The following issues have been raised with me by residents of Kirriemuir
and Dean whilst I have been canvassing:-
1.
Education. The terrible situation of Scotland sliding down the
rankings of both UK and international education services over the last few
years. Both school teachers and parents have raised concern with me. I have a
passion for education – allowing each person in our county and Country to
fulfill her or his potential is a fundamental responsibility of both the
Scottish Government and the local Angus Council.
2.
Poor broadband response times. Rural businesses, employing
people locally, depend on good broadband. Remoter communities (like the Angus
glens) need broadband to connect with friends and public services. We need a
huge push to make this happen.
3.
Poorly repaired roads. Potholes are everywhere. It’s the private
motorist who has to pay for the new tyres, not Angus Council.
4.
Recycling centres. The plan to close recycling centres, for
example at Kirriemuir, just passes the cost of transport from the Council to
the private Council Tax payer. Failure to collect certain rubbish, or visit
each house, just makes the situation worse. It’s hardly surprising that
fly-tipping increases when the collection service and recycling centres are cut
back.
5.
Windfarms close to residents’ houses. Windfarms and other noisy
developments should not even be considered if they are too close to people’s homes.
This is not against wind, solar or biomass power – they can provide useful
energy sources. But Scotland is not short of space – noisy developments should
only go where they do not ruin people’s lives or damage tourism.
