SNP Councillors Slam Lib Dem Hypocrisy

SNP councillors Allan Hendry (Mid-Formartine) and Rob Merson (Ellon & District) have reacted angrily to Lib Dem criticism of the Scottish Government in yesterday’s Press & Journal ‘Offenders left to ‘kick their heels’’, after it was revealed that offenders in the North and North east have been left waiting almost a month before beginning community service orders.

Commenting, Councillor Allan Hendry said:

“It is hypocrisy on an epic scale that Lib Dem Justice spokesman, Robert Brown, should criticise the Scottish Government for the delay in initiating Community Service Orders - when the Lib Dem/Tory administration of Aberdeenshire Council have already been exposed as being one of the slowest local authorities to implement these orders.

“An article in the ‘Press & Journal’ of 14 th June reported that offenders convicted within Aberdeenshire Council’s jurisdiction spent an average of 442 days completing community service orders lasting between 151-200 hours – more than double the Scottish average.

“I have been in communication with the Council in trying to improve this performance, and I am aware that my colleague, Cllr. Rob Merson, has been in ongoing correspondence with senior officers since March this year. I was therefore disappointed to note that the news report stated that Aberdeenshire Council had not yet responded to a Freedom of Information enquiry.”

Councillor Rob Merson added:

“Cllr. Henry and I have both been pressing the Council to engage more actively with the Community Service Order programme, and suggested that the public would very much appreciate the deployment of such offenders in clearing the snow from our schools, medical centres, hospitals, car parks and other areas not easily accessed by mechanical equipment.

“Hundreds of tonnes of sand have been spread across the footpaths of the North east during the recent snowfall, and offenders serving community service orders could also be deployed very effectively in clearing up the residue before it gets washed into the road drains and causes flooding.

“Clearly Robert Brown would have done well to discuss the situation with his Lib Dem colleagues on Aberdeenshire Council, before so enthusiastically putting his foot into his own mouth.”

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COUNCILLOR ASKS AUDIT SCOTLAND TO INVESTIGATE DEPARTURE OF EDUCATION DIRECTOR

An Aberdeenshire councillor has asked local government watchdog Audit Scotland to investigate the events leading up to and including the departure of the council’s former Director of Education.

The move comes after Aberdeenshire Provost, Bill Howatson, ruled out of order a Motion submitted to the last meeting of the Full Council seeking an investigation. No debate on the subject was permitted and the Motion, despite being accepted by council officials as valid, did not appear on the agenda issued to councillors

Councillor Bryan Stuart (SNP - Inverurie & District) has now written to Audit Scotland asking for an investigation.

Commenting, Cllr Stuart said:

“All I am seeking to do is to have an independent body scrutinise the circumstances of this matter and ensure that council policy was followed and, more importantly, the council taxpayer as well as the council received best value.

“As elected members, we have a duty to scrutinise the actions of the council’s officials but, on this matter, we have been given no information whatsoever. My constituents are understandably concerned by what they have read in the press and involving Audit Scotland will, in my view, provide some assurance.

“I am disappointed I have had to take this action, but the refusal of the Provost to even have the matter placed on the agenda at the last Full Council meeting has left those of us with concerns with no alternative. In taking this action, I have the backing of my council political group.”

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COUNCILLOR WELCOMES REVISION OF CODE OF CONDUCT

Aberdeenshire SNP Council Group Spokesman on Planning & Economic Development Cllr Rob Merson has welcomed a revision of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct which reflects recent changes in the planning procedure in Scotland. The revised Code of Conduct, which took immediate effect from its publication on 21st December, has an expanded section on ‘Decisions on Planning Matters’ outlining the procedures to be adopted by councillors in their handling of the various stages and types of planning matters and applications.

The Code’s provisions relate to the need to ensure a proper and fair hearing and to avoid any impression of bias in relation to statutory decision processes. It is a councillor’s duty to ensure that decisions are properly taken and that parties involved in the process are dealt with fairly. Although councillors may attend public meetings or events (including those relating to a statutory pre-application consultation), and may raise any constituents’ objections or concerns with planning officers – at no time should a councillor express a ‘for’ or ‘against’ view by advocating a position in advance of the decision making meeting.

Exceptions to that rule have now been confirmed in that the requirements of the Code should not limit councillors from discussing or debating matters of policy or strategy, even though these may provide the framework within which individual planning applications will in due course be decided – and that councillors are permitted to take part in the decisions made by Full Council even though they may have expressed an opinion on the application at a pre-determination hearing or at the planning committee.

