Gearing up for the vote
Our focus on the final ward of our in-depth election coverage took us to Rutherglen Main Street to see what voters thought
We have rebuilt or renewed every school in Rutherglen and will invest in state of the art IT for these schools.
We have also included MUGA pitches for community use.
Overtoun Park play facilities and two other parks in Burnside and Fernhill are due to be upgraded as part of the Cathkin Relief Road project. South Lanarkshire Leisure offer concessions for under 16s and works in partnership with South Lanarkshire Disability Sport, but we are always open to discussing ideas about how to improve facilities for people with disabilities.
Dog fouling is a persistent issue. The council recently trained community wardens to issue penalty notices. If you know someone who isn’t cleaning up after their dog call 0800 389 1105.
As councillors, we would work closely with local groups, community wardens, and police to tackle anti-social behaviour.
A good public transport system is vital. We are calling for the re-regulation of the bus industry to ensure that services are run for people. The SNP are prioritising closing the attainment gap and giving more power to schools, to allow teachers, parents and communities to make the best decisions.
Local primary schools have been awarded Scottish Government funding (Bankhead £97,200, Burgh £102,000 and St Columbkilles £76,800).
We will with work communities and deliver real participation. We will devolve one per cent of council budget to local communities, so money is spent on things local people want and need, such as more accessible play equipment for our disabled and very young children, and to employ local dog wardens.
We will change council procurement procedures and work with local organisations to create opportunities for youth employment through apprenticeships.
SLC has three members on the Strathclyde Passenger Transport board. We will investigate local solutions to improve bus services, including the option of publicly-run services.
LIB DEM
The key challenges in the ward are the town centre and parking congestion on areas like Reid Street or Greenhill Street.
I want a dynamic Town Centre Action Group with good leadership to improve the area, attract new business and improve parking arrangements.
I support a renewed campaign to tackle dog fouling focusing on the worst areas with posters, more bins and action by dog wardens.
Liberal Democrats want action to deal with roofs, roughcast, close painting and bin shelters in the older council houses.
I have worked in home care and know the importance of carers having time with people.
Older people should feel safe, secure and supported in their own homes. I am keen to see more excellent facilities like David Walker House developed and that flexible care support is speedily available.
The point about play equipment being suitable for disabled children is right. We must make sure that disabled people’s needs are fully met.
CONSERVATIVE
Anti-social behaviour on Rutherglen Main Street is a concern which is frequently raised by voters in our community.
It is vital that newly elected councillors bring a fresh focus to taking action on matters like this.
As well as supporting the police where a crime has been committed, the council should review licensing arrangements around particular trouble hotspots.
Green spaces are at a premium in Rutherglen Central and North so it is important that spaces like Overtoun Park are maintained and improved by South Lanarkshire Council. When regeneration of our parks does take place, it is important that local services are provided to include everyone in the community.
In terms of schools, the council should prioritise investment in local schools in all future budgets. If I am elected on May 4, I will campaign for greater investment from our local council not just in school buildings, which have been upgraded in recent years, but in supporting children from all backgrounds to fulfil their potential in education.
GREEN
I find it concerning residents are raising issues with public services that have seen cuts and continue to be at risk.
Community leisure facilities have decreased and this can risk the increase of loitering and potential anti-social behaviour. Through open consultation Green councillors aim to put the power in your hands to suggest how services are run across the council.
Inclusion is crucial in leisure services and this will be at the heart of any debate where a Green councillor is present; equality is a foundation of Green politics. As for dog fouling and littering in general the receptacles have to be available to encourage the masses to utilise; including more recycling points.
Transport links is a priority for the Scottish Green Party to campaign for and implement cleaner and greener efficient transport links.
We believe that buses should be run to benefit the public not the shareholders. When a service is run for profit the‘unprofitable’routes will be cut and that is unacceptable when it is a public good or service.