Training Places Boosted by Labour Led Falkirk Council

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�� LABOUR-led�� Falkirk Council has � unemployment�� is a real concern and we � ��Cllr Martin said: “Helping young people� �� thrown�� a lifeline to the district’s � want�� to do all we can to help. Our extra � ��gain a foothold on to the labour market� has �� young�� people. � money�� will target up to 80 young people � ��long been a priority for Falkirk Council’s � ��In its budget for the next year, the � in�� the 20-24 age range. We’re also working� ��Employment and Training Unit (ETU). With� Council�� is spending an extra £850,000 to � with�� Forth Valley College to target a further� ��the under 25 age group currently quoted � boost�� its efforts to help more people get 220�� young people to improve their skills � ��as the worst affected by the recession it’s� into�� work and training. � and�� make them ready for the world of work. ��good to know that we are achieving a high� ��The new money will increase the � That’s�� additional support for 300 people.”� ��level of success, none of which would� have numbers�� of young trainees the Council ��The Council’s award-winning � ��been possible without the support of local� supports�� to just under 1000 in the next� Employment�� and Training Unit will co- � ��employers, working in partnership with the year.�� ordinate�� the support, in association with a ��ETU.” To find out more,� visit ��Council leader Craig Martin said: “Rising range�� of public and private sector partners. � ��www.falkirk.gov.uk/backingfalkirksfuture Bid to protect frontline services from public sector cuts Labour’s plan to create BUDGET TO HELP 5000 jobs AROUND 5000 jobs could be created if COMMUNITIES Labour’s plans for massive investment in THE LABOUR leader of Falkirk Council says his rather than the question of jobs, or eradicating Falkirk district are realised. team has worked hard to protect communities poverty.” He added: “Our priority isn’t to talk from cuts. about referendums, but to talk about how we help It wants to use a new fi nancing system Cllr Craig Martin said senior councillors those most in need. We have placed additional called “TIF” to pump cash into new roads have worked to identify backroom savings and resources in key areas such as tackling youth and infrastructure in the area. If approved, effi ciencies, against a backdrop of “real terms” unemployment and increasing employability skills Labour-led Falkirk Council would be able reductions in grant from the SNP Government in of young people, improving roads, expanding our to keep extra rates cash generated by Holyrood. The vast bulk of local authority funding welfare advice service and enhancing early years’ new inward investment (usually paid to comes via the Scottish Parliament. education. Cllr Martin said: “In councils similar to Falkirk, “School meals and meals on wheels charges the Scottish Government) to help fi nance we’ve seen the SNP slash teacher numbers and are also being frozen and we are abolishing the improvements. propose the privatisation of care homes and pest control charges for households. We are The Council’s schools. continually looking at reducing costs across economic strategy “In Falkirk district, we’ve had to make the Council – but at the same time protecting and development tough choices, but we’ve had no compulsory frontline services and jobs. Labour is committed convener, Labour’s redundancies and no closures of public facilities. to doing the best it can for local communities, not Adrian Mahoney, said: That’s something we’re proud of.” dancing to the tune set by the SNP Government.” “Falkirk district is the Unveiling the Council’s £344 million revenue economic powerhouse budget for the coming year, Mr Martin said the of Scotland. A huge Council had been forced to make £8 million of SNP squeeze amount of potential cuts to deliver the SNP’s Council Tax freeze. for development Ministers had threatened that any council trying to break the freeze would lose even more exists to grow key on Councils money. Labour has called the move “blackmail”. sectors such as chemicals, manufacturing Cllr Martin said the Council’s focus on the LABOUR local’s government spokeswoman, Sarah and logistics. But we need better roads and coming year would be to help the most vulnerable Boyack MSP, says the SNP are putting a squeeze infrastructure to help us to do this. The TIF in society, putting extra resources into helping on