It's been an eventful day in the Drum Brae / Gyle election contest.
As I blogged last Wednesday, SNP Candidate Elaine Morris announced her intention to withdraw from the contest due to ill health. The Evening News today run with the story which contained the names of the TWO candidates selected to replace her.
Hoping across town after being de-selected from his Pentland's seat is Cllr Ron Cairns and joining him in the Nats corner is Alison Lindsay, who was previously a Cllr in Clackmannanshire from 1999-2003 and has stood (and stood down) in previous Holyrood elections.
The Greens have also announced their intention to seek election and have selected seasoned campaigner Linda Hendry who stood in the 1992 General Election in Edinburgh West gaining 0.5% of the vote and was 4th on their 2011 Holyrood Election Central Region List.
Lib Dems Cllr Robert Aldridge is the only incumbent looking to retain their seat (well, in this ward anyway!) and also standing is Labour's Karen Keil. There's still a couple of weeks for others to put their hats in the ring...
Oh, and there of course is me! I'll be concentrating on my campaign as normal, fighting the cause for the citizens of Drum Brae / Gyle as I have done with much enjoyment & success so far since my selection.
Blogger Dan Phillips has posted another piece on what could be one of the more interesting wards come the count at Meadowbank on May 4th.
Showing posts with label Vote Brown 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vote Brown 2012. Show all posts
Monday, 5 March 2012
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
SNP grant cuts force Lothian Buses to put fares up
Bus fares in the capital are being put up and local services being axed as Lothian Buses struggles with cuts in government funding.
Lothian Buses services are being axed after the SNP Government announced plans to cut the Bus Service Operators Grant. The grant was originally intended to benefit bus users and compensate firms for rises in fuel duty and has become a real lifeline to local bus services, particularly in rural areas.
These SNP cuts combined with a new way of calculating the payments, have resulted in fare increases and service withdrawals serving Drum Brae / Gyle.
The 48 & X48 are being withdrawn and I know that many local people, particularly those who do not drive, rely on these services to travel to work or to visit friends and family.
Bus fares in Edinburgh are going up from March 4th.
The cost of a single journey for adults on Lothian Buses will rise by more than 7% to £1.40, whilst a day ticket will go up from £3.20 to £3.50. The annual price of the Ridacard bus pass is set to go up by £36 to £612.
Student, child, Airlink and night bus fares will not be put up.
The SNP Government needs to get a grip of their priorities and seriously consider reversing these cuts. Local bus operators are already struggling to maintain services in the face of sky-high fuel prices and a number of other pressures on their budgets.
Whilst this money was originally intended as a means of sheltering local bus firms – and therefore bus passengers – from rising fuel prices, the Scottish Government has broken the link to fuel duty going up, allowing them to introduce cuts such as we are seeing now.
Changes to the mechanism used to calculate payments will also lead to discrepancies between rural and urban areas. Because of the way these payments are made, in some areas the cuts could be nearer to 40%.
It is time the SNP realised the damage these cuts will cause to local communities and reversed their decision.
A statement from Ian Craig, Managing Director of Lothian Buses has been posted on the company's website: "We endeavour to keep ticket prices as low as possible but this is an extremely challenging time for everyone. As with the majority of public transport providers, we have had to review our prices as a result of government funding cuts and rising operating costs."
Lothian Buses services are being axed after the SNP Government announced plans to cut the Bus Service Operators Grant. The grant was originally intended to benefit bus users and compensate firms for rises in fuel duty and has become a real lifeline to local bus services, particularly in rural areas.
These SNP cuts combined with a new way of calculating the payments, have resulted in fare increases and service withdrawals serving Drum Brae / Gyle.
The 48 & X48 are being withdrawn and I know that many local people, particularly those who do not drive, rely on these services to travel to work or to visit friends and family.
Bus fares in Edinburgh are going up from March 4th.
The cost of a single journey for adults on Lothian Buses will rise by more than 7% to £1.40, whilst a day ticket will go up from £3.20 to £3.50. The annual price of the Ridacard bus pass is set to go up by £36 to £612.
Student, child, Airlink and night bus fares will not be put up.
The SNP Government needs to get a grip of their priorities and seriously consider reversing these cuts. Local bus operators are already struggling to maintain services in the face of sky-high fuel prices and a number of other pressures on their budgets.
Whilst this money was originally intended as a means of sheltering local bus firms – and therefore bus passengers – from rising fuel prices, the Scottish Government has broken the link to fuel duty going up, allowing them to introduce cuts such as we are seeing now.
Changes to the mechanism used to calculate payments will also lead to discrepancies between rural and urban areas. Because of the way these payments are made, in some areas the cuts could be nearer to 40%.
