Message of hope after uncertainty of 2016

Firstly, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very happiest New Year and wish you all the best for 2017!

As we approached 2017, I worked with my colleague Angela Crawley MP to host an energy advice surgery in the Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre.

It was great to be able to host an event with the various energy companies, advice agencies and community partners which aimed at helping people keep their homes warm over the winter and I very much enjoyed seeing people able to come with their issues and leave knowing that their concerns were going to be addressed.

The last time I wrote, I highlighted the difficult news of the Kwik-fit Insurance contact centre closure proposal.

I had also highlighted that we were working hard to find a solution and help those facing potential redundancies.

I was therefore deeply disappointed to have it confirmed to me by AGEAS that Kwik-fit Insurances Contact Centre in Uddingston will indeed be closing.

There was a concerted effort over the past few weeks to maintain jobs in Uddingston and it’s incredibly unfortunate that no solution could be found. I have personally worked closely with the company and the workforce throughout, and I know that the Scottish Government and the company have explored a range of options to secure jobs and the future of the site.

That said, I am aware that whilst it is a difficult time for employees, there are companies in the area who are interested in recruiting staff – which I hope will provide the opportunity to keep many of those who worked at Kwik-fit in continued employment. As ever, I will continue to offer my assistance wherever possible in this process and would urge any of my constituents who are affected to reach out to me and my office.

A reminder therefore that my constituency office at 188 Main Street, Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, ML4 1AE, is open Monday to Friday and me and the team are ready to help those that need it.

You can also call 01698 479900 or email Richard.lyle. Msp@parliament.scot and of course my surgeries which are on my website www. Richardlylemsp.org are also available to those that need them.

This week I will be contributing to a debate in the Scottish Parliament which recognises the important role that everyday ordinary people can have in having their voices heard on issues. In particular, I refer to the sit-in by the workers at the caterpillar site in Tannochside in my constituency, who fought against the executives who planned to close the site.

It is fantastic to have the opportunity to pay tribute to their contribution to the history of our local communities.

As we ended 2016, the First Minister delivered her Christmas and New Year’s message that reflected on the type of year 2016 was – of political change, uncertainty and ups and downs.

She stated that she wanted 2017 to be for everyone, a year of hope.

I want to end this month by reiterating that message to you – that I hope that 2017 is indeed our year of hope and that it brings forward all of the very best for you in the weeks and months ahead.

I hope that 2017 is indeed our year of hope and that it brings all the very best for you in the months ahead