Scottish councils. model is a great way to lever in public and unemployed people and recruiting welfare Speaking in the Scottish Parliament she said: private sector investment, to help grow advisers. New “nurture groups” will also be set up “In its {Holyrood} budget, the SNP has allocated our business base – and to make the area in schools with a high percentage of vulnerable council cuts that are twice the level of the cuts that more attractive to industry. We think we children. And an extra £500,000 will go into the Scottish Government has received from the can create 5000 local jobs through this improving local roads - including moves to reduce United Kingdom Tory Government. initiative.” potholes. “That will mean a squeeze on local services, job There will also be cash to make community losses and increased charges for services, which enhancements. Labour plugged spending gaps will impact particularly hard on people on low or by implementing effi ciencies and calling on modest incomes. As councils throughout Scotland Best possible start “prudent” levels of Council reserves. set their budgets and as local people look at the Cllr Martin said: “Last July Alex Salmond small print and hold them to account for their fl itted around from TV studio to radio broadcast priorities, we should let them know that the LABOUR has worked hard to ensure that down south demanding that the UK Government squeeze on local government services was made in children and young people across Falkirk introduce his so called ‘Plan McB’. Now, with Scotland by the SNP. The SNP Government took District can get the best possible start in the worst unemployment fi gures - above the a cut from the UK Tory Government, doubled it life: through increased childcare places, UK average - and a damning report on child and then passed it on to councils.” improved attainment at school and new poverty in Scotland, all the appearances in front school buildings. We’ve invested extra of camera are about the referendum question, Find out more: visit www.scottishlabour.org.uk money into improving parks and play equipment - and attracted external support QUOTE to roll out new multi-use games areas (or MUGAs) in every ward of the Council area. ‘We are continually looking at reducing costs Caring for you across the Council - but at the same time LABOUR-led Falkirk Council provides good protecting frontline services and jobs . . . quality care to almost 2000 people at home. Although the economic climate has Labour is committed to doing the best it can been tough, the Council has continued to deliver increased hours of care in the evenings and weekends. for local communities, not dancing to Charges for care services have been kept low (the Council charges some of the the tune set by the SNP government.’ lowest fees in Scotland). CLLR CRAIG MARTIN, LABOUR LEADER OF FALKIRK COUNCIL ELECTION SPECIAL . . . CANDIDATES IN DETAIL We profi le Scottish Labour’s 16 men and women who will be fi ghting for your votes in the Falkirk Council elections on May 3, 2012.

WARD 1 - BO’NESS AND BLACKNESS

NAME: David Aitchison LABOUR’S TEAM ADDRESS: 6 Douglas Place, Bo’ness AGE: 44 FAMILY: Single FOR MAY 3 POLL BIOGRAPHY: David has lived in Bo’ness all his life. He attended Kinneil Primary NAME: Adrian Mahoney ADRIAN SAYS: “I’ve been proud to represent and Bo’ness Academy, leaving in 1984 to work at ADDRESS: 5 Craigallan Park, Bo’ness and Blackness since 2007. I’m very Smith Packaging. Bo’ness active in my community and roll up my sleeves AGE: 43 and get involved in trying to improve people’s After studying Social Care at Stevenson College, FAMILY: Single. lives wherever I can. he has worked most of his adult life in the care sector i.e. 13 years with Capability Scotland and BIOGRAPHY: Born in 1968, Adrian “These have been tough times for the Council, but then with Visualise, a charity for people with grew up in Bo’ness, and attended Deanburn we’ve still been able to deliver regeneration in visual and learning disabilities. Primary and Bo’ness Academy. After studying Bo’ness town centre, opened the Hippodrome, and Journalism at Napier College, Edinburgh, he improved local parks and the Recreation Centre. Currently he is a Day Centre Offi cer with West joined the staff of The Falkirk Herald. In 1991 Lothian Council, working with adults with he became one of its youngest chief reporters. “If elected, I want to continue to drive the area learning/physical disabilities. A strong Bo’ness In 1999 he launched