It is time the SNP realised the damage these cuts will cause to local communities and reversed their decision.
A statement from Ian Craig, Managing Director of Lothian Buses has been posted on the company's website: "We endeavour to keep ticket prices as low as possible but this is an extremely challenging time for everyone. As with the majority of public transport providers, we have had to review our prices as a result of government funding cuts and rising operating costs."
Monday, 13 February 2012
Drum Brae Community Council Meeting
Tonight saw me head across the road to the Drum Brae Community Council meeting. You really get a sense of community spirit here each month. Another packed room in the Rannoch Centre saw all 3 incumbent Councillors in the one place at the one time. You'd think there was an election coming up or something....
Anyhoo, here are some of the highlights as featured in my live tweet-a-thon using the #DrumbraeCC hashtag:
Good to hear crime down in#DrumBrae#Gyle ward - good work by local Police. ASB a key focus through youth engagement#DrumbraeCC
Exciting times! Audience interaction. All residents present to jot their policing priorities on a post-it note.#DrumbraeCC
Praise for the#drumbraelibraryhub - great facility and well worth the wait. Official opening this Friday at 1pm.#DrumbraeCC
Irresponsible Landlords a big issue at#DrumbraeCC - concerns over owners renting out to 'undesirables'. Letter to@paul_edie on it's way
Cold Calling a big issue in the area. Call for residents to work to get 51% in their area to respond to set up scheme#DrumbraeCC
When are the Council@west_team going to thin the trees in Drumbrae Park, asks one resident.#DrumbraeCC
That's all for tonight's#DrumbraeCC meeting - off home for Lady B's hame made beef n beer with roasties!#nomnomnom
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Early intervention gets dangerous Clermiston Green pothole filled
Following several complaints from residents in the Clermiston area earlier this month over the size of the pothole at Clermiston Green, I took immediate action by informing the Council's Roads Services department on 7th January.
Below is the reply:
from: Annie Bent
to: Mark Brown
date: Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Dear Mr Brown
Thank you for your email. Please accept my apologies for the delay in providing you with an update.
On receipt of your original email the Roads Officer inspected the defects identified in your photos.
Arrangements are being made for repairs to be undertaken.
Kind regards
Annie
--
With the high cost to the Council and taxpayer in pothole compensation claims, prompt attention and hopefully prevention rather than cure can be put into action here.
From the photos, you can see that whilst the reported pothole at the top has been fixed (photo on the right) there is still more work to be done. I will continue to keep the pressure up on the Council to get our roads up to scratch.
Below is the reply:
from: Annie Bent
to: Mark Brown
date: Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Dear Mr Brown
Thank you for your email. Please accept my apologies for the delay in providing you with an update.
On receipt of your original email the Roads Officer inspected the defects identified in your photos.
Arrangements are being made for repairs to be undertaken.
Kind regards
Annie
--
With the high cost to the Council and taxpayer in pothole compensation claims, prompt attention and hopefully prevention rather than cure can be put into action here.
Pressure pays off as Mearenside BusTracker finally reinstated
Where incumbent Councillor pressure has previously failed, I have forced the Council into a dramatic U-turn just weeks after they reported that “We have no plans to replace the Bustracker display at Mearenside”.
Back in mid-December, the Council’sTransport Policy & Planning department advised me that “the cost of repeated repairs is simply not sustainable”. I was therefore delighted to note last week, whilst out and about meeting local residents, that the Bustracker had finally been replaced.
After liaising with the local Safer Neighbourhood Police team regarding the situation, I was advised that from 1st January 2011 the Police had received no reports of vandalism to Maybury Drive or Mearenside relating to the Bustracker vandalism.
I find it odd that the Council had chosen to remove the Bustracker but failed to report any criminal activity to the Police. Only by reporting incidents of vandalism can the Police respond and react.
I am delighted to hear though that our local Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Officer for the area Mark Coull's anti-social behaviour figures are improving in the area over the past few months.
Taking residents issues head on and delivering actions – not words – is key for any aspiring Councillor. I will deliver what I promise and will continue to take up any and all issues on residents behalf.
Back in mid-December, the Council’sTransport Policy & Planning department advised me that “the cost of repeated repairs is simply not sustainable”. I was therefore delighted to note last week, whilst out and about meeting local residents, that the Bustracker had finally been replaced.This is fantastic news for local residents who have been without this service for several months. The Bustracker is a great tool for bus users, particularly when the No.31 can at times be erratic in its timekeeping in relation to the paper timetable.
After liaising with the local Safer Neighbourhood Police team regarding the situation, I was advised that from 1st January 2011 the Police had received no reports of vandalism to Maybury Drive or Mearenside relating to the Bustracker vandalism.
