Neil MSP and I have stated, along with the views of all other concerned parties, will be taken into consideration.
It is a huge leap forward in the fight to keep the facility in the Monklands area to serve those who need it most – but the battle is by no means over.
I hope it won’t be long before Gartcosh as an option is off the table.
Another issue that is high on my work agenda is the change of opening hours at the John Smith Pool.
It is proposed as a costcutting measure but, from speaking to local folk who have gym and swimming memberships there, many are thinking about cancelling as the new hours do not fit in with work or other commitments, so that will be further lost revenue for NL Leisure to have to account for.
I am in the process of trying to set up a meeting with NL Leisure but so far my emails and telephone messages have not been returned.
In a town such as Airdrie, with so many areas of multiple deprivations, having a leisure facility to help improve the health of the population is extremely important.
Many residents of this town cannot afford to travel to Coatbridge to use the Time Capsule and for NL Leisure to expect them to do so is a nonsense.
And what about the staff members who have built up a great rapport with the pool’s users and now face being redeployed elsewhere, or no longer having a job?
Has NL Leisure given the worry that they now face a moment’s thought? I rather think not.
Finally, I am pleased that my hard work on behalf of the businesses of Graham Street appears to be paying off with the council now replacing the existing scaffolding with a better option and allowing the street level businesses to continue trading with as little obstructing their premises as possible.
Hopefully, work will begin in the New Year and the Li family will be able to reopen their restaurant in a structurally sound building. These businesses deserve swift action and compensation.
I am sure that shoppers in Airdrie will welcome this move by the council and, if I know Airdrieonians, will be quick to let the local authority know if things aren’t up to scratch.