his own award-winning PR forward, working hard to promote tourism and United fan, he also supports junior football business, which he still runs. He was elected as encourage new jobs to the area. and David wants to become a trustee of a new a community councillor in 2005 and became a charitable trust being set up to develop Newtown Labour member of Falkirk Council in 2007. “Bo’ness and Blackness is a great place to live, Park for the club and for the wider community. work and do business. With your help it can be David also volunteers as a befriender/advocate. Currently he is Depute Leader of the Council, even better.” chairs the Leisure, Tourism and Community DAVID SAYS: “If elected, I will lobby for more Committee, and the Economic Strategy and social housing in Bo’ness and I want to see the Development Committee. Keep in touch with the regeneration of the Harbour go ahead. I will also work tirelessly to ensure our community continues He also serves on the Boards of Falkirk candidates and read to off er the best possible employment, learning Community Trust and Friends of Kinneil. Away our manifesto online at and leisure opportunities as well as quality from politics, he enjoys local history, travel and services for people of all ages.” photography. www.falkirklabour.org.uk WARD 2 - GRANGEMOUTH QUOTE

NAME: Allyson Black ‘These 16 outstanding candidates are ADDRESS: 6 Maryflats Place, Grangemouth committed to involving local people in FAMILY: Single with a grown-up son. making local decisions about how to BIOGRAPHY: Allyson has lived in Grangemouth for 22 years. She was a staff continue to improve council services.’ nurse working in the NHS for 18 years and then worked in Cunningham House. She volunteered with Grangemouth Citizens’ Advice Bureau, and LABOUR has announced its list of candidates for the Falkirk Council now serves on their Board. Allyson lobbied elections on May 3. The team of 16 includes five women, four new successfully to make affordable heating a top candidates, and the return of one long-standing former councillor. priority for the council. She is pleased that new council houses are being built for the first time in decades and looks forward to more houses being Margaret Doran, chair of Linlithgow and East Falkirk Constituency built on the Grangemouth High site. As well as Labour Party, said: “Labour councillors in Falkirk have achieved much providing much needed homes, the Council is determined that house building will continue to in the past five years, despite an SNP government who continue to create growth and jobs. The extension to nursery freeze and squeeze local authority budgets whilst centralising more provision at Inchrya Nursery and Beancross power in Edinburgh. These 16 outstanding candidates are committed to Primary, were welcomed by Allyson, but she will continue to campaign for better nursery provision involving local people in making local decisions about how to continue especially so that more single parent families can to improve council services.” be helped back to work. Allyson enjoys being a street pastor and walking and socialising with Martin Murray, chair of Falkirk Constituency Labour Party, said: “I friends. would hope that the Labour Party will retain control of the Council ALLYSON SAYS: “‘Grangemouth has a close-knit, as a bastion of local democracy, faced with the SNP’s increasing caring and hard-working community. I want to centralisation of power in Edinburgh. In light of the council tax continue to do my utmost to make the town a cleaner, safer, and more attractive place in which freeze reducing local accountability, and reducing services, while to live.” disproportionately benefiting the rich, we need champions who will put the people of Falkirk Council before separatist and centralist dogma. NAME: Joan Paterson Our candidates give the public that chance.” ADDRESS: 28 Craigleith Road, Grangemouth FAMILY: Mother of three grown- up children, Sean, Sandy and Siobhan. and was also a member of the Bankier Sports WARD 3 - DENNY AND BANKNOCK Centre steering group set up by local residents to BIOGRAPHY: Born Joan Coombes, Joan was generate funding to build a much-needed centre brought up in a close family in Grangemouth. NAME: Jim Blackwood for the area. After attending local schools, she left school to ADDRESS: 1 Watson Place, work at Johnsons and Paton in Dalgrain Road. Dennyloanhead In 2007 he was elected as the Labour candidate After marrying in 1980, Joan took time out to