Councillors online
Two Paisley councillors are set to launch virtual advice surgeries as Covid-19 restrictions continue to threaten face-toface meetings.
Councillors Kenny and Mags MacLaren, who represent the north west region of the town, said they had hoped to be able to meet with residents in person again following the pandemic after having to call off surgeries due to social distancing guidelines.
But since regulations have been reintroduced, the pair have decided to begin delivering consultations online via video conferencing.
And the meetings will be arranged around what suits residents, as opposed to some other councillors who have organised hangouts at set times.
Councillor Kenny MacLaren said:“We had hoped by now we could have gone back to our usual surgery routine, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. Although we’ve been busy with enquiries from constituents using post, email and phone calls, we know a number of constituents prefer to meet face to face. That’s why we’ve adapted the virtual surgery idea.
“Throughout the pandemic we’ve been contacting council directors via Microsoft Teams as well as using Zoom and Google Meet for other meetings.
“So we’re happy to meet our constituents face-to-face at a mutually convenient time.”
Councillor Mags MacLaren added: “Sometimes the issues constituents want to raise are very personal and they don’t feel comfortable writing it down.
“All our constituents have to do is contact us – via phone or email – to arrange a mutually convenient time and decide which method of communication they prefer, and we’ll do our best to help them.”
To contact Kenny or Mags, email kenny.maclaren@ ntlworld.com or call 07816830552.