SNP in plan to spend £25m on street lights
Political Correspondent A NEW street lighting and city wide Wi-Fi strategy is planned for Glasgow by the SNP if it takes power at the City Council.
The party said it will spend £25m on replacing 10,000 streetlights in line with a budget commitment earlier this year.
It said it will also invest in broadband technology to give the city the best possible connectivity network.
Labour however said the SNP voted against a new council IT contract to provide every pupils form P6 up with a tablet and Wi-Fi in every classroom.
The SNP plan includes improving Wi-Fi through using streetlights.
Kenny McLean SNP Councillor said: “We will work with partners to deliver improved broadband connections to households and use existing infrastructure to deliver Wi-Fi across Glasgow.
“An SNP City Government will work dynamically with partners, including government and broadband providers, to exploit digital technologies.
“And we will provide an economic environment in Glasgow that encourages digital innovation and supports the creation, growth and digital transformation of businesses.
“We will also take steps to significantly improve the quality of broadband speeds to our city’s schools, to ensure that our children have the best access to online learning.”
Labour however, said the SNP had the opportunity to back improved broadband for schools and to equip children with tablets.
Last Thursday the Council’s Executive Committee approved the IT contract with Canadian owned CGI to deliver services to the council.
Earlier this month the Evening Times revealed the council plan for the IT contract would involve kitting out thousands of children with tablets. Labour said it would tackle digital exclusion but said the SNP councillors did not back the plan.
Frank McAveety, council leader, said, “Labour has delivered on its commitment to deliver a digital revolution across Glasgow and in our classrooms. Every classroom with Wi-Fi and every pupil with a free digital device. We are determined no child will be left behind in the classroom because of their circumstances at home.
“Today in Glasgow there are 2000 hi-tech job vacancies. This action by Glasgow Labour will help ensure these jobs are filled in the future by Glasgow kids.
“What will astonish and anger Glaswegians is SNP Councillors voting against this initiative. The SNP are full of warm words about tackling inequality but when it comes to actually delivering for the people of Glasgow they are found badly wanting. This is further evidence that only Labour Councillors will put Glasgow first.”