AGE: 61 to represent Ward 3 within Falkirk Council. raise a family of three. Not content with staying FAMILY: Married with three During his term of office he has held the position at home, she became Tupperware’s top regional children and six grandchildren. of convener of the Housing and Social Care manager. During the 1990s she became a well Committee and vice-convener of Central Scotland known face in the town, hosting many fund- BIOGRAPHY: Born in Glasgow in 1950. Lived in Police Board. He enjoys relaxing with his grand raising events. When it was time to get back to Banknock, firstly at 1 Loganlee, before moving to children, enjoys reading, and tries to keep fit at full-time work, Joan joined the team at Callendar 24 Glenview Avenue in 1956. the gym. House as a costumed interpreter. Joan also worked in the new Thomas Cook call centre in Larbert, as Attended Banknock Primary School and Denny JIM SAYS: “I take great pride in my community and well as management roles at Holiday Hypermarket High School. Left school in 1965 to work in wish to see it continue to prosper.” and First Choice in Stirling. Joan then joined GS the John G. Stein Brickwork at Allandale, as a Mutch Stationery as a business development production clerk. Jim moved on to Burrough’s NAME: Terrie Hay manager, looking after local businesses. This Machines in Cumbernauld, followed by a spell at ADDRESS: 51 Braes View, Denny gave her good experience in the difficulties the Lovable Bra Company in Wardpark. In 1976, AGE: 24 that local businesses face. As a mother, Joan is he moved to Devro, at the firm’s Moodiesburn well aware of the need for quality childcare and plant. He was employed as a process control BIOGRAPHY: Terrie has lived education for children and young people. Joan’s operator until his early retirement in March in the Falkirk area all her life, interests include music, walking and travelling. 2007. During his work with Devro he was the moving to Denny when she was shop steward for 29 years and union convener six years old. She attended Nethermains Primary JOAN SAYS: “I’m a proud Portonian. I love living for 25 years. As a member of the Transport School and then Denny High School. In her spare in this town and I want to give the people of and General Workers’ Union, he served on their time she helped out by teaching PE to younger Grangemouth plenty of reasons to feel the regional committee, chaired the regional food children. She also played football for the Falkirk same way. I will fight for jobs, high quality drink and tobacco committee and chaired the Girls’ Football Team. After leaving school, she childcare and education and a vibrant town Glasgow district committee. He served on the graduated with a BA Honours in History from the centre.” Banknock, Haggs & Longcroft Community Council University of Stirling. Terrie has worked for the WARD 3 - DENNY AND BANKNOCK (cont.) and community safety. Previously, depute leader WARD 6 - FALKIRK NORTH of the Council. He has spent 35 years working in the community – through the local youth club, PTA Department for Work and Pensions in various and gala days. He is also supportive of the groups NAME: Craig R Martin positions, including a spell at JobCentre Plus. She Braveheart and the British Heart Foundation. ADDRESS: 39 Park Road feels this has helped her understand some of the Away from the Council he works as a window AGE: 27 challenges facing people who are unemployed. cleaner. During a 30 year spell he has built up a FAMILY: married, father of one Terrie is a member of PCS Trade Union and has wide knowledge of the area. held numerous positions within the local Labour BIOGRAPHY: Craig is a born and Party, totally committed to improving the lives of CHARLES SAYS: “It has given me great pleasure bred Falkirk bairn, growing up in those challenged by the local economic climate. to serve my constituents in the ward for the last Carronshore and now living in New Carron Village. She is currently secretary of her local Labour Party nine years. I endeavour to do my best for all my Craig has been a local councillor since 2007, branch. Outwith politics, she is interested in local constituents.” whilst also completing a doctorate in Chemistry history and sport. at the University of Glasgow. He graduated in 2007. Craig has worked since the age of 16, WARD 5 - BONNYBRIDGE & LARBERT TERRIE SAYS: “I want to see the best for our working for five years at Pizza Hut in Falkirk and community. I also want to make a contribution