Councillor Update, May / June 2023
It’s been another busy and enjoyable month with lots of case work helping on housing issues, maintenance and street improvements. Please contact me to meet or chat when and where it suits you. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates. We are nearly finished delivering my ward newsletter to every home in the ward – get in touch if I can help you.
Ward Action: I had a walk about with the council officer who is managing the maintenance contract at Glen Esk Park. Whilst some things have been fixed up, there are pieces of work still to be done, such as fixing the flooded paths. I am assured that it will be done in time before the weather turns after the summer.
After a constituent had a bad fall at Waverly, I had a walk about the surrounding streets. I’ve asked for the streets between Pembroke and Waverly to be looked at so emergency repairs are assessed and done and the whole street reviewed for complete resurfacing.
Lammermoor Allotments asked me to help present prizes at their 2nd anniversary celebrations. The site has literally blossomed in their two years and is looking great. It was a good reminder what people get out of having an allotment – connection, nature, learning, physical and mental health, community and why more and more people are applying for an allotment. Nearby, Allers Allotments have their open day on Saturday afternoon 5th August.
Constituents have also raised the issue of traffic congestion and speed in Calderglen Country Park. After some persistent emails and social media from me on this, I am delighted to see some progress with the park now promoting responsible parking along with more sustainable ways to travel and enjoy the park. They also have a cycle repair stand situated near the Courtyard to help fix your bike up if you get a bike problem in the park. There’s more to do on this but it’s a start.
I’ve been out and about visiting the following local groups, supporting their work and helping with issues raised: Long Calderwood Primary Parent Council, EK Cricket Club at Calderglen, St Leonards Primary Parent Council, St Leonards Community Council, Sanderson High and Calderglen High annual awards ceremonies.
East Kilbride & South Lanarkshire wide action: Two highlights here: The Climate Committee heard a report on a motion I brought last December. Whilst there still lots more to do on it, I was pleased to see the promise of an energy demand reduction plan to be produced by this December. This will have a triple benefit – cut the council’s fuel bills, save money for front line services and cut carbon emissions.
In May there was a special meeting of the full council to try and resolve the debacle around the sudden increase in charges for sports clubs use of South Lanarkshire Leisure facilities. I voted for an amendment to give more time to properly engage with clubs and plan for a sustainable future together, including for over 16 clubs (in full time education). The ruling administration’s plans went ahead and introduced the increase in charges more quickly than I voted for. I have requested the club consultation results and asked South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture to adopt the National Standards for Community Engagement to guide their future work talking to the community.
Other meetings I’ve attended include: Session on South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Budget Sounding Board, Education Achievement Awards, Community Wealth Building Commission, Audit Scotland session on local government, caught up on community planning partnership in EK, South Lanarkshire Cycling Partnership, Basic introduction to British Sign Language, Executive, Full Council and EK Area Committee.
And finally: Green members and supporters will be campaigning for Cameron Eadie, our candidate in the EK West By-election on July 6th. If you live in this ward and want a hard working councillor who will campaign for better public transport, clean and safer streets and a fair care system, vote Cameron Eadie 1. Find out more.
I hope you have a great summer. If the weather is good, we may go off camping for a few days here and there and some day trips. But otherwise, I’ll be around to help you should you need it.
