Mark Concerned By Police Review
Mark Griffin MSP has expressed his concern at plans by Strathclyde Police to close Cumbernauld Police Office during the hours of midnight and 7am.
Mr Griffin has written to Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Stephen House and Area Commander Brian Connel about the proposed changes. In his letter, Mr Griffin highlighted the fact that Cumbernauld is the largest town in North Lanarkshire, has 24 hour shopping at both Tesco and Asda in the Town Centre, and is home to local nightclub Basement, and asked the police to reconsider the proposal.
The proposal comes after changes were made to Kilsyth Police Office in 2011, and would leave the entire Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency without a publically accessible police office during the night.
Mark said:
“I am concerned by the proposals and made that clear in my response to the Chief Constable and Area Commander.
“Cumbernauld is the largest town in North Lanarkshire, with officers responsible for policing over 51,000 people. We have 24 hour shopping at Tesco and Asda, which, in my opinion, has made the Town Centre busier at night than it ever has been in the past. Furthermore, we have the Basement nightclub in the town too. It is beneficial for local people to know that the police office is open and manned if they require assistance, would like to inform staff of an incident or report lost property.
“I recognise that times are tough, and that the police are not immune to this. However I am concerned by the plans and I hope that Strathclyde Police reconsider.”
Broadband Investment Welcomed – But More Is Needed
Mark Griffin MSP, who has vigorously campaigned for a better broadband service in Cumbernauld since being elected in 2011, has welcomed investment from BT in some of the town’s problem areas, but is calling on further action to resolve continuing problems.
In a recent letter to BT, Mr Griffin praised the company for the work they have done to improve the service north of the M80, but also included a list of streets that are missing out on Superfast Broadband and asked for more action to be taken.
Mark said:
"Many constituents living north of the M80 have contacted me to comment on the improved services they are experiencing, but there are still big problems.
"I have provided BT with information on 49 streets across the town that are still experiencing a poor service and have asked them to investigate if any upgrades will be rolled out in these areas.
"I am pleased that some local people have benefited from the necessary investment, but there are still many residents missing out, something that must be addressed."
One resident from Cumbernauld, Alex Pratt, made his views known.
Alex said:
"I am disappointed that the BT Infinity service will not be available in our area.
The broadband speeds have always been really poor and, as someone who works in the IT industry I also know how restrictive it is.
It also rules out many of the new internet consumer services such as movies on demand which forces families to pay higher prices to Sky."
MSP and MP Put Through Paces
Mark Griffin MSP and Gregg McClymont MP have joined Manhattan Blacks Football Club in two pre-season training sessions ahead of the new season.
Both Mark and Gregg were put through their paces by players from the Cumbernauld-based Amateur football team.
Speaking after the sessions, Mark said:
"The training sessions in the last couple of weeks have been excellent and have been really challenging in terms of my own fitness. The level of skill and fitness the team have is really impressive and I am sure they will have a successful season."
Gregg McClymont MP added:
"I was really happy to join the lads at Manhattan Blacks for training. They may be younger and more athletic than the MPs I usually play with, but after a few more cardio sessions I reckon I could hold my own. I wish them the best of luck for the new season."
Danny Caw, Captain of Manhattan Blacks, also said:
"It was great to have both Gregg and Mark come along. They weren’t just down to mess about either, they are both really good players and we’re always on the lookout for players who can improve our team. I know they have commitments that mean they will not always be available, but it would be great to have them with us on a regular basis."
Confusion Over EGIP Funding
Mark Griffin MSP has lodged a number of Parliamentary Questions to Transport Minister Keith Brown, as confusion grows about funding for the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP).
The Scotland on Sunday revealed a concerning downscaling of the project, which is a result of the Scottish Government seeking to make cost savings.
Mr Griffin is now seeking assurances from Scottish Government Ministers on the potential impact this could have on Croy and Cumbernauld.
Mark said:
"These reports are concerning and I have lodged a number of parliamentary questions to Transport Minister Keith Brown to seek answers.
"The plans, which would see an increase of services through Croy, are welcomed, but I am now seeking reassurances that the promises made will be honoured within the timeframe laid out."
NOTESQuestions tabled for Transport Minister Keith Brown:
To ask the Scottish Government how much the proposed electrification of the Cumbernauld line will cost and whether it will provide details of the infrastructure requirements.
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme announced on 4 July 2012 includes provision for the Croy Loop.
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme proposals announced on 4 July 2012 will lead to an increase in passenger satisfaction for those travelling from Croy to Glasgow and Edinburgh and whether more seats will be available and there will be less overcrowding at peak times.
To ask the Scottish Government how many trains will stop at Croy station as a result of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme proposals announced on 4 July 2012
To ask the Scottish Government whether trains on the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High service will call at the proposed Edinburgh gateway station.
To ask the Scottish Government how much of the funding allocated to the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme will be used for the provision of rolling stock.
Mark Launches BSL Bill
Mark Griffin MSP has launched his British Sign Language (BSL) (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Griffin welcomed fellow MSPs, representatives from 17 national and regional Deaf and disability organisations, the Children’s Commissioner, Scotland’s Universities, the NHS, and the general public to the event.
The proposed Bill seeks to increase awareness of BSL and improve the services available for Scotland’s Deaf population. A requirement would be placed on Scottish Ministers to develop a BSL strategic plan, highlighting the action they will take to increase BSL awareness across Scottish society. Relevant public authorities would also be required to develop plans, which would outline what action they will take to increase BSL awareness among staff.
Speaking after the launch, Mark said:
"I am delighted that the consultation period into my BSL Bill will now begin.
"BSL is the first language of many Deaf people in Scotland, but those who use it do not have access to the same information as the hearing population. This has to change. My proposed Bill seeks to increase awareness of BSL throughout Scottish society and would go some of the way to breaking down the barriers facing Scotland’s Deaf population on a daily basis.
"A great deal of time and effort has gone in to producing the document, and it is my hope that people the length and breadth of Scotland respond."
The Bill can be accessed in BSL by following the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MarkGriffinMSP
For more information please call Frank McNally on 01236 423 555
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