31st August, 2014

Government’s drug strategy isn’t working

Another year and yet another report highlighting the tragic nature of drug misuse. The National Records of Scotland (NRS) released figures on Wednesday showing thatthe number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has risen to its highest level since records began. The report revealed 613 people died as a result of drugs in 2014.

Here in Inverclyde there were 17 deaths a jump from 10 in the previous year. Over the last decade there have been a total of 108 lives lost locally. Methadone was reported in 47 of these cases.

It’s evident from this most recent report from the NRS that the Scottish Government’s drug strategy simply isn’t working for Inverclyde or for the rest of Scotland. The government needs to realise this and examine what more can be done to try and prevent such deaths from happening. Big questions need to be answered as to how access to treatment can be improved and what can be done to encourage drug users onto rehabilitation programmes.

With the flurry of press headlines that inevitably come when such tragic incidences are revealed, it’s important to remember that these cases are just the tip of the iceberg. The impact of drug misuse extends beyond the individual.

It devastates families. It’s a source of the anti-social behaviour problems that exist locally. And it’s also a major cause of crime. Indeed, only last week we read in the Greenock Telegraphof the concerns of Chief Inspector Elliot Brown about the connection between violent crime and the mixing of drugs and alcohol.

It’s clear the Scottish Governmentneeds a major re-think of its drug strategy if we are going to protect individuals, families and the wider community.

24th August, 2015

New RBS jobs welcome

It is often the case that when the Royal Bank of Scotland hits the headlines it’s for the wrong reasons. Locally the press have reported on the community’s concerns at branch closures in Port Glasgow, Gourock, West Blackhall Street and most recently Kilmacolm.

How can it be fair that a bank that was bailed out by the public is closing services that the public rely on? A fair question indeed and one that the bank has failed to adequately address up to now.

However, I’m glad to say that more recently RBS has featured in the local news on a more positive note. Their decision to recruit 70 new permanent telephony mortgage advisors for its centre in Greenock will bolster its workforce to just over 900. The development reinforces the centre as a key employer in the area.

I was glad to hear in response to my correspondence with RBS management regarding the announcement that its ambition is to recruit local people for the new roles. This shows they have confidence in the area’s workforce. It will bring a welcome stimulus to Inverclyde’s economy and hopefully encourage other businesses to invest locally too.

The announcement comes shortly after Webhelp UK, which is based close to the mortgage centre at Cartsburn confirmed that it will be creating 20 new jobs raising the total workforce to 250.

I hope that the good news continues and that RBS continues to hit the headlines for the right reasons in the coming weeks and months. I congratulate staff at RBS’s Greenock mortgage centre on their 20^th anniversary.

17th August, 2015

Time for action

In the depths of the recession as a community we argued that Inverclyde would need greater support from the Scottish Government compared to other areas. Our small manufacturing base coupled with depopulation put us in afar more vulnerable position.

When I made this case at the time to Finance Secretary John Swinney he acknowledged the problem. However, instead of taking positive action to support Inverclyde, he subsequently slashed our urban regeneration budget and cut local college funding.

A report published last week by the Industrial Communities Alliance has validated the concerns we raised. Its research shows that since the recession, economic upturn has been weaker in the old industrial towns like Inverclyde when compared to other parts of Britain.

Growth in private sector employment has lagged behind. Average weekly earnings are over one-hundred pounds less. The claimant count is higher. And while jobs have been created many are part-time.

Despite the fact that Inverclyde is still playing catch up with other places in the UK, there has recently been some cause for optimism.

Ferguson’s Shipyard has sprung back to life. The Greenock Telegraph reported over a week ago that Peel Ports has launched a marketing campaign to attract jobs and investment. And to top it off, leading entrepreneur Jim McColl confirmed that he has scoped out Inchgreen Drydock as a potential shipping hub.

As I said in this column previously, we have a real opportunity here to bring manufacturing back to the Lower Clyde. This is why I held a jobs summit with Inverclyde’s political leaders to drive things forward.

With its substantial resources, finances and negotiating power the Scottish Government has a very important role to play in this process too. Let’s not make the same mistakes of the past. Let’s take positive action to realise Inverclyde’s potential.

10th August, 2015

Housebreaking is a serious crime

Victims of housebreakings can be left feeling frightened and on edge long after the crime has been committed.

Every sound, every creek they hear during the night can raise alarm bells that another intruder may have entered their home.

It is of real importance therefore that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice. Worryingly, however, figures released last week, show that many across the country are not being caught.

In Inverclyde 85% of housebreakings (including attempts) committed in 2014/15 have not been solved. That represents 307 out of 361.

The data also shows that were you live can determine the likelihood of the crime being investigated.

For example, in Inverclyde South 91% of housebreakings are unsolved compared to 68% in the South West Ward.

A failure to catch burglars will only encourage these criminals to commit further break-ins.

Moreover, it will serve to lessen the public’s faith in the justice system and discourage people from reporting crimes.

I will be seeking a meeting with the local police commander to establish the reasons behind the poor detections rates and the significant discrepancies between council wards.

My feeling is that that many police officers are doing the best with the resources given to them.

Ever since Police Scotland was established by the Scottish Government there have been numerous stories about police being stuck behind desks taking over the work of support staff that have been laid off.

Whatever the explanation it is clear action needs to be taken. Housebreaking is a serious crime and it must be treated as such.

26th July, 2015

Inchgreen Drydock has real potential

When Inchgreen Drydock first opened in 1964 it was an exciting time for Greenock. But despite an initial flurry of ships sailing into the River Clyde to benefit from the services provided by Britain’s largest drydock, it never reached its full potential as a shipbuilding hub.

Nevertheless, since then, its presence has been valued by the likes of BAE systems, the MOD and Yarrow Shipbuilders. Most recently, the large ferry named Finnarrow was towed all the way from Wales to receive repairs following a berthing incident.

It’s no surprise therefore that last week leading entrepreneur Jim McColl of Clyde Blowers, confirmed what I and the community have been arguing for some time, that Inchgreen is a national asset. Indeed, it has also been rumoured that Cammell Laird, Britain’s biggest shipping repair operator has expressed interest in the drydock as well.

Just recently, I met with the site’s owners Peel Ports and I know they would welcome a range of proposals for a major new project. Given the substantial interest it’s clear we have a real opportunity here. We must act quickly and strike while the iron is hot.

Certainly we should examine how we can best maximise the opportunity through the major City Deal Project which involves the Scottish, UK and local governments. This is why I am calling for a taskforce including all the relevant stakeholders alongside Inverclyde’s elected representatives to be formed.

I hope that by acting together we can bring manufacturing back to the Lower Clyde and ensure a long-term future for Inchgreen Drydock.