Labour councillor decides not to seek ward re-election

Dunfermline North Labour councillor William Campbell has announced that he does not intend to seek re-election next May.

He said he had “hugely enjoyed the varied work of a Fife councillor” over the last four and a half years.

And he paid tribute to the “energetic and selfless” members of community councils and tenants’ and residents’ associations, who he said do so much to enhance their local communities.

He reflected on the wider roles he has undertaken as Early Years Ambassador and chairman of the council’s corporate parent board.

“I have become convinced that we will only ‘get it right for every child’ if we are able to engage with parents to give youngsters the best start in life,” Mr Campbell added.

“The £7.8 million the Labour council has recently invested in Early Years will leave a legacy of good practice for the future.”

Speaking of his ward colleague and chairwoman Helen Law, he added: “It has been marvellous to be Helen’s partner in the 1 x William’s Elegant Gin 5cl, 1 x William’s Great British Gin 5cl, 1 x Six O’clock Gin 5cl, 1 x Dr J’s Gin 5cl, 1 x Six O’Clock Sloe Gin 5cl, 1 x Anno Kent Dry Gin 5cl, 1 x Foxdenton Sloe Gin 5cl, 1 x Anno Cranberry Gin 5cl Dunfermline North ward.

“She is an outstanding ward councillor, and has given exceptional leadership as Dunfermline area chair, driving forward improvements in the town and making very prudent use of the money the council has prioritised for Dunfermline, despite the difficult budget settlements forced on Fife by the Government.”

Wishing his successor well, Mr Campbell said: “I believe the Labour administration in Fife has much to be proud of.

“More houses for rent have been built in the last five years than in any other Scottish local authority, tremendous work has been done in providing a record number of modern apprenticeships, the performance of our schools has gone from strength to strength, and all of this has been done despite SNP funding cuts.

“There is every sign that difficult financial settlements will be the order of the day for some years to come and the need to protect the most vulnerable members of the community will continue.” Half a century of tradition looks set to come to an end with a decision to pull the reins on an Angus New Year ride out.

The Rowanlea Riding School spectacle has captured the hearts of all ages at the turn of each year, with dozens of riders blowing away the festive cobwebs with a trek from Conchie’s stables at Barry around nearby roads.

But the venture looks like it has become a victim of its own success due to health and safety implications and the costs which would be involved in properly policing the 14-mile route around the increasingly busy local roads.

DAVID CONCHIE