I am delighted to hear though that our local Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Officer for the area Mark Coull's anti-social behaviour figures are improving in the area over the past few months.
Taking residents issues head on and delivering actions – not words – is key for any aspiring Councillor. I will deliver what I promise and will continue to take up any and all issues on residents behalf.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Action Day - Saturday shifts 2,000 leaflets
A great morning of thought provoking chat with Councillors and Candidates was followed by an Action Day in the Drum Brae / Gyle ward as the Vote Brown campaign gathers momentum with just over 100 days to go until voting day.
After a hearty lunch at Maison Broon, it was out and about to let people know exactly what's been happening since the Winter leaflet went out.
With local residents coming on board and joining Team Brown, enthused by the record of action being delivered so far, the campaign is growing from strength to strength every week.
Onwards and upwards.
After a hearty lunch at Maison Broon, it was out and about to let people know exactly what's been happening since the Winter leaflet went out.
With local residents coming on board and joining Team Brown, enthused by the record of action being delivered so far, the campaign is growing from strength to strength every week.
Onwards and upwards.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Meeting up with the ladies of the Craigmount Community Wing 'Thursday Club'
This morning, I was delighted to accept the invitation from the ladies of the Thursday Club, who meet in the Craigmount High School Community Wing, to go along and speak about my campaign and why the electorate of Drum Brae / Gyle should vote for me.
In what was a bitter morning, the heat was on - but thankfully not on me!
After letting the ladies know of my achievements so far on the campaign and what I hope to bring to the ward should the votes go my way on May 3rd, it was a chance for our very own version of Question Time!
The lovely Thursday Club ladies were gentle and I came out of it relatively unscathed - I am not 100% convinced some of the incumbents would have been afforded such a luxury....
Several fundamentally basic provisions for a safer, cleaner and better area were brought to my attention and these will be relayed back to the Council to allow them to make good and rectify.
A fantastic group of ladies, so much so that I was invited to their Burns Supper next Friday!
In what was a bitter morning, the heat was on - but thankfully not on me!
After letting the ladies know of my achievements so far on the campaign and what I hope to bring to the ward should the votes go my way on May 3rd, it was a chance for our very own version of Question Time!
The lovely Thursday Club ladies were gentle and I came out of it relatively unscathed - I am not 100% convinced some of the incumbents would have been afforded such a luxury....
Several fundamentally basic provisions for a safer, cleaner and better area were brought to my attention and these will be relayed back to the Council to allow them to make good and rectify.
A fantastic group of ladies, so much so that I was invited to their Burns Supper next Friday!
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Disabled parking spaces concessions gained for Balfour Court residents
It's been a busy and enjoyable start to the New Year, with success to report already.
Following complaints from residents in Balfour Court about the lack of disabled parking spaces, I am delighted to have arranged for disabled-only car parking spaces outside Blocks 1 and 8.
After consultation with Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association, I have obtained the following concessions which will benefit many residents who have contacted me with mobility issues.
Following complaints from residents in Balfour Court about the lack of disabled parking spaces, I am delighted to have arranged for disabled-only car parking spaces outside Blocks 1 and 8.
After consultation with Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association, I have obtained the following concessions which will benefit many residents who have contacted me with mobility issues.
- Paint disabled only symbols on three of the four spaces outside block 1 (as highlighted in my quality graphic above!)
- Paint disabled only symbols on one of the three spaces outside block 8
- Arrange a sign for the entrance to the car park saying "strictly residents only".
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Mearenside Bustracker - Residents fight back
I've been in to the Campaign HQ to pick up correspondence and one letter jumps out from a Mearenside resident where you may recall there has been an issue regarding vandalism of the Bustracker at the bus stop.
The decision to remove the Bustracker is clearly an unpopular one amongst residents based on the contents of the letter and I have complete sympathy for those who have been penalised by the actions of feral youths and their stupidity through vandalism.
The fight to reinstate the Bustracker continues.....
The decision to remove the Bustracker is clearly an unpopular one amongst residents based on the contents of the letter and I have complete sympathy for those who have been penalised by the actions of feral youths and their stupidity through vandalism.
The fight to reinstate the Bustracker continues.....
Friday, 16 December 2011
Street lights - keeping them on and the ward safe!
I've been contacted many times recently surrounding a number of street lights out in the area and this has found me taking greater notice of what is above my head when walking around the ward at night.
As the winter weather draws in and the light has gone by 4pm, the Council must ensure that street lights are kept working. Many people have complained to me that they don't feel safe if street lights are faulty.
This must be a top priority for the Council and I'll be ensuring any lights reported to me are brought to their attention immediately.
As the winter weather draws in and the light has gone by 4pm, the Council must ensure that street lights are kept working. Many people have complained to me that they don't feel safe if street lights are faulty.
