Election a chance to affect issues that matter

The editor’s note is usually the last thing I write for the Reformer each week.

But this week, it has been one of the first, because the subject matter could only really be one thing – the council elections which take place tomorrow (Thursday).

This week we have dedicated five full pages of coverage to the vote.

Five years ago less than 40 per cent of you voted in the council elections. And with a general election now just around the corner it is unlikely that figure will be much improved on.

But I make no apologies for pushing so hard to get people to vote through the pages of the Reformer.

This election is not about Brexit or independence – this is about roads, dog fouling, planning issues, housing, parking, the state of the pavements, local schools, leisure facilities, bins, and facilities for the elderly.

These are all issues that affect us on a daily basis and they are all issues the Reformer has had reason to cover in the past few months.

This vote matters. It really matters, and that is why we want to make sure you can make as informed a choice as possible.

You can read our final pre-election report on page four and turn to pages 30 to 33 to meet all your candidates.

Elsewhere, on page six you can read an in-depth look at the council’s Main Issues Report which could have major implications for planning decisions across Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

The news could be good for lovers of Holmhills Park, which looks set to be afforded greater protection, and residents in Fernhill, with part of the site of Blairbeth Golf Club earmarked as a park.

Our green land is becoming more precious and any move to protect what is left must be welcomed.