Back to work with shock of RBS axing branches here
I’d like to begin this month by taking the opportunity to share best wishes for 2018 and to say Happy New Year to all.
I very much hope that the festive period brought with it special moments and a time to be together. Of course, with the festive period and winter came significant adverse weather with harsh snow showers and winds.
The response from the councils here in Lanarkshire was, I am sure, appreciated by many as they worked to grit routes in and around our communities.
Similarly, Transport Scotland worked throughout the night to keep our motorways and trunk networks as clear as possible.
I think it’s only right that we recognise the work done by those in such treacherous conditions to safeguard all of us and that we continue to look out for each other in the face of such adverse weather. Naturally, for many the holiday period is fast becoming a distant memory and we are back to work.
It has been a busy few weeks of 2018 already – including the launch of my petition against the closure of The Royal Bank of Scotland Branches in the Uddingston and Bellshill constituency; just like many other branches across the country.
Local banking is crucial for so many in our communities and the face to face interaction with a teller often provides the reassurance and opportunity for advice that many of us value.
The petition is available for anyone who wishes to sign it; at my constituency office on 188 Main Street, Bellshill, ML4 1AE.
I will be collating the many responses we have received and sending them directly to the Royal Bank, to say clearly – hands off our bank.
Moving back to the subject of roads and infrastructure, I was delighted to have the confirmation that planting of trees at the motorway near St John Baptist Primary School shall take place in February and I have requested that the contractor pay a visit to the school to discuss the nature of the planting that is to take place.
I look forward to seeing the tree planting come to fruition and acting as an example of all in the community working in partnership for a positive outcome.
As ever, I wish to end my column this month with a reminder that my constituency office, as previously advised, remains open for consultation and anyone who requires assistance is welcome to drop in.
My team and I continue to deal with a whole host of differing cases and working in partnership with our community on many issues.
I continue to have surgeries in Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre on the third Monday of the month at 5.30pm; along with Bothwell Community Centre at 4.30pm and Uddingston Community Centre at 6pm on the fourth Monday of the month.
If none of these opportunities are convenient, then anyone who requires any assistance can call 01698 479900 or email Richard.lyle. Msp@parliament.scot and me and my team will be sure to assist.
I look forward already to writing again in the near future – particularly as we look ahead to the developments 2018 shall bring for us all. Until then…
I will be collating the many responses we have received and sending them directly to the Royal Bank to say clearly - hands off