Councillors will also be permitted to comment in response to requests to the planning authority for a provisional view as to whether – in respect of a proposal for a major development the authority might be minded, in principle, to consider granting planning permission. This may occur in cases where developers are seeking the planning authority’s view in advance of committing to expensive and lengthy technical appraisals.

Commenting, Councillor Rob Merson said:

“Although commonsense dictated that such amendments were required in dealing with strategic and policy issues and in the pre-application process for major applications, I very much welcome the clarity which has been provided by the publication of the revised Code.

“However, it is very important that the obligation remains that councillors should not prejudge an issue, and must consider planning applications in the light of all the information available.”

The latest edition of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct can be viewed on the Scottish Government website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/10145144/0

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SALMOND COMMENTS ON ABERDEENSHIRE’S TOP “QUALITY OF LIFE”

Commenting on the news that Aberdeenshire has again topped a nationwide poll as the place which offers the best quality of life, Gordon MSP Alex Salmond has said it's "no surprise" the area has scored so highly.

It is the second year in a row that Aberdeenshire has scored first place in the Bank of Scotland study, which offers ranking in categories such as health, employment and climate.

Mr Salmond said:

“We are all lucky to live in an area that has so much to offer its residents. Gordon is a first class place to live and work with higher than average employment and pay rates, and good health and school results. Low crime rates are also of paramount importance and, since the SNP came to power in 2007, crime in Aberdeenshire has fallen by 23% and police numbers have risen from 1374 to 1557 across Grampian.

“It is great to see Aberdeenshire getting the recognition it deserves as the fine place it is to live, and since 2007 the SNP has proven we are committed to making it even better.

“From abolishing prescription charges, to putting 1000 cleaning staff in our hospitals, to protecting the NHS revenue budget, we are prioritising health care. So too are we protecting businesses, with no fewer than 4501 small businesses in Aberdeenshire having had their rates cut so far, and 4071 having their rates removed altogether. Employment and employability are also key commitments and the 824 Modern Apprenticeships delivered by the Scottish Government in Aberdeenshire in 2009/10 will set a new generation of our young people on a positive career path.

“As we approach the New Year we can be so proud of all that our area has to offer and look positively toward the even better future of which we can all be part.”

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BROCH’S SNP COUNCILLOR IN CALL FOR DALRYMPLE HALL IMPROVEMENT

SNP councillor for Fraserburgh & District Brian Topping is calling for Aberdeenshire Council to take action to minimise the effect of the boarded up windows and doors on the ground floor of the town’s Dalrymple Hall.

Cllr Topping at the boarded up windows

New windows were recently installed on other floors, which Councillor Topping had been pressing for, but the ground floor facing the harbour has been left with doors and windows boarded up. Now, Councillor Topping has called for the council to take the simple measure of painting on white window frames on a dark background, arguing that this simple and cheap measure will lessen the damaging effect of the boarded up windows until such time as new windows are installed.

In his letter to Allan Whyte, Head of Property at Aberdeenshire Council, Councillor Topping states:

“You will be aware that this majestic building is in much need of refurbishment, although the prospects of that happening would seem remote in the current economic climate. However, the ground floor doors and windows have meantime been boarded up to prevent vandalism, and I attach a photograph which illustrates the deleterious effect which this has on the streetscape.

“Given Fraserburgh’s designation as a regeneration area, I feel that it is very important that everything possible should be done to reverse the air of dilapidation which has affected so many areas of the town. I would therefore like to suggest that it would be a relatively small investment to have the boarding painted dark grey with white ‘frames’ and ‘astragals’ to replicate the windows on the upper floors, which would greatly improve the appearance.
 
“I look forward to receiving your response, which I may share with my constituents, and other interested parties.”

Commenting on his letter, Councillor Topping said:

“I was delighted when the new windows were finally installed in the Dalrymple Hall, but the ground floor has been left boarded up and this send out a very poor image of the town.

“While I appreciate that money is tight for the council at the moment, I am suggesting that the effect of the boarded up windows and the impression this conveys of the town could be minimised for the cost of a few tins of paint. I hope that the council will take on board this constructive suggestion.”

