Litter louts must be stopped
Unfortunately, there are still people who behave as if it is acceptable to dump stuff and drop litter.
They respond to beautiful surroundings by making them ugly.
They do not care what effects this has on other people.
They do not stop to think that this causes organisations to spend time and money clearing it up.
I am glad to see that some of the candidates in the forthcoming council elections list environmental protection as an issue or a priority.
A landowner with highly visible land holdings running through Cambuslang, Burnside and Rutherglen is Network Rail.
Some of the mess created by others on their land, especially next to bridges, is appalling.
Network Rail’s overriding priority must be the safe running of the rail network.
Keeping embankments clear of rubbish is not an essential operation.
However, if litter hotspots could be cleared more often, it would vastly improve the appearance of the area not only for local residents and businesses, but also for visiting industrialists, investors and tourists.
So I would like to hear from the candidates what, if anything, they would do, if elected, to get South Lanarkshire Council to discuss with Network Rail how the visual appearance of their land might be improved, given the benefits which would flow from such action? Edward Cais via email
GERSfigures notperfect It is said, put 12 economists together, ask them a question and you will get 12 different answers.
I have no wish to denigrate economists, but their work is not an absolute science.
There are other types of economists who don’t just assess the economics but also factor in political analysis, these are generally more accurate.
The foregoing is an introduction to my comments on general expenditure and revenue statistics, commonly referred to as GERS.
GERS is gloated over by unionists as confirmation that Scotland would have an economic ‘black hole’ of £15 billion with independence and would be poor.
They conveniently ignore the UK’s £150bn odd balance of payments deficit and its almost £2 trillion national debt (and unionists say Scotland would be a basket case).
The £15bn talked about is what is considered by the people who comply GERS to be Scotland’s share of this debt.
Much of it is guesswork and contains costs for items and matters we do not have or get.
Examples are Hinkley Point, London sewer works, their underground alterations and Crossrail, Westminster refurbishment, salaries/expenses for 600-odd MPs and even more for lords and ladies and extra civil servants for Brexit.
Why is eight per cent of the British population (Scotland) accredited with 17 per cent of the UK deficit? The essential point is, the above costs would not exist in an independent Scotland’s budget.
I will quote Richard Murphy, a celebrated author, chartered accountant, political economist and campaigner against tax avoidance: “GERS might properly be called crap data.” Robert Brennan Machrie Road Castlemilk
Police station proposal isoutrageous I am appalled at the proposed decision to close Cambuslang Police Office.
The presence of the office is extremely important to local people and represents a commitment by the police to keeping the community safe.
This represents a further move away from community policing, a commitment the SNP has betrayed time and time again.
All the evidence tells us that people and communities benefit enormously from a police presence on the ground.
It discourages crime and antisocial behaviour on the street simply by the fact that it is there providing a sense of security.
Once again we are let down by the Scottish Government.
Perhaps their attention is elsewhere, its certainly not on improving community safety and improving people’s lives. Margaret Walker Scottish Labour candidate for Cambuslang West
Cameronianmeeting The next meeting of The Cameronians Families Association is on Sunday, April 30 at 2pm.
The venue is the Tannochside Olde Club, 416 Old Edinburgh Road Tannochside UddingstonG71 6PJ.
As ever all welcome whether an ex-Cameronian, if you have a family connection with the regiment or having a general interest in the regiment of Old Lanarkshire.
If interested in the association please contact Douglas Torrance on 07706022352. Douglas Torrance Cameronians Families Association
Questioncandidates In a few short weeks Scotland will be going to the polls to choose the people who will represent us at our local councils.
More than any other in living memory, this election will impact the health and wellbeing of our communities as this is the first since the integration of health and social care in April 2016.
Elected councillors, who are then nominated to integrated joint boards, will be given the power to influence our health and social care system and make vital decisions that will affect us all.
One in four of us are living with or at increased risk of diabetes. The diabetes community is Scotland’s largest constituency which is why it’s vital that local election candidates understand the wide-reaching impact of the condition.
People should be supported in managing their diabetes well to help avoid complications which may result in hospitalisation, disability and even premature death.
Diabetes Scotland is reaching out to candidates across Scotland to raise awareness and understanding of diabetes.
New councillors must understand that diabetes not only affects the individual and their family but also our NHS Scotland and the wider economy.
We must prioritise the care and support of people living with all types of diabetes and look at how to introduce new, more effective ways to prevent the rise of Type 2 diabetes.
We’re calling on people affected by diabetes across Scotland to contact their local candidates and ask them if they will #Stand4Diabetes. Before May 4, we have to know if our candidates are committed to ensuring that people living with the condition are supported to live healthy, happy lives.
If you would like to get involved in Diabetes Scotland campaigns, get in touch via email Gavin.Thomson@ diabetes.org.uk or phone 0141 245 6380. Gavin Thomson, Diabetes Scotland