Rhondda's November Newsletter

I was delighted to join the voluntary sector when they were part of the inspection of community in East Dunbartonshire Council.  The good news for the department is they got a great report which was down to the amazing partnership working with the sector.  
Attended another seminar showing the problems the new Welfare Reform will bring to the more vulnerable residents locally.  I am working closely with CAB and asking them to help people in trouble.
Met with the Kirkintilloch Herald to publicise the consultation for Kirkintilloch Town Centre which will lead to a ten/fifteen year plan for the area.  I hope as many people as possible take part and put forward their views.
The presentation I went to last week about the future of the Rail services although interesting did not include extra rail halts or more parking which is desperately needed in Lenzie.  I challenged this and was told if enough of the public raise this it could change the plans.
Budgets are once again being scrutinised to bring millions of pounds worth of savings and cuts.  I know we will try to protect frontline services but that is very difficult when we took so much out last year.
I lobbied strongly at COSLA for us to join together to demand the money which was given to the Scottish Government from Westminster as a result of the Barnett Consequentials.  This was because local councils inEngland were given extra money.  I got agreement from all the other political groups.  This could be over one million pounds extra for East Dunbartonshire.
Enjoyed St. Ninian's school prizegiving and was very impressed by their confidence and friendly attitude which I think emphasises the atmosphere of the school.

As always, if there any areas you have concerns about please email me at:
rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

Rhondda

September Newsletter

Summer holidays are now a distant memory and I have once again been consulting people at many meetings not just arranged by the Council but also through the Voluntary Sector about our budgets.  Over the past few months I have spoken to hundreds of people and listened to their concerns and ideas for the future.

I have also been attending meetings about sharing services with other authorities and making sure our area is getting the best possible settlement by voicing my views at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

The Review of the Labour Party in Scotland has been a huge part of the agenda on the Scottish Executive Committee of the labour party which I sit on.  It has been a difficult process but I do believe what is coming forward will make a difference in Scotland.  The views of members and the Labour Group have been listened to and I think have been incorporated into the report coming forward from Jim Murphy and Sarah Boyack.

Candidates for the next local elections have been selected and we are looking for views on what should be included in our manifesto.  Please let me know your thoughts mindful that the budget pressures are ongoing.  We still want to make sure our promises are your priorities.

Over the next few months I will be speaking at a number of meetings outlining what I do and also what the council is facing.  I am always happy to come along to any organisation and do that as I do think it helps me to hear peoples questions and perhaps allay their fears.  Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to invite me along to your meeting.

As always, if there any areas you have concerns about please email me at:
rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

Rhondda

June 2011:

The Reporter's decision to go against the new Local Plan and release parts of the green belt is a huge disappointment to me and also the local people in Lenzie.   I listened to them recently at a public meeting and know how strongly they feel about this.  The only positive thing is the strengthening of the boundary in any future challenges
I was proud to meet The Duke of Edinburgh at a presentation about the award scheme in our schools and hear about the benefits for our young people.  Support for this work can benefit young people from all areas in so many different ways.
Meeting the Town Hall Preservation Trust to discuss funding for the work needed for the building was disappointing as so far their bids have been unsuccessful.  I know the fact the council has no budget to invest in the building has not helped its condition but with no money forthcoming we have to work together and move forward.  This will be included in the future of the town centre consultation which will start in the autumn.
I invited Gregg McLymont M.P. and Jo Swinson M.P. in to listen to our concerns about the new Welfare Reforms and what the implications are for local people and the increased burden on the council.  Although the Bill has been agreed there is still a lot of work to be done on the details.
A packed hall for an AGM is unusual but C.A.B. achieved that last week and it was good to hear about the amazing work they are doing.  I was priviledged to be asked to speak and I put the question about whether consultation was worthwhile.  No negative comments so hopefully that is a yes.
Enjoyed meeting Jim Murphy last Saturday to put some comments into the review of the Scottish Labour Party election.  There was a lot of lively discussion and I think the results will improve the relationships within the party.
Have been visiting bowling clubs, an athletic club and attended a meeting about the olympic torch carrying next year so it is good to see how young people are becoming more active when encouraged by adults.
I will be raising matters raised by residents when I meet with the police this week.  We will also be talking about the parking problems throughout the area.
When I come back from holiday I will be starting the budget stakeholder consultation meetings which helped form the budget this year.  I hope they are as well attended as last time to help us make these difficult decisions.

As always, if there any areas you have concerns about please email me at:
rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

Rhondda

May 2011:

I was happy to support the work done by Scotrail to make their stations more accessible for those with disability.

Uneven pavements and potholes are a problem everywhere and I have made sure extra money is put into the budget every year to help tackle the problem.  I have also lobbied Government for much needed money for roads in East Dunbartonshire.

Blocked drains can flood local streets and I have made sure work is done as quickly as possible to clear them but if there are more in the area you live please let me know.

A grit bin may help when snow and ice makes it difficult to get out of your street so make sure you apply before the bad weather comes. 

I contact Utilities when I get complaints about unfinished work or abandoned signage.

Neighbourhoods can look neglected when weeds take over but when I get complaints I contact Greenspace or Community Services to improve areas.

Young volunteers are doing some amazing work in our communities and schools which I an always happy to support.

