Newmains residents thinking of the future
Newmains residents are thinking of the future as they get set to head to the polls.
With the Murdostoun ward having nine candidates, voters are not short on options at the local elections with the chance to decide what matters most to them.
We took to the streets of Newmains to find out exactly what residents want from their newly-elected councillors after the May 4 elections are held.
Sisters Margaret and Winnie Duffy were just heading into the £2.1 million NCT Centre when they stopped to tell us what was a hot topic for them. Margaret, 77, said: “The most important thing for me is that the kids need somewhere to play.
“There’s nothing for the kids to do around here and you have to think about what they will be growing up in.”
Sister Winnie concurred and believes improvements could be made to the Main Street.
She said:“I do feel sorry for the children because there is very little for them to do around here.
“I think we could do with better shops as well because our alternative is heading in to Wishaw but that’s not much better.”
Helen McDowall wants someone who will help out residents and continue to listen to their needs.
She said:“I think it’s important to have someone like Robert McKendrick because he’s very pro-active and will listen to you if you have any concerns.
“The most important thing is that you feel like something will be done when you take a problem to someone.”
Helen also believes youngsters need more or it can have a negative effect.
She said:“I think if kids don’t have anywhere to play then it could have a knock-on effect and they could cause havoc.”
Newmains resident Josephine Austin has lived in the area for 40 years and she believes alterations could be made to the Main Street to benefit both pedestrians and drivers.
She said:“I think the pavements on the Main Street could be taken in a bit so that cars can park without blocking the path.
“If they decided to do this it would also give a bit more space to the cars on the road because it can be quite a squeeze when you’re trying to get round the cars.
“When buses are coming from both ways it looks like an accident waiting to happen.”
Josephine also believes there should be more availability for local groups at the NCT Centre.
She said:“I’m part of the pensioners’club but we can’t get into the NCT Centre.
“Now with the price going up it’s going to make it even harder for local groups to get any use out of the building, which is a shame.”