Valuable service
I’ve long recognised the excellent level of assistance and information provided in the region by Dumfries and Galloway Citizens’ Advice Service (DAGCAS).
That’s why I’m pleased to feature on this page a campaign launched by this independent charity, which includes the UK and Scottish Governments amongst core funders, to recruit additional volunteers to train with them as advisors.
As they gain experience the newcomers will support the experienced and knowledgeable team of 60 paid staff and 30 volunteers currently working in the organisation across the south west, including from the Stranraer office and various Wigtownshire outreach locations such as Newton Stewart and Wigtown.
The service has set an ambitious target of lifting volunteer numbers regionwide up to 75 to help respond to the current high level of enquiries. Demand has grown partly because of the Covid pandemic aftermath and the inflationary cost of living increases which have largely resulted from the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Chief executive Phil Stewart believes attracting additional volunteers could help DAGCAS maintain and enhance the level of service offered and stand it in good stead for the future, particular at times when demand is high.
He points out the interesting and varied work carried out by advisors and believes new volunteers would also have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience in a wide variety of areas, providing a useful addition to CVs for those seeking future career progression.
Becoming a volunteer, Phil suggests, will also suit people who are retired, semi-retired or have some spare time and are up for a challenge.
The DAGCAS advisors are both generalists and specialists, working full and part-time, covering areas such as benefits, consumer rights, debt, employment, court appointments, accommodation, immigration and relationships.
Latest full-year figures showed that across the region the organisation supported 8,500 clients involving 40,000 individual cases.
Details of the organisation’s services and how to be considered as a volunteer can be obtained from the DAGCAS website or locally by contacting the Stranraer bureau at Burns House, Harbour Street.
Banking progress
The drift towards online banking accelerated during and after the Covid pandemic with many more transactions being made by card or mobile phone.
Sadly that trend has led to a series of branch closures across Dumfries and Galloway in recent years, particularly frustrating for customers in rural areas seeking face-to-face banking.
At the same time cash machine operators have scaled back their networks, reflecting lower usage.
The Post Office and short visits by mobile banks can provide some services, but I know from constituents just how inconvenient the current situation is for businesses and individuals.
I’m encouraged by a positive development in Kirkcudbright, which lost its last bank branch a while ago. Industry body Cash Access UK have confirmed to me they are on track to open a new banking hub at the former Bank of Scotland premises in St Mary’s Street later this year.
With a lease signed, a counter service accessing a number of High Street banks will be available from the hub.
Whilst digital banking has expanded greatly with the onward march of technology, cash still remains an important part of the UK economy and in the lives of many constituents.
Meanwhile, I welcome UK Government action to help ensure that customers are within a reasonable distance of facilities to withdraw or deposit cash.
The Financial Conduct Authority has been granted powers through new legislation to protect access to banking services for both business and personal account holders.
They are planning to consult widely to ensure user-friendly solutions.
Sporting spectacle
The visit of the UCI Cycling World Championships to the east of the constituency was by all accounts a success highlighting our wonderful scenery and our region’s historic link to the creation of that mode of transport.
Mid Nithsdale blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan is credited with developing the first bicycle in the 19th century, an achievement indeed when you consider the increasing number of cyclists worldwide today.
Cycling technology is evolving swiftly and I was particularly pleased that para-cycling events were the main discipline of time trials and races held locally, part of an events programme across Scotland.
I know that the road closures in the Dumfries area caused some inconvenience but they were hopefully kept to a minimum and I’m glad the condition of the road surfaces used was good.
As one constituent pointed out to me, with potholes an even greater hazard for cyclists it is vital that increased investment is made in road maintenance by the Scottish Government through adequately funding local authorities.
Shopping locally
The future of the Wilko chain, which has been placed in administration, and locally the Castle Douglas branch, are an understandable concern for both the staff and customers.
It follows the recent closure of the town's M&Co branch and unfortunately reflects a trend in many communities across the country.
I’m supportive of initiatives to broaden the appeal of town centres but I believe, as consumers, we should always consider buying items we need from local retailers, where possible, and take advantage of the personal service and expertise often provided.
In the case of Stranraer, I believe significant progress with major projects such as the George Hotel site and other regeneration should also help increase footfall to the benefit of both retail and hospitality.
When it comes to preserving traditional local businesses, it can frequently be a case of use them or lose them.
Progress essential
Like parliamentary colleagues (and other Free Press columnists) I would like to add my welcome to the news that an independent review has confirmed, what we all knew, that there is a clear demand for a return of normal maternity services to the Wigtownshire area.
Their absence has been a concern for many of my constituents for too long. A resumption of the service can be clearly justified on a geographical basis instead of the sometimes distressing experiences for mothers faced with a long stressful journey to Dumfries.
It is essential the full focus of the local NHS and Scottish Government is on resolving the staffing and other issues which have delayed this step forward.
Careful thought needed
The idea of more cycle and pedestrian routes is admirable, both from the health and environmental point of view.
But I believe some caution is needed with nationally promoted schemes which could potentially reduce parking spaces in our vital town centres.
I know this debate has cropped up in a number of communities, including Stranraer, and I would urge careful consideration during any consultative processes.
One cyclist tells me he would much prefer parking spaces protected in his local town centre, elsewhere in the region, in order to help keep the current reasonable selection of shops viable and accessible.
He also points out some cyclists tend to dismount in the shopping areas anyway in order to walk along existing pavements to view shop windows and make purchases.
Every location is different, but I believe caution is needed in order not to throw the baby out with the bath water.