for 18 months at FujiFilm in Grangemouth. He which will improve people’s lives in the area. NAME: Linda Gow is committed to lifelong learning and is a great Also, I will bring the voice of young people to the ADDRESS: 30 Parkend Crescent, believer in creating opportunities for people to Council, if elected.” Shieldhill. continue their learning after leaving school. Craig FAMILY: Married with two children has just become a father to Craig Michael Martin. WARD 4 - CARSE, KINNAIRD & TRYST and three grandchildren. His wife, Helen, works as a senior official at the Scottish Trade Union Congress. Craig is a Falkirk season ticket holder and enjoys playing as well as NAME: Craig Martin BIOGRAPHY: Linda has been a watching football. ADDRESS: 27 North Main Street, Labour Councillor since 1995. Her previous Carronshore employment included working in residential CRAIG SAYS: “There have been real improvements AGE: 49 childcare for Central Regional Council and six to the ward. We have built new council houses FAMILY: Married to Senga. The years as a local youth worker working with local at Bainsford and Langlees, new play parks at couple have three children teenagers. Langlees and Victoria parks, and massively - Donna, 28, Craig, 27 and Vania, increased apprenticeship numbers in Falkirk. I 10. The couple also have four grandchildren. Linda has held the post of Leader of the Council and has represented the Council at a national want to continue that progress if I am re-elected.” BIOGRAPHY: Craig has lived in Carronshore for level as secretary of the Labour Group on the NAME: Pat Reid almost 30 years. He has represented the local Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). ADDRESS: 10 Braeview, community since 1998, when he won a by- Laurieston election in Carronshore. He was a local community She also served as Falkirk Council’s representative FAMILY: Pat is married to Sandra, activist prior to becoming a councillor and served on Forth Valley Health Board. Linda is proud of with four children and seven on many local groups. Craig takes great pride job creation in Falkirk through apprenticeships and grandchildren. in representing his community. As the current Falkirk Council’s success in attracting business to Leader of Falkirk Council, he is passionate about the area. BIOGRAPHY: Pat was born in Falkirk – home to social justice and creating a “Fairer Falkirk” by his family for several generations. Educated helping the most vulnerable in society, ensuring She also recognises that more needs to be done in Falkirk and Glasgow, he had a career in local services provide high quality support and advice. and is keen that Labour wins the election to government finance and administration in He is also a strong supporter of the local business continue what it has started. Linda worked with Falkirk, apart from spells in Canada, Glasgow and community and was previously the Council’s others to see the successful completion of Larbert Callendar Park of Education. Pat was elected as a economic development convener. As Leader Village Primary and the refurbishment of the councillor in 2004 then re-elected in 2007 when of the Council, Craig has been instrumental in Bonnybridge Community Centre. he was appointed Provost. driving improvements throughout the Falkirk area. He has been particularly keen to ensure LINDA SAYS: “We have achieved much in Falkirk Pat is a great believer in working in partnership that the Council works with partners in creating - and in the face of stringent budgets. Labour with others (at Council level and in communities) job opportunities for people of all ages, with councillors will do their utmost to protect frontline to develop policies for the betterment of the lives a particular emphasis on reducing youth services for the people of Falkirk district.” of people in the Falkirk area. unemployment. He enjoys meeting and listening to people of all CRAIG SAYS: “It has been an honour representing QUOTE ages and backgrounds and giving freely of his my community. So much has been done, but there time to try and help wherever possible. is still a lot to do in my own area – and across the ‘In the face of Away from politics, he enjoys supporting Falkirk Falkirk area. As far as I’m concerned, I represent FC, local history, music, walking, reading and the best area of Falkirk.” stringent budgets, family pursuits. NAME: Charles MacDonald Labour councillors PAT SAYS: “It is a great privilege to represent ADDRESS: 8 Quarrolhall Crescent, the people in Ward 6 and across the Council area. Carronshore will do their utmost There is still, of course, a lot of work to be done AGE: 53 to improve the quality of life for everyone and FAMILY: Married to Elizabeth I would welcome the opportunity to again work for 34 years. They have three to protect frontline hard with others toward this end.” grown-up children – Gordon, Diane and Robert. The couple also have seven services for the grandchildren. citizens of Falkirk.’ Read our manifesto online at BIOGRAPHY: Charles has been a councillor for nine years. He is currently convener of environment www.falkirklabour.org.uk Community Education Association. He has also WARD 7 - FALKIRK SOUTH WARD 8 - LOWER BRAES helped fundraise for a variety of community groups. Away from politics, John enjoys playing NAME: Dennis Goldie NAME: Alan Nimmo dominoes and travelling Scotland to supporting ADDRESS: Carradale, Cottage ADDRESS: 27 Grangeburn Road, his daughter, attending all of her stage dance Crescent, Camelon Grangemouth competitions and performances. John works hard FAMILY: Married with two children AGE: 48 for the Braes communities: e.g. new combi boiler and two grandsons. FAMILY: Married to Val. Has a systems; ensuring roads remain open during the daughter, Jade (20) and a son, winter and promoting core paths networks to BIOGRAPHY: Dennis was previously Taylor (16). connect the village. a councillor for 27 years. During that time he was elected Provost three times and also served as BIOGRAPHY: Alan is currently a full-time JOHN SAYS: “My priority is to continue to improve the Leader of the Council, driving improvements councillor, He is also Convener of Central Scotland the quality of life in our communities. This for the people of the Falkirk area. Prior to serving Joint Fire and Rescue Board. Alan worked includes fi ghting for better bus services and as a councillor, he worked in the local British previously for 28 years as a civil servant. He was gas provision in the villages. If re-elected, I will Aluminium plant and served as the trade union also a special constable with Central Scotland continue to strive hard to get the very best for my representative. Dennis stood twice for election Police for a number of years. Alan has worked community as a full-time councillor.” at the Scottish Parliament elections. Dennis has hard to make a diff erence in the communities he set up local Gala Day groups, Senior Citizens’ Clubs represents, especially in housing matters and NAME: Rosemary Dean Murray and Area Watch Committees. He has campaigned trying to solve anti-social behaviour problems. ADDRESS: 39 Kennedy Way, Airth tirelessly for people who are vulnerable and on Alan believes in working with the community AGE: 48 issues which have aff ected his local community and with partner services such as the police or FAMILY: Married over the years i.e. in education, social work, working with council offi cers to address local leisure and tourism and particularly economic community concerns. BIOGRAPHY: Born in Falkirk development. He has always been keen to focus in 1963, Rosemary attended the Council and partners on the creation of jobs ALAN SAYS: “Over the last fi ve years I have dealt schools in Grangemouth and Falkirk. She and training opportunities for people in the Falkirk with many enquiries on your behalf and resolved studied Occupational Therapy at Queen Margaret area. issues for you. As your Labour Councillor, I prefer University, graduating in 1984 and later gaining a the personal approach and deal with all enquiries BSc (Hons) degree with the Open University, and DENNIS SAYS: “I want to once again use my in a confi dential manner. No problem is too small. then a post graduate qualifi cation in Community experience to work with people of Falkirk South Some SNP Councillors will just give you a Council Care from Stirling University. to ensure that we bring local employment to the phone number and expect you to do all the hard area and that we put resources in place to care for work. Not me. I am looking for your continued Rosemary has over 20 years’ experience of the most vulnerable in our area.” support in the forthcoming Falkirk Council delivering community care services. She worked elections. Please vote Labour and help to continue for Central Regional Council and for 10 years NAME: Gerry Goldie the good work of the last fi ve years.” in Falkirk Council particularly in the Braes, ADDRESS: 16 Carmuirs Street, Falkirk, Bonnybridge