GraemeCampbell’shouseandcarswereagainvandalised
Residents across Lanarkshire are being urged to ensure they are on the electoral register.
With the annual voter registration canvass now underway, a form or letter will be sent to more than 300,000 households in Lanarkshire.
To ensure that residents are able to vote in any future elections, they should follow the guidance contained within the communication, which will indicate if a response is required or not.
Where a response is to be made, this can be done in a variety of ways, including a freephone or text service that is available where details on the form have not changed. There is also an online option where changes can be made.
The electoral registration officer, Gary Bennett, said: “If a response is to be made, the use of a range of services such as online, telephone or text makes confirming details easy and saves the council money compared to the costs of returning the paper form through the post.
“However, if a response is required and it is not made, then there is a requirement to issue reminders and pursue the required information.”
A fine of up to £1000 may ultimately be imposed for failing to supply the information.
Residents should also remember that credit reference agencies use the electoral register as a check when assessing credit applications.
Therefore, if people are not on the register, their ability to access credit may be affected.
Anyone with queries about the form can contact the Lanarkshire Electoral Registration office on 0800 030 4333.
The canvass will run from mid- August to midNovember and the revised register, which will include the names of all eligible electors who respond to the canvass, will be published on December 1.
MARK MCGIVERN
Councillor Graeme Campbell has been forced out of public life after another terrifying attack on his home.
The crusading councillor has previously campaigned against organised crime, but says he cannot return to his duties at South Lanarkshire Council until the safety of his family can be guaranteed.
Last year his car was blown up in a terrifying firebomb attack, believed to be the work of local crime lords.
Last Sunday his cars and home were again targeted. Graeme and wife Fiona, a teacher, were awoken in bed at 3am on Sunday by the sound of a window being smashed by a masked intruder.
The attacker also used paint stripper to seriously damage paintwork on two BMWs at the home in Strathaven.
Speaking to our sister paper, the Daily Record, Graeme said: “Fiona and I are devastated at yet another attack on our property, in what was clearly a targeted attack, the second attack in only 15 months.
“When I first stood for election in 2007, I never thought my role as a local councillor would bring this level of violence and intimidation directed at not just myself but my family.
“I would like to thank the fantastic officers from Police Scotland for their incredible response and support. “I’d also like to thank the new South Lanarkshire Council chief executive for his counsel and support.
“However, no elected member should have to live with this level of violence and intimidation.
“As a result, until I receive assurances from the authorities that my family and I are safe, I will be stepping back from frontline constituency work.
“MPs and MSPs are afforded enhanced security via special laws designed to protect them, but this level of support is not afforded to councillors.”
CCTV from nearby properties shows a dark coloured car pulling up to Campbell’s home around 3am and a masked man getting out.
He takes a liquid from the boot of the car and smears it on the roof and paintwork of the BMW X6 and X3.
Before escaping in the car he came in, the thug uses an iron bar or similar tool to smash the couple’s study window.
After last year’s attack, the Conservative councillor was previously urged not to quit by then Prime Minister Theresa May.
Taking to social media, Graeme said he was taking an “extended leave of absence”.
Writing on his Facebook page, he added: “I love Avondale and I love living in Strathaven and I really love being able to support this awesome community.
“But when I first stood for election in 2007, I simply had no idea this role would nearly cost my family and I our lives last year and now this most recent attack, which has caused significant damage to our property.”
Graeme said he had spoken with SLC chief executive Clelland Sneddon before making his decision.
He has now stepped away from constituency work and says he has been supported by the council and Police Scotland who are working together to “improve the security and wellbeing of councillors”.
A South Lanarkshire Council spokesman said: “We are assisting police with their enquiries and will work with them to provide support and protection to Councillor Campbell.”
Until I receive assurances that my family and I are safe, I’m stepping away from frontline politics...