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SALMOND COMMENTS ON LATEST SEVERE WEATHER IN GORDON

Speaking on the latest round of severe weather in the North East, Gordon MSP, Alex Salmond, sought to reassure constituents that the Scottish Government was offering Aberdeenshire Council every means of support available.

Mr Salmond pointed to large shipments of vital heating oil dispatched to the North East this week (Monday), and urged local motorists to follow police advice when travelling.

Mr Salmond said:

“Two shipments of essential kerosene oil, together totalling 1.8 million litres, have been unloaded in Aberdeen and Inverness, ready for distribution to customers across the North East and the rest of Scotland.

“The Grangemouth refinery has ramped up production to increased supplies and The Scottish Government is engaging with Scotland’s fuel distributors on a daily basis to address any issues in the supply and delivery of heating oil during the severe weather.

“Deliveries of vehicle fuels, including red diesel, are also on their way.
“We are aware that shortage of fuel may present itself as a serious issue due to the heavy snow here, so we’re taking action to make sure Scotland’s supply keeps flowing.

“There are other important concerns arising from the heavy snow, not least the treacherous driving conditions on our country roads.

“Half of Scotland’s 1,500 gritting vehicles are deployed in the North East and the North. We’re mobilising Scotland resources towards the North East to ensure we get as much grit on the road as possible. I would urge all motorists in Gordon to exercise extreme caution when travelling over the next few days, and to look out for announcements from Grampian Police.

"Rest assured we're acting early to nip the problems of the snow in the bud. Learning lessons from previous bouts of snow this year, we're tackling the snow head-on.

"I am, as ever, more than happy to point constituents in the right direction when it comes to problems resulting from the snow."

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SALMOND HITS OUT AS NORTH EAST FUEL PRICES AT ALL TIME HIGH

NORTH EAST DRIVERS BETRAYED BY LIB-DEM BLUSTER

Gordon MSP, Alex Salmond, has hit out following a report which shows that Scotland has become the most expensive region in the UK for diesel in the same week as petrol prices reached a record high.

The AA Fuel Price Report - published on Friday – comes despite promises from the Lib Dems of fairer fuel prices should they form a government.

Mr Salmond said:

“We live in the oil capital of Europe, but we also pay the highest fuel prices in Europe. This is a disgrace that infuriates drivers across the North East who have to deal with these prices on a day-to-day basis.

“The Lib Dems went into the last election screaming fair fuel prices from the rooftops. Now they’re in government with Tories, any mention of the subject elicits tumble-weeds in the corridors of Whitehall. Election bluster does not deliver for North East motorists, action does.

“For now, it appears the Lib-Dems have dumped their fair fuel pledge, just like they dumped their pledge to students.

“The VAT and duty increase set to take place in the New Year will send fuel in parts of our constituency past £1.40 a litre.

“What Ministers in London forget is that for people in rural areas, a car is a necessity and not a luxury. It’s time for real action, not warm words.”

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PETERHEAD COUNCILLORS WELCOME OFFENDERS’ SNOW CLEARING WORK

Peterhead North & Rattray councillor Anne Allan and Peterhead South & Cruden councillor Stephen Smith have welcomed the use of offenders to clear snow in the town as part of community service orders.

Over the weekend, offenders given community service orders have been clearing snow at the Accident & Emergency entrance at Peterhead Community Hospital, the town’s Health Centre and various sheltered housing complexes in Peterhead.

Commenting, SNP councillor Anne Allan said:

“I’m pleased to see that community service orders are being called in and used in a way which provides very real and immediate benefits to the whole community, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

“In these extreme weather conditions, there can never be too many hands helping to lighten the load and make the streets safer so this is a very worthwhile use of community service orders.”

Her SNP colleague Stephen Smith added:

“I know from my own efforts in recent days that this is hard work so anything which takes the burden off NHS staff or sheltered housing staff and frees them up for essential duties has got to be welcomed.

“I’m advised that over 40 offenders have been clearing snow across Aberdeenshire during December and this is exactly the sort of community benefit that I want to see being made more use of when it comes to handling community service orders.”

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COUNCILLOR SLAMS LIB DEM SUPERMARKET ‘HYPOCRISY’

ASTOUNDING HYPOCRISY FROM LIBDEMS ON SUPERMARKETS - ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF OPPORTUNISM FROM A PARTY WITH NO PRINCIPLES

Commenting on the attacks by the Lib Dems on the SNP Government’s proposals to introduce a levy on supermarkets to redress the imbalance felt by many small retailers who have seen their customers pulled away, SNP Council Group Spokesman on Economic Development, Cllr. Rob Merson, highlighted how the Lib Dems took a totally different stance against supermarkets before the SNP proposed the levy.

