Locals Hit Out at Police Office Plans
Over 1,000 people from across Cumbernauld and Kilsyth have in recent days signed up to Mark Griffin MSP and Gregg McClymont MP’s petition to retain access to local police offices.
Under plans, outlined by Police Scotland, would see Cumbernauld Police Office closed to the public from 6pm to 8am 7 Days a week and Kilsyth from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday, and completely closed to the public at weekends.
Members of the public wishing to attend a local police office outwith these hours would have to travel as far as Motherwell, Hamilton, or go to Govan.
Mark said:
“There has been a tremendous response to the petition, with people from across our area signing up and calling on the Chief Constable to review the planned cuts.
“Local people recognise that it is unacceptable in an area the size of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, we will not have a police office open to the public after 6pm at night.
“I will be continuing the fight these planned cuts in Parliament and I urge the Chief Constable and the Justice Secretary to take onboard the public outcry on this matter and scrap these flawed plans.”
Gregg added:
“It is clear that local people believe, as I do, that Cumbernauld must have a police station accessible at all times.
“Right here right now the fundamental role of police stations in our communities is being undermined by an SNP Government obsessed only with its referendum on leaving the UK".
'Keep Your Cool' MSP and MP Urge
Mark Griffin MSP and Gregg McClymont MP have joined members of the retail union Usdaw at Tesco Craigmarloch to campaign for respect for shopworkers as part of the Freedom From Fear Campaign, which seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse being directed at retail staff.
The Keep Your Cool campaign event took place on Friday 15 November, during Usdaw’s Respect for Shopworkers Week.
Mark said:
"I fully support the work being done by Usdaw in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, and across the UK, to stand up for retail staff, many of whom are subjected to threats, abuse and even violence on a regular basis."
"I was pleased to join Usdaw members at Craigmarloch and will continue to campaign in Parliament for a change in the law to ensure that workers are given the protection they deserve."
Gregg said:
"Too often retail employees are confronted with violence, threats and abuse and it is really important we stand together and ask people to ‘keep their cool’ and respect shopworkers.
"Often shopworkers are expected to enforce the law, whether that is preventing under-age purchases or detaining shoplifters until the police arrive, they can be put in real danger."
Concerns Raised Over Croy Post Office
Mark Griffin MSP, Gregg McClymont MP and Kilsyth Councillors Jean Jones and Heather McVey have raised concerns about the future of Croy Post Office, after the operator expressed their desire to close. Post Office Ltd is now being forced to find a local alternative.
Mark said:
"Post Office Ltd have said that they are investigating alternatives to the Croy Post Office but with only one shop in the village, I am worried that the service may be moved out of Croy completely.
"I have responded to asked Post Office Ltd to clarify what they consider a ‘suitable local alternative’ and will be making it clear that only a Croy-based Post Office will do."
Gregg McClymont MP added:
"Croy's Post Office is at the heart of its strong community. The people of Croy know a reduction in service when they see one and they will not be fooled by a Government which hides behind PR speak.
"The fact is franchising Croy's Post Office would mean a reduced service and the Government must be honest about this in a way they have not been straight about what franchising Cumbernauld's Crown Post Office will mean for customers".
Iris Backs Bill to Bin Bed Tax
Kildrum Gran Iris Henderson has joined Mark Griffin MSP and Gregg McClymont MP in welcoming a Scottish Parliament Bill that aims to protect victims of the Bedroom Tax.
The proposals, lodged by Labour MSP Jackie Baillie, has the backing of the Govan Law Centre, the Church of Scotland, the STUC, the Poverty Alliance and both anti-Bedroom Tax Campaigns
Iris, 59, who was born with dwarfism, has been forced to pay an extra £72 a month for the specially-adapted home she has lived in for 35 years, as a consequence of the Bedroom Tax.
Iris said:
“Jackie Baillie’s proposal has my full support and I am pleased that the Labour Party recognises the extreme difficulties facing people like me as a result of this vile piece of legislation.
“The Scottish Parliament has the power to take action. I hope all MSPs will support this Bill and bring an end to the suffering facing so many victims of this inhumane tax.”
Mark Griffin MSP added:
“Labour is committed to reversing the Bedroom Tax, but we recognise that people are suffering now. This Bill seeks to ensure that anyone who falls into arrears as a result of the bedroom tax will not be evicted from their home.
“The Scottish Parliament has the opportunity to step up to the mark now, take action and protect people like Iris from the horrors of the Bedroom Tax. I will be supporting the Bill when the times comes and I hope that colleagues from other political parties do the right thing and support it also.”
Gregg McClymont MP said:
“The Bedroom Tax has not magically dealt with under-occupation issues, but has imposed a financial burden on vulnerable people who have been in their homes for many years. There’s nowhere else for them to go.
“The Scottish Government have it in their power right now to put an end to suffering as a result of Bedroom Tax. I would urge as many people as possible to repsond to the consultation on the Bill.”
Mark Welcomes St Patrick's to Parliament
Pupils from St Patrick's Primary School in Kilsyth were treated to a visit to the Scottish Parliament by Mark Griffin MSP on Thursday 3 October.
The 29 Primary 7 pupils were given a tour of the Parliament, watched First Minister's Questions, and had a Question and Answer session with the MSP.
Speaking after the visit, Mark said:
"I was pleased to welcome St Patrick's Primary to Parliament.
"The children were very well behaved and asked some excellent questions, both about important local and national issues, and the day to day work of an MSP.
"I am always happy to welcome local schools to Parliament, and as a former pupil of St Patrick's, I am delighted they came to visit."
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