Greens and SNP announce candidates

The South Lanarkshire branch of the Scottish Green Party have announced their candidate for the forthcoming East Kilbride Central North by-election.

It was called following the death of long-serving and dedicated Independent councillor Sheena Wardhaugh and will take place on August 29.

The Green’s candidate is Antony Lee who was born, raised and still lives in Calderwood in East Kilbride.

A politics graduate from the University of Strathclyde, he firmly believes that if people want to see change on the ground, they need to vote for something different someone new - or we’ll continue to see more of the same.

Antony said he plans to“bring fresh, new ideas to local democracy so far more people have a voice and are involved in improving the town, bringing back local pride”.

He added:“The council and other agencies must ensure their priorities respond to local people’s real needs, particularly the most vulnerable, rather than thinking the council knows best.”

Meanwhile, Grant Ferguson has been named as the SNP candidate.

He said:“As a local resident, I am fully aware of the many problems we have in our area with the state of our footpaths, service roads, anti-social behaviour, bins, fly-tipping and factoring.

“I have worked in local government for over 30 years and understand how the service can work for us and our ward. It’s not about delivering a service, but delivering the service your community needs.

“Our ward has the most active residents and forums in the town and as well as being the gateway to East Kilbride, it is the main venue for many visitors.

“With the implementation of community budgeting, our local forums, a change in the powers of Community Councils and the East Kilbride Area Committee, Ward 8 can have a strong voice.

“We, the residents, know what changes we need in our area.”