Town centre ‘challenges’ are top priority for councillor
Re-elected politician is optimistic about the future
An SNP politician has said he is “acutely aware” of the challenges in Paisley East and Central following his reelection to council.
Councillor John McNaughtan expressed his “elation” upon returning to the chambers, but knows there is hard work to be done in his ward in the new term.
He cited the detrimental impact of out-of-town shopping, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic and changes in people’s working patterns on business in the town centre.
However, Councillor McNaughtan – elected at stage one with 1,241 first preference votes – expects investment in Paisley in recent years to come to fruition in the near future, adding that he is looking ahead with optimism.
He said: “While I am elated at being re-elected in this ward, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing all of us over the next few years.
“My ward area is quite diverse, taking in much of the town centre, yet stretching to the southeast to Hawkhead and Dykebar.
“In common with most town centres, Paisley has experienced the negative effects of out-of-town shopping, the growth of online shopping, the covid pandemic and changes in working patterns.
“Paisley has, however, attracted much investment in recent years – both public and private and much of this will come to fruition in the near future.
“I am looking forward with optimism to the new museum, the library, town hall and the ambitious private sector investment in the Paisley Centre, all contributing to a more vibrant town centre.”
Labour councillor Carolann Davidson spoke of her joy as voters “put their faith” in her for another five years.
The member, also elected at stage one but with 1,040 first preference votes, said: “I have been very proud to have been the dedicated Labour councillor for Paisley East and Central for the past five years.
“I was extremely pleased that the people of this great ward have, once again, put their faith in me and returned me to council with a 20 per cent increase in votes.
“I will continue to work hard for local people, and I will continue to fight against cuts to the RAH and other local services.
“I will be pushing for more teachers and classroom assistants and work to helping develop a plan to tackle overcrowding in our classrooms and help kids catch up on lost learning.
“I will also continue to tackle antisocial behaviour and fight for better roads and footpaths, amongst many other things.
“Now I have been re-elected, I will continue to work hard to make Renfrewshire a safer, cleaner, greener place to live where everyone can thrive.”
I am acutely aware of the challenges facing us all over the next few years Councillor John McNaughtan