 

Lib Dem attacks on supermarkets in the past included accusing them of “bully boy tactics” and having “overwhelming power”, saying farm businesses had “gone to the wall” because of supermarkets, and in one instance that local trade by independent shops would be “damaged by a new supermarket”.

Commenting Cllr. Merson said

 

 “This is another example of a party that has no principles and will opportunistically adopt any conflicting stance just to attack the SNP. As we have seen with VAT, early cuts and most recently tuition fees, the Liberal Democrats will make any promise for votes but then renege.

 

“I’m sure many jaws dropped when they heard the LibDems become the defenders of supermarkets after spending so many years attacking supermarkets at a local level.

 

“Now they have become the supermarket’s friends and now ignore what small businesses say. They also appear to miss the other point that it is the early cuts his party is now supporting that means new sources of revenue have to be acquired.

 

“In short their new stance is not only sheer hypocrisy, it is sheer opportunism.

 

“Small businesses are the lifeline of our economy across Scotland and the SNP will do what it can to protect them in these difficult times as well as give them the opportunity to grow.”

 

Notes:

 

Examples of the Lib Dems attacking the power and influence of supermarkets:

 

1. Tavish Scott

 

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott today joined the Liberal Democrat Westminster and Holyrood spokespeople for Edinburgh North and Leith, Kevin Lang and Alex Cole-Hamilton to visit local traders in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.

 

“Local traders are understandably concerned about the impact that a new Sainsburys could have on their businesses, particularly during a recession. The shoppers I met were very proud of Stockbridge’s reputation for good quality independent shops.

 

“It would be a real loss to this community if local trade was damaged by a new supermarket that shoppers in the area don’t appear to want or need.”

 

-            21 April 2009

 

http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/04/scott-joins-campaign-keep-stockbridge-local

 

 

2. Jeremy Purvis

 

On his website Jeremy Purvis lists his 11 Priorities including: "More support for local retailers struggling against the big supermarkets"

 

http://www.jeremypurvis.org/priorities.htm

 

 

3. George Lyon

 

“For too long farmers have had to bare the brunt of light touch regulation on the overwhelming power that major supermarkets enjoy."

 

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland

 

28 October 2009

 

http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/10/lyon-eu-should-tackle-light-touch-regulation-supermarkets-food-chain

 

 

4. Alistair Carmichael

 

Commenting on today’s announcement from the government that they have accepted the Competition Commission’s (CC) recommendation to establish an independent body as a ‘supermarket ombudsman’, Orkney and Shetland MP said; “Today’s announcement is as welcome as it is overdue...I wonder how many farm businesses have gone to the wall in the time that the government have been thinking about this.”

 

13 January 2010

 

http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2010/01/government-must-ensure-supermarket-ombudsman-has-teeth-and-resources-do-job-properly

 

 

5. Jim Hum

 

Hume pushes Lord Mandelson for supermarket ombudsman

 

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today written to Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, urging him to instigate measures which will see the creation of an Ombudsman to oversee the workings of the food supply chain.

 

"Consumers want to know that producers are getting a fair share of the market and they are often tired of what many have described to me as “bully boy tactics” demonstrated by large retailers in negotiating contracts."

 

17 November 2009

 

http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/news/2009/11/hume-pushes-lord-mandelson-supermarket-ombudsman

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SALMOND COMMENTS ON INVERURIE BUSINESS PARK ANNOUNCEMENT

Commenting on the strong demand for land at the Inverurie Business Park and the launch of the first phase of development at the former paper plant site, local MSP Alex Salmond has said the demand pays testimony to the growing attraction of Inverurie as a place for business growth and success.

The recently granted planning consent provides for business, office and hotel space with the first plot already sold to local company, Craigdon Mountain Sports.

Commenting Mr Salmond said:

“It is no surprise that there has been strong demand for this land. Inverurie is becoming increasingly well known as a fantastic place for business growth and success, attracting business from both the local area and from further afield.

“Craigdon is a thriving local company and I’m pleased to see them expanding into new premises to support their growing business.”

