Scottish Parliament News
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Cathy Peattie MSP
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First – lost bus, last train“When First took over Scotrail, there were a lot of people who doubted their ability to operate a decent train service,” said Cathy Peattie, “particularly those people who had been victims of the failings of FirstBus. No surprise then that the steady flow of complaints that I get about the buses have now been joined by complaints about the train service. “The X19 continues to be the source of travellers’ despair. Recently a bus left from the wrong stance without picking up passengers waiting at the right stance, despite the driver being told they were there by an inspector. Now another constituent tells me that services are frequently being cancelled, and that when she phones to ask why, she is told that it is an old bus and has broken down again. Except for the last time, when the operator simply hung up without any explanation. “Passengers have a right to expect a bus service that takes them there, and back, in line with the timetables that the company has agreed and the public money it receives. “I have sent a letter to remind FirstBus of these responsibilities but, not content with complaints about their buses, First are now gathering public anger about their trains – and in particular, the lack of contingency planning for Live8 on Wednesday 6th July. “First Scotrail were happy enough to sell return tickets to local people who were part of the 50,000 audience, but when the event overran, it was announced there would be no late service. Constituents report chaos as they tried to leave before the end and make their way to the station, only to discover later – too late – that First had changed their minds and were providing a late service after all. “Surely with such a massive event, First ought have had the foresight to anticipate such problems, and be ready to deal them? I have of course written to First Scotrail, and am waiting to see whether they will take complaints on board better than FirstBus.” Knife CrimeFalkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie is inviting constituents to sign a petition calling for the urgent implementation of a five point plan to reduce knife crime. “The proposed measures will increase both the powers of the police and the courts, and make it more difficult to buy knives,” said Cathy. “They include banning the sale of swords, introducing a licensing scheme for non-domestic knives, doubling the maximum penalty for knife crime, increasing the minimum age of purchase, and giving police unconditional power of arrest over those suspected of carrying a knife. “The law in Scotland must be clear, the system must protect innocent victims, and the culture of Scotland in relation to knives and violent crime must change. I want the Scottish Executive to implement these proposals as a matter of urgency and I also want to show the Minister for Justice that these proposals have the support of the people of Falkirk East. “Addressing knife crime is an important part of tackling street crime, violence and antisocial behaviour. We have already passed the Antisocial Behaviour Act, and we are taking action to tackle binge drinking and the disorder associated with it. Now we can help strengthen our communities, and make them safer, by reducing knife crime.” NHS FundingNew funding to help patients in Forth Valley receive treatment quicker has been welcomed by Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie. As part of a £20 million investment announced by Health Minister Andy Kerr this week Forth Valley Health Board will receive £1,059,000 to further reduce waiting times. Figures released last month revealed a significant fall in those waiting over six months for treatment. Across Scotland figures showed a 50% reduction on the previous quarter for outpatients, while the inpatients waiting list fell to the lowest figure ever recorded. Cathy Peattie believes that the new funding will help the drive to wipe out long waits for patients. “There is no doubt that in some cases patients have to wait an unacceptable length of time for treatment. However, I’m pleased that real progress has been made in ensuring that those patients that have waited the longest receive treatment. The figures released just last month show significant reductions for both outpatients and inpatients. “This new funding will enable the health service to continue that trend. It will allow NHS Boards to continue to expand capacity, and make use of the independent sector when this is necessary. This funding will help to make waits of six months and more a thing of the past.” Charity Law ReformNew laws designed to reassure charity donors have been passed by the Scottish Parliament. The new measures passed by the Parliament include the creation of a new Scottish definition of charity, based on the principle of public benefit; provisions that will ensure better regulation of fund-raising activities; and an enhanced range of powers for the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. The OSCR will be responsible for granting charitable status and maintaining a statutory register of all charities operating in Scotland. Cathy Peattie MSP believes the new regulations will help build a stronger charity sector in Scotland. “Charities play a vital role in our communities,” she said. “This new legislation will help them go from strength to strength. “Scots have a proud record of supporting charities. In comparison with the rest of the UK people in Scotland volunteer more and are extremely generous when giving to charities. However, it is clear that the actions of a tiny minority of fraudulent charities have dented public confidence. “I believe that these new laws will help rebuild confidence, giving people peace of mind. The Bill will create a modern framework for charity regulation in Scotland; it will provide new regulations for fund-raising; and it will ensure that public collections are more effectively monitored. |
