Consistently opposed to warden cuts

Sir, I don’t often reply to letters written about myself in the local press but I feel the need to respond to a letter from The Oban Times (August 31).

The letter points out meetings I have not attended while failing to mention the meetings I have attended.

The letter also mentions a Trust Housing meeting about the cuts to warden hours at sheltered housing on Islay. While not being able to attend this meeting due to being unable to get staff relief that day, I had been in contact with numerous residents of sheltered housing on Islay as well as Trust Housing officials.

I wrote a letter to The Oban Times about just this matter. I pointed out that, as a board member of the Housing and Social Care Partnership, I have made it clear that I am completely against this decision as it goes against a national drive to support people in their own homes. I believe it will disproportionately affect island communities and will have serious short- and long-term consequences. It is important that the HSCP listens to all partners around the table – elected councillors (there are four of us) have as much to contribute as the NHS appointed members.

I have to say, though, that when I stood for the council, on many of my leaflets and on my campaign page I made it clear I believe we needed councillors who did more than just have a good record of attending meetings. My view has not changed.

I also feel obliged to point out that large numbers of my constituents contact me every day voicing concerns about the SNP and its mishandling of Scotland’s devolved powers.

Judging by some of the letters in the local press about me and the increasingly bizarre and offensive posts on my Facebook campaign page, it is my opinion that many separatists are not so much angered by my actions since being elected but are simply angry that a vocal and proud Unionist was elected.

Councillor Alastair Redman, Islay.