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GORDON GROUPS AWARDED BUMPER FUNDING

SALMOND WELCOMES BOOST FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

Local Gordon MSP, Alex Salmond, has today welcomed the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Awards for All’ announcement that three local groups are set to receive their share of £23,843.

Meldrum Play has recently received £10,000 to upgrade and improve the children's play equipment at Meldrum play park. This grant for £10,000 will fund a ‘Scotplay’ bird's nest.

Elsewhere, Turriff and District Ltd received £10,000 to hold a MotorFest event for local people, to encourage safe and responsible road use by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The event will cover various themes such as safety and mechanics. It will also involve a show element focusing on motorbikes, classic cars and modified cars. The group will hold workshops with local young people who will help plan, organise and manage the event.

Kinellar Primary School also received a £3,843 grant to start a new extracurricular gymnastics club initially for pupils in P1-3.

Congratulating the groups, Mr Salmond said:

“These are all worth recipients of extra funding, and I know it will go a long way to helping these groups develop programmes to benefit the community.

“I would like to congratulate Jackie Insch and everyone at Meldrum Play for securing £10,000, which I know will go a long way to improving Meldrum play park. It is great that Meldrum Play is able to provide such high-quality facilities for our children.

“I would also like to congratulate Carolyn Maniukiewicz and everyone at Turriff and District Ltd for their grant success, Many of us know all too well the dangers of the road and the tragedy that dangerous driving can cause. Turriff and District Ltd will be carrying out vital educational work in this regard, but this will also be a fun and light-hearted event which I’m sure will draw in the crowds.

“The team at Kinellar Primary School also deserve our congratulations for securing £8,843 to go towards their gymnastics club. I am told the funding will go towards training for the different equipment involved in the club’s activities, which will open up a whole new way to keep fit for the pupils at Kinellar.”

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POLICE BOARD VICE-CHAIR BACKS ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CRACKDOWN

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor and vice-chairman of Grampian Police Joint Board Allan Hendry has welcomed the festive crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Aberdeenshire that will see extra police patrols across the region.

The scheme, named Operation Whalsay will run until 8 January 2011 and, in addition to the extra patrols, will also feature an awareness raising poster campaign designed to highlight seasonal personal safety messages to the public.

The operation will see the police work in partnership with a number of other public bodies and volunteer organisations. It is also being backed by some of the North-east's most prominent oil companies in a bid to ensure the message hits home.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry said:

“Anything such as extra patrols and awareness posters which are designed to deter and detect violent and anti-social behaviour are most welcome. Initiatives such as this help to instil confidence in the public when they see the Police Service being pro-active in this way.

“I am also pleased to see that local prominent oil companies are supporting this most welcome initiative by Grampian Police.”

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TOPPING WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR BROCH HARBOUR

Fraserburgh SNP councillor Brian Topping has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that Fraserburgh Harbours are to receive £600,000 in grant funding.

The grant, which is to be used to undertake repairs to the piers, was announced by Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead during his recent visit to the town.

Councillor Topping, who is also a commissioner on Fraserburgh Harbour Board, said:

“I am absolutely delighted to get this support for the Broch from the SNP Scottish Government.

“This is obviously essential work which must be carried out and will be of immense benefit to harbour users and fishermen.

“I look forward to the commencement of the works which will further secure the Broch’s position as one of Europe’s pre-eminent ports.”

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COMMUNITY BOBBY AND COUNCILLOR TO HOLD JOINT SURGERY

Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith and PC Nikki Thornley of Grampian Police are joining forces to hold a joint surgery for local people.

Local residents will be able to meet PC Thornley and Councillor Smith either together or individually should they wish on Tuesday 14 December at Port Erroll School in Cruden Bay. The joint surgery follows a previous successful surgery held by Cllr Smith and PC Lee Scott in Cruden Bay.

Commenting on the initiative, Peterhead South & Cruden councillor Stephen Smith said:

"I was very pleased with the success of last year’s joint surgery with Grampian Police and it seemed sensible to repeat the exercise and to offer the same service once again to constituents.

“Some of the issues both myself and colleagues in the police deal with individually involve matters for both the police and the council so it therefore seemed sensible to offer the opportunity for people to meet with us together.

"I'm very grateful to PC Thornley for making herself available for this surgery."

The surgery will take place on Tuesday 14 December from 6.45pm to 7.30pm at Port Erroll School, Braehead Drive, Cruden Bay.

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