This must be a top priority for the Council and I'll be ensuring any lights reported to me are brought to their attention immediately.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Positive action sees Gylemuir grit bin issues sorted in 48 hours
Following complaints by residents in Gylemuir on the 15th that their grit bins hadn't been filled despite contacting the Council a total of 4 times, I'm delighted to hear from a resident today that, just 48 hours later, the grit bins have been replenished.
Whilst the weather this year has been more mild than last year, it does not mean that the Council can avoid doing the basics to ensure that residents are prepared if the weather does get worse.
Whilst the weather this year has been more mild than last year, it does not mean that the Council can avoid doing the basics to ensure that residents are prepared if the weather does get worse.
Misery for Mearenside residents over BusTracker removal
Unfortunately, due to continued mindless vandalism, Edinburgh Council, who operate in conjunction with Lothian Buses, have decided that the BusTracker will not be replaced.
Here is the body of the email I received today notifying me of the decision:
From: My BusTracker MyBusTracker@edinburgh.gov.uk 12/15/11---
Dear Mr Brown,
Thank you for your email.
We have no plans to replace the Bustracker display at Mearenside. Unfortunately the Bustracker displays that were placed along Maybury Drive have been repeatedly vandalised and were all removed a few months ago.
After some community and local Councillor pressure we did reluctantly agree to replace the sign at Mearenside but on the strict understanding that if it were to be vandalised again, then it would be removed permanently. Unfortunately this has now happened.
This area has proven to be the worst location for such vandalism and the first location where we have had to take this action. I know that it will be a minority of mindless individuals that are causing the problem and it is the whole community that will suffer from the loss of the displays but the cost of repeated repairs is simply not sustainable.
Kind regards,
Stuart
Stuart Lowrie
The City of Edinburgh Council
Transport Policy & Planning
I have since been in touch with Lothian & Borders Police re this regrettable action and will be meeting shortly with an Officer from the Safer Neighbourhood Team to discuss crime in the area and how positive prevention can help put forward a case for a return of the Bustracker.
More on this in the New Year!
Monday, 12 September 2011
Drum Brae Community Council Meeting
Tonight I made my first visit to the Drum Brae Community Council at the Rannoch Centre.
A great sense of community pride and spirit was on show tonight and I for one will be keen to be involved in the heart of the area to assist residents in their aims.
Key things coming out of tonight included a disappointing rise in crime (circa 14% on year) in Drum Brae / Craigmount. Police put this down to activity around Bughtlin Market.
Road checks were to continue at Drum Brae Drive.
The Community Hub & Library appears to be very well received by everyone in attendance and it's opening in January is eagerly awaited.
Cold Calling Zones were discussed at length. Interestingly, it was noted that each area must have 51% of residents willing to sign up to the scheme.
A great sense of community pride and spirit was on show tonight and I for one will be keen to be involved in the heart of the area to assist residents in their aims.
Key things coming out of tonight included a disappointing rise in crime (circa 14% on year) in Drum Brae / Craigmount. Police put this down to activity around Bughtlin Market.
Road checks were to continue at Drum Brae Drive.
The Community Hub & Library appears to be very well received by everyone in attendance and it's opening in January is eagerly awaited.
Cold Calling Zones were discussed at length. Interestingly, it was noted that each area must have 51% of residents willing to sign up to the scheme.
Friday, 1 July 2011
Launch of Clean Streets Campaign
Today I launched my Clean Streets Campaign for Drum Brae / Gyle.
I believe that too many politicians, once elected, forget that people want the council to do the basics - like keep their streets clean, run their schools and look after those that need our help the most.
There are obviously wider issues than just these, but if we can't get the basics right, then what message are we sending about our city?
I want you to get in touch with me about problems in your local area and I'll petition the Council to get it fixed.
Whether it's bins uncollected, dog fouling, grafitti or anything that affects your local area, let me know and I'll get it sorted.
Just ring me on 0776 4149767 or email me at mark.brown @ scottishconservatives.com (take out the spaces either side of the @ - it's there to save me getting lots of spam!)
I believe that too many politicians, once elected, forget that people want the council to do the basics - like keep their streets clean, run their schools and look after those that need our help the most.
There are obviously wider issues than just these, but if we can't get the basics right, then what message are we sending about our city?
I want you to get in touch with me about problems in your local area and I'll petition the Council to get it fixed.
Whether it's bins uncollected, dog fouling, grafitti or anything that affects your local area, let me know and I'll get it sorted.
Just ring me on 0776 4149767 or email me at mark.brown @ scottishconservatives.com (take out the spaces either side of the @ - it's there to save me getting lots of spam!)
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