I am always available to meet residents to help solve problems or make sure they are getting the services they need.  Whether it is a repair to your council house or vandalism in your area I will make sure action is taken. My contact details are enclosed or come along to my monthly surgery.

As always, if there any areas you have concerns about please email me at:
rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

Rhondda

28th December 2009

December is nearly over and it is not just the snow and ice, but also the budget that has been difficult this month.  Restructuring the whole Council, while looking at other ways of delivering services, to protect them for the future  is going to be the only way we can make millions of pounds worth of savings, not just this year, but in future years. The Budget for East Dunbartonshire will be announced on 11th February and I will be writing to the Finance Minister making a plea for more funding as our settlement is so bad. 

I have been helping residents get their grit bins filled and reporting areas that have been left untreated by the snow ploughs.  The policy sets out the priorities and every time it snows the vehicles have to go back to the start and redo main routes.  This obviously stops them getting to the built up areas which I know makes it very difficult for everybody. Every year we bring the policy to the council but there is full agreement it is the only sensible way to carry out the gritting.

The manifesto we set in 2007 is being reviewed and Labour councillors will do a report half way through the term on what has been achieved.  It is important that we remember the pledges we made and can be judged on them.  Consultation was and still is very important to us and we will be using your views to help form our budget.

During the year I have been working closely with the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce who are showing the way forward when times are hard.  They are supporting each other not just socially, but also using each others businesses.  I also asked everyone to shop locally when switching on the Christmas lights in Kirkintilloch.  Speaking at Rotary in Bishopbriggs this month I was told what people can do for others when they work together raising funds for those who are in need.  There are so many good examples I have found locally which I think shows we must work together through these difficult times.

School shows are always the highlight of the month and I have enjoyed them so much.  I never forget all the hard work not just from the children, but the coaching from parents and the amazing patience from the staff.  I must also thank the Milngavie Choir for inviting me to their annual carol concert which was magical.

As always, if there any areas you have concerns about please email me at rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

Happy New Year and a healthy peaceful one as well.

Rhondda

3rd October 2009

I have been attending a lot of meetings of The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities over the past few months making sure our views are heard.  The grant this year is looking particularly bad and it is going to be a very difficult time ahead - not just this year but for future years.

It has not all been doom and gloom though. I have also been participating in the opening of six brand new secondary schools.  They are amazing and I have enjoyed every one of them, - they are all so different.  The young people and staff are very proud of their new facilities and were overjoyed to be showing us round.  We have also been investing in the two schools which were not replaced - last week I visited Lenzie to see their new social and dining area.

The Social Care charges are now introduced although we have reduced the rate and improved charging for couples.  The warden charges are not going ahead as we found there were just too many unanswered problems.  There will now be a review of the whole service.  We proved we do listen and take action.

The Keys for the new Health and Care Centre were handed over to me, as Leader of the Council, In August and the building will be open to the public this month.  It is a lovely new facility in Townhead which brings health and social work together in one building.

The chairman of the SPT, Councillor Alastair Watson, and I have regular meetings to discuss bus and rail problems.  It is becoming more obvious to us that bringing back the previous legislation is the only way to protect bus services in the furture.

Recently I have been out and about on my regular walkabout with the police , visiting areas where there are known problems. This has worked well in the past, resulting in ways to make areas more visible and reassuring residents.

Today, I attended the Annual Tenant Event to meet tenants and listen to their questions.  We were all impressed by the new kitchens and other ongoing capital improvements to the houses.

As always, if there any areas you have concerns about please email me at rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

Rhondda

27th July 2009

I have been burying time capsules at the schools which are about to open - a
new experience for me. The senior pupils enjoyed being part of the occasion
as they will have left before the new schools open. All six secondary schools
will be ready for August and they all look amazing.

An application has been submitted for Town Centre Regeneration money for
Kirkintilloch. There is a lot of competition for this funding but the bid was
strong and the announcement should be made at the end of July. The money
would boost the ongoing work in the town. I'll keep you informed.

The new Integrated Health Centre is nearly complete and I am looking
forward to receiving the Key in the next few weeks. It is another
successful project for the Kirkintilloch Initiative and I am proud to have
been involved with the Initiative from the start.

Work is ongoing for The Canal Festival at the end of August. It won an
international award which shows it is a huge achievement for the team. I will
be opening the day of Fun on the Sunday and hope to see a huge crowd once
again. If you've never been, why not come along? You'll enjoy it.

The police have been notified of all the areas I am concerned about because of
underage drinking. The Superintendant meets with me regularly and I hope we
can help resolve some of the problems. Are there any areas you have concerns
about? If so please email me at rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

I visited the flats at Townhead after drainage problems were brought to my
attention. I took a team of officers with me and they are now working on the
problem. The shops below the houses are also involved so it is a blockage
which has built up over some time. As the local Councillor I like to visit and
familiarise with problems - it is easier to try to solve complaints when you
have first hand knowledge.

I attended two award ceremonies for primary and secondary children who had
taken part in major achievements outwith their schools. It was amazing to
find out how many varied activites they took part in. Two wonderful evenings.

The very last Kirkintilloch High School show, before the move to the new
school, was a triumph and not a little emotional.

I was proud to take part in Veterans' Day which was organised by the British
Legion and involved cadets, from all the Services, raising the special flag.

As always, if there any areas you have concerns about please email me at:
rhondda.geekie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk.

Rhondda