Security and covid fears spark office move for MSP George
An MSP has quit his office amid security and covid fears.
George Adam has spent a decade in his constituency base in the centre of Paisley.
The politician and his team have now shifted across the river after ruling the former hairdressers was now unsafe.
He is now based in the old Anchor Mill,which has its own reception.
The old office in Johnston Street had no security for the SNP team and police were unhappy at the arrangement.
The safety of politicians has recently been thrust onto the national agenda following the murder of Southend MP Sir David Amess.
George Adam’s constituency manager David McCartney said: “We had no security in the office, no door entry system, shutters or anything else.
“While the accessibility was important for us, the police were not so happy with our arrangements.
“It was easy to enter and there was only one way of escape through the front door.
“Therefore, we could never have lone working within the office.
“Primarily covid, then security, has brought us to our new office, which is more fit for purpose.”
Mr Adam, 52, moved into Johnston Street after his election to the Scottish Parliament in 2011.
He has since won his third term and the size of the office became a problem.
Pre-pandemic, four people were working in a six foot diameter space and staff have had to work from home as social distancing was impossible.
David added: “The reason we worked in that office so long was to ensure that people could just pop in whenever they liked.
“There were no appointments, people could just come in when they were passing.
“We also kept the office open until 6pm every week day for people that found it easier to come in after 5pm.
“I don’t know of any other office that was as accessible.”
The old Anchor thread mill is now known as Anchor One and includes flats as well as commercial space.
The new office - on the first floor with wheelchair access via lift - is being set-up this week with staff training.
But the team will then return to home working until the pandemic eases.
David said: “This winter is going to be another tough time and working from home if possible needs to be accommodated.”