Posturing over pot holes

Dear Editor,

I am not surprised to see the political posturing letter from Councillor Convery (Readers on right road, East Kilbride View, February 21).

Jumping on the back of the problems with potholes which we all recognise is a major problem, although no mention of the how the severity of the winter has impacted on the current condition of the roads or no mention of the fact that the roads department and staff have been stretched to near breaking point dealing with the worst winter witnessed in several years.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who do an extraordinary job, which is a thankless task, in keeping our roads clear of snow and repair the damage caused by the harshest winter experienced for many a long year.

It is all right for Councillor Convery to jump on the populist bandwagon whilst in opposition. But can he explain how, when in power, Labour in the last couple of years actually brought forward and approved budget cuts such as a three-year programme to reduce staffing levels from the road service or how their £600,000 cut to the road maintenance budget has helped with the current problems being experienced today?

The SNP administration has added a further £2 million to this year’s winter maintenance budget; a budget that Labour cut by £230,000 which just shows that in opposition Labour talk the talk but when in power failed to walk the walk.

Councillor John Anderson, East Kilbride Central South