Cllr Ann Le Blond

Growing up I only got my picture in the Rutherglen Reformer a few times, but it was a big deal back in the day.

So I have to say it is a great honour to now be writing this column.

For those who do not know me I am a local girl, born in Rutherglen Maternity where my mum was a midwife.

I went to the local schools, was a member of the Brownies and the rugby club and only moved away after university to then return about three years later.

I am now living here with my daughter and husband and really do see it as a great area to live in.

About 10 years ago I noticed things that maybe I had not noticed when I was younger: lack of parking, litter, potholes and a general lack of amenities.

Being someone who loves a challenge and organising things, (my husband says I am bossy), I decided that maybe I could make a difference by getting involved in the local council.

When the opportunity to stand as a council candidate came along I was thrilled and so far have loved the challenge since being elected.

I had a baby 18 months ago. I did not have many mum friends, but my own mum assured me that I would make some by joining groups and meeting people the way she had done back in the 1980s.

Where were these groups, though?

I had to do my own research and did not find a great deal and those that I did find were expensive or oversubscribed.

For me, this is something I would love to try and rectify as a councillor.

More interaction for everyone; older people, young people, mums, dads - everyone needs a community.

I would like to touch on the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London.

I am sure like myself, many readers have been thinking of the victims and their families, it really is heart breaking.

I also know that many people will be concerned about their buildings and I asked last week for South Lanarkshire Council to update me with any pertinent information for tenants.

A full public enquiry has been called and this has to give us the answers that everyone wants to know especially so that changes can be made to prevent further tragedies.

On the anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder, I would like to praise her family’s effort to build her legacy and I will leave you with this quote from her maiden speech to parliament : “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”

#moreincommon