MSP backs new town forum plan

MS P Linda Fa bia ni is jointly proposing a resolution to the next SNP conference which seeks a new approach to the challenges and opportunities facing new towns like East Kilbride.

The plan includes the creation of a New Towns Action Forum to provide leaders with the chance to share expertise and to allow “joint working between the towns at its core”.

Ms Fabiani raised proposals with the Scottish Government some months ago–and has been in discussions with Craig Smith, chair of the East Kilbride Taskforce.

She said: “Having first arrived in East Kilbride some 23 years ago, I’ve seen challenges arise from the loss of big industry such as Motorola and Rolls-Royce, which have hit the town hard.

“Despite those losses, however, new opportunities have presented themselves.

“It is evident some of the town’s new businesses are forward-thinking when it comes to environmental issues and there has been an emphasis on energy conservation and the adoption of low-carbon initiatives to meet the needs of the future.

“Other new towns have experienced similar issues as ourselves – so a collaborative approach to tackle the shared challenges would be useful.

“East Kilbride has for some time been addressing the challenges of the past, but with an emphasis on unlocking all of its future potential.

“Joint working with other new town scan be beneficial for all of Scotland.”