Willie Rennie as MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife sends out a regular e-newsletter to his constituents. A copy has fallen into my inbox. If you would like to subscribe to it, email willie.rennie.msp@scottish.parliament.uk.
eNews from Willie Rennie MSP
Thanks for reading the latest
edition of my eNewsletter designed to keep you informed about my activities on
your behalf. If you have any views on the subjects raised pleased don’t
hesitate to get in touch.
Cupar Sherriff Court
I am
frustrated that the SNP Government has secured the support of the Scottish
Parliament's Justice Committee to close Cupar Sherriff Court and nine other
courts across Scotland. Despite considerable opposition from local people the
Committee, including local SNP MSP Rod Campbell, backed the plans. Rod Campbell
said it would have been an "abuse" of his position to vote to stand up for local
constituents and save the court. Together with Councillor Margaret Kennedy and
MP Ming Campbell, I was opposed to the closure because of the economic impact on
the town, access to local justice and the money wasted by moving the police
station next to the court. I pressed the First Minister in Parliament but he
refused to back the courts.
Opencast coal
I have been working to deal with the consequences of the collapse of coal mining companies in Fife. ATH and Scottish Coal collapsed last month leaving local
communities, the council and government to deal with the environmental legacy
with polluted water and barren land. Sites at Kelty, Crossgates and Oakley are
causing particular concern. I am a member if the Scottish Government's Coal
Taskforce, have met Energy Minister Fergus Ewing and Fife Council Leader Alex
Rowley. I am opposed to the proposal to introduce a 'pay as you extract'
restoration scheme as a replacement for bonds as this could cause even greater
problems if companies were to subsequently fold. If you have concerns about
your local opencast please get in touch.
Police
Authority Chief Executive
The Chief Executive of the new Scottish
Police Authority has resigned after only months in the job causing concern that
problems at the troubled organisation have not been resolved despite Scottish
Government assurances. I quizzed the First Minister on whether his Government
had covered up the resignation, submitted in February, in order to conceal more
serious problems. As a result the organisation has had insufficient time to
recruit a new permanent Chief Executive and are now recruiting another interim
Chief. The authority, responsible for holding Police Scotland to account for
the service it delivers, will have had three Chiefs in its first year. I will
continue to press for answers.
Rethinking
renting
Shelter Scotland's campaign for greater security for private
tenants came to St. Andrews recently. I am backing the campaign as it protects
tenants from poor landlords who can ask them to leave the property at very short
notice without good reason. To join the campaign check out the Rethink Renting website.
West
Fife Show
Farmers and visitors to the West Fife Show at Kelty were
keen to update me on issues facing the rural community.
A day
with health professionals
I spent the day with health professionals
in Dunfermline and Dalgety Bay to get a better understanding of their work. I
spent the morning with the PACT and Hospital at Home team at Queen Margaret
Hospital. This included Care at Home, Community Rehab, and physiotherapy
personnel who are tasked with supporting patients in the community who would
otherwise be in hospital. This relieves pressure on the hospital and keeps
people at home where they often prefer to be. In the afternoon I met the
Learning Disability Service at Lynebank Hospital whom I quizzed about their work
and explored the issues of delayed discharge and integrated health and social
care. Finally, I met the Public Health Nursing Team at Dalgety Bay Clinic to see
the wide range of services they provide including immunisation and maternity
support.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club
I lent
my support to the campaign to buy Dunfermline football club. After the large
group of supporters successfully raised thousands of pounds to save the club
they are now embarking on phase two of the campaign - this time to buy the
club. You can make your personal contribution at the Buy the Pars website.
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