and Denny areas. Her role Camelon has involved adapting houses and providing FAMILY: Married with four WARD 9- UPPER BRAES equipment to assist people with disabilities. She children and six granddaughters. is well aware of the challenges facing people who NAME: John McLuckie live, work and travel to and from the Braes. BIOGRAPHY: Gerry has been ADDRESS: 11 Rashiehill Road, a councillor for over 30 years and is a former Slamannan, Falkirk Rosemary currently manages a team of convener of Environmental Health, Housing and AGE: 57 occupational therapists in West Lothian Council Social Work Committees. Previously, he was FAMILY: Father of four. John has (the service has attained Charter Mark and also Depute Leader of Falkirk Council. In his fi ve Grandchildren Customer Service Excellence awards). committee work and local community work, Gerry has been instrumental in working with others BIOGRAPHY: Born in 1954, John McLuckie grew A former carer herself, she is committed to to create jobs in the retail sector and developed up in both Slamannan and Limerigg, attending supporting carers and those with a disability and other job opportunities for people in the Falkirk Slamannan Primary School and Woodlands High mental health problems in particular. Outside of area. He has contributed ideas which have driven School. He studied as an apprentice in mechanical politics Rosemary is a keen environmentalist, and numerous improvements in local housing, roads engineering at ICI Grangemouth while attending enjoys photography, swimming and walking her and infrastructure and youth employment. Prior both Park Street and Falkirk Colleges. A few years dog. to being a councillor, Gerry worked locally in the after qualifying, he moved to Carron Foundry, then building trade and latterly with the Wrangler started contract work at the BP. John eventually ROSEMARY SAYS: “With over two decades of Company in Camelon. found a job he really enjoyed . . . as a joiner. helping people of all ages, I would welcome the opportunity of being able to do so as a councillor GERRY SAYS: “My priorities locally are an In 2007, he was elected as a councillor, in the Braes area. I feel I can bring something extension to the play provision in the Easter representing the Upper Braes. John had of value to communities, especially with my Carmuirs area and investment in the Hallglen previously spent 15 years as a community activist experience of local government services, health Sports Centre with services tailored to meet local - chairing a Community Council and being involved services and working with people who are carers needs.” in an environmental group and Slamannan and with people who are vulnerable. I know I can make a diff erence - by listening to and working for the Braes communities.” REMEMBER TO VOTE USING NUMBERS ON MAY 3

The Falkirk Council elections on Thursday, May 3, will use the new Council voting system. Promoted by IAN PEATTIE on behalf of The Scottish Labour You’llYou’ll be askedasked ttoo rrankank the candidacandidatestes in numerical ororderder - nnumberumber 1 Party, both at Room 6, 5 Kerse Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8HQ being your ﬁ rst choice, number 2 your second and printed by Trinity Mirror Printing Ltd, Stanley Boulevard, Hamilton Int Tech Park, Blantyre, G72 0BN. choice, and so on. Do not use an “X” to vote. 1 To ﬁ nd out more visit: Candidate name Keep in touch at www.falkirklabour.org.uk. www.falkirklabour.org.uk Email us at: falkirklabour.org.uk IMPROVING OUR SNP waste plan upsets TOWN CENTRES residents FALKIRK Council’s environment convener says the SNP Government is forcing the local authority to roll-out a controversial separate “food waste” collection scheme.

Labour Councillor Charles MacDonald (pictured above) says the area already has one of the highest recycling rates in Scotland – but asking householders to ABOVE: An artist’s impression of what the revitalised Denny town centre could look like and separate out their food waste may be a (bottom left) how the centre looks today. Bottom right: step too far. Bo’ness Town Centre - revitalised through a heritage improvement scheme. Labour would like to start a “Thanks to the support of the public, similar scheme in Falkirk. we’ve had increasing recycling rates in this area. That’s great and I hope we can recycle even more. However, I have real concerns about asking people to take on another bin and separate out food waste. It may be a bin too many for some residents.”