Whitecross Post Office ClosureThe Whitecross Post Office closed at 3pm on Monday 19th July - but customers knew nothing of the impending closure until Saturday morning of the 17th. "I have been in touch with the Royal Mail," said Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie, "and confronted them on the issue of the totally inadequate notice given. They say that they knew the post office was closing three months ago, but didn't know that Whitecross people had not been told. They are looking to find someone to run a post office locally, but so far have not had a 'suitable' applicant "Local people have organised a petition, to which I added my signature when I visited Whitecross today. The existing premises are available, and the shopkeeper is keen for someone to take over the post office. "The nearest offices are Maddiston and Linlithgow. Transport is a problem, with buses to Maddiston only running at two hourly intervals, and there are difficulties for people trying to pay Falkirk Council bills in West Lothian. I am urging the Royal Mail to do everything they can to address this situation." Sense over SectarianismFalkirk East's MSP, Cathy Peattie, has backed a campaign challenging sectarianism and religious prejudice. Sense Over Sectarianism originally launched in 2001. It is funded by the Scottish Executive and results from a historic partnership between anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth, Celtic FC, Rangers FC, Glasgow City Council, the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland. Cathy recently met with Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson to discuss the action being taken to tackle sectarianism, and she is also supporting a motion from colleague Bill Butler. “I am sure that many local people will back this campaign and take a stand against sectarian bigotry and religious hatred. Sectarianism has been described as Scotland’s secret shame. It is a scar on Scottish life and has no place in 21st Century Scotland. “The success of the Sense Over Sectarianism campaign has shown that progress can be made and I’m delighted that the Scottish Executive are committed to working with the Old Firm, community organisations; and religious and faith groups. “We also have new laws on sectarian crime which send a strong message that bigotry is unacceptable. However, I do recognise there is a long way to go, and that is why it is important that local people support this campaign and take a stand against sectarianism.” Road SafetyNew figures for 2004 show a 38% reduction in deaths and serious injuries in Scotland, and a 55% drop in child deaths from 1994 -1998 averages. Cathy Peattie MSP, who has been campaigning for action on local danger spots and lower speeds around schools, welcomed the news and highlighted local figures which show fatal and serious accidents in the Falkirk area also down 38%, from a mid nineties average of 93 to 58 in 2004, with total casualties dropping from 108 to 68; while the local total for all severe accidents is down from 364 to 297, with casualties dropping from 482 to 399. “Six people killed on our local roads in 2004 is still six too many,” said Cathy. “The same goes for injuries - but thankfully the figures are clearly moving in the right direction, in Falkirk and across Scotland. The Scottish Executive is confident that it will meet its 2010 target to halve the number of children killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents, and to cut overall fatal and serious incidents by 40%. About £50million is being invested in the next three years in cycling, walking and safer street projects, including 20mph speed limits outside schools, safer routes to school projects, and the development of home zones. I believe that if these measures get widespread public participation and support, then we can surpass the 2010 targets.” Time’s Up for Binge DrinkingFalkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie says that new legislation will help tackle binge drinking, violence and alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour affecting local communities. After voting for the Licensing Bill, Cathy said: “Alcohol-related violence is a problem up and down the country, and indeed statistics show that nearly three quarters of assailants in violent crimes are under the influence of drink. “We must modernise the licensing system and make it responsive to local needs. We need to involve communities, cut the link between alcohol and crime, and crack down on underage and antisocial binge drinking. These are the first major changes to the licensing system in quarter of a century, and they are the foundations for this change. “Underage drinking is a growing problem and I am solidly behind the requirement for all licensed premises to operate on a ‘no proof, no sale’ basis. There was widespread support for this measure throughout the consultation period and I believe it will help reduce the availability of alcohol to youngsters.” Protecting ChildrenFalkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie is backing new laws - the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences Bill - designed to tackle the sexual ‘grooming’ of children, and introducing Sexual Harm Orders to restrict the activities of individuals suspected of being a danger to children. "The grooming of children, including through the use of the internet, is an area of great public concern. We needed to bring the law up to date, close the loopholes and send a clear message on this issue. This Bill will strengthen the law and help protect Scottish children from harm. "Internet use is increasing all the time, and many children know more about its use than their parents. Both parents and children need to be aware of the potential risks of using the internet. A few simple rules can help keep young people safe online and I urge all parents to visit www.chatsafer.co.uk.
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