Councillor MacDonald said the Council had no option but to introduce the controversial collection. However, the local authority could allow residents to “opt out”.

The food waste collections will be TOWN centres are at the heart of our commu- The Council’s Labour leader, Craig Martin, introduced in April in the following nities. Regeneration during good times is hard admitted regeneration, in the current climate, was areas: Denny/Dunipace; Dennyloanhead/ enough – but it’s even tougher during a recession. difficult. Cllr Martin said: “Before 2007, the SNP Head of Muir; Banknock/Bonnybridge; When a private developer failed to progress the promised a lot to local people. But their plans Camelon/New Carron/Carron; multi-million revamp of Denny Town Centre, the were built on selling homes in a rising property Carronshore/Airth/Letham; Larbert/ Labour-led Falkirk Council stepped in. market to fund improvements. That isn’t there Stenhousemuir; South Alloa/Dunmore; Hated 1960s blocks are being brought down any more. That said, we’ve delivered regeneration Langlees/Bainsford and Torwood this and being replaced with a new town centre, aimed in Stenhousemuir, revitalised Bo’ness through Spring. Residents affected are being at bringing pride into Denny. As “The Local a townscape heritage initiative and want to do a sent letters to tell them more. Voice” goes to print, the local community is be- similar scheme in Falkirk. In Grangemouth – and ing consulted on plans for the new town centre. across our district centres – we’ve seen public Councillor MacDonald said: “People have Denny Labour Councillor Jim Blackwood said: realm improvements paid for through the Town “We said we would deliver regeneration in Denny Centre Regeneration Fund. That’s money Labour already started blaming the Council, – and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do. We’ll pressed for in the Scottish Parliament. In addition, but we’re being forced into this extra create a new library, units for retailers, as well as we’ve rolled out training for retailers to help them collection on the orders of the SNP a new town square, parking and public realm im- deal with the tough times. Despite the economic Government. New waste treatment provements. We’re also marketing Denny to bring problems, we’re committed to doing all we can to facilities, such as the one at Avondale, extra shops into the town centre.” help our town centres flourish.” can actually separate out food waste from other materials. But that doesn’t Building new homes for rent seem to be good enough for the SNP. “If residents object to collecting food UNDER Labour, Falkirk Council has been build- for rent. And each year we spend around £50 mil- waste – in a new container to be stored ing new homes for rent. Summer 2012 will see lion maintaining and improving tenants’ homes. indoors – they can ‘opt out’ of the the completion of 132 properties across Falkirk “Under Labour, we’ve introduced a home insula- scheme.” district. This total will grow to 318 over the next tion service and started a successful small repairs two years. Labour’s Allyson Black says: “We believe and handyman service for more vulnerable house- Full details are on the Council website that warm, comfortable and affordable homes are holders. If re-elected in May, we’ll be doing all we – www.falkirk.gov.uk fundamental for good health and well-being. Over can to build more houses and make our current the next three years, the Council is projected to housing stock even better for our tenants.” spend around £38.6 million building new homes Council house rents freeze, see back page. Promoted by IAN PEATTIE on behalf of The Scottish�� Labour Party, both at Room 6, 5 Kerse Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8HQ and� �� printed by Trinity�� Mirror Printing�� Ltd, Stanley Boulevard, Hamilton Int Tech Park, Blantyre, G72 0BN.�

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Also visit us at: �� www.bonesslabour.org.uk and www.grangemouthlabour.org.uk Promoted�� by IAN PEATTIE on behalf of The Scottish Labour Party, both at Room 6, 5 Kerse Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8HQ and printed by Trinity Mirror � Printing�� Ltd, Stanley Boulevard, Hamilton Int Tech Park, Blantyre, G72 0BN. �

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