Finding out if 20’s plenty?
Travelling regularly in Scotland and beyond I’m very much aware of the vast variety of roads, surroundings and challenges drivers and passengers can face.
That can be down to traffic volume, geographic terrain, weather conditions and traffic types, ranging from private cars to vans or motorbikes to large commercial vehicles.
Indeed, statistics show that accidents are a risk in urban locations, such as Stranraer and Newton Stewart, just as they are on minor and major roads and motorways across the country.
That’s why I will be monitoring the impact of an initial 18-month 20 mph speed limit being introduced by Dumfries and Galloway Council in Stranraer from next week as part of a Scottish Government - driven national programme.
Advocates point to road safety, environmental and health factors, such as more people opting to walk or cycle over shorter journeys, as strong arguments for the change.
Opponents respond that slightly longer journey times will have economic and other costs although studies elsewhere, significantly, factor in fewer accidents reducing road deaths and injuries, ultimately saving the NHS money.
If nationwide trials prove successful, Transport Scotland envisage all ‘appropriate’ roads in built-up areas having a 20 mph limit in place by 2025.
A significant evaluation process has been promised and I would encourage all stakeholders to provide feedback when surveys are carried out.
Multiply opportunities offered
I know how important the Prime Minister and other Cabinet colleagues consider the importance of maths, both to individuals and the wider prospects for the UK economy.
In an era when artificial intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword and an increasing reality, it still remains advantageous for as many individuals as possible to extend their numeracy skills to the best of their ability.
That’s why I was delighted that the Multiply programme, launched last year through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is coming to Dumfries and Galloway.
The funding will allow the local authority to provide learning opportunities across the region for adults of all ages over 19.
Helping apply the additional knowledge to real-world situations, should enhance the learning experience making it more enjoyable and meaningful, say the council.
Extra mathematical skills can improve individuals’ everyday lives, help budgeting and in some cases increase employment chances.
I understand from the council that they are hoping the learning opportunities can be delivered through several options, including traditional classes, one-to-one sessions or over the internet.
This is an excellent free-of-charge opportunity and I would encourage anyone interested to register by email to multiply@dumgal.gov.uk
Alcohol deaths at shocking level
I was concerned to learn that on top of the alarming number of drug deaths in Scotland, alcohol-related deaths north of the border have risen to a 14-year high.
At the same time research by the Scottish Conservatives confirms that just 19,617 individuals accessed alcohol treatment programmes in 2021/22 compared to 32,556 in 2013/14.
Official figures published last month showed there were a shocking 1,276 deaths as a result of alcohol misuse in Scotland in 2022 – the highest total since 2008.
I fully appreciate why MSP colleague Miles Briggs, a shadow Minister, submitted a parliamentary question at Holyrood on the issue, and accused the SNP-led Scottish Government of mishandling the deeply worrying alcohol crisis.
The figures demonstrate the importance of a Conservative campaign for a Right to Recovery Bill in Scotland, which would enshrine in law the right of everyone with a drug or alcohol problem to receive the treatment they need.
Such legislation, already backed by experts, charities and those with experience of the problem, would ensure those struggling in Scotland with alcohol or drugs addiction could access the potentially life-saving treatment they need.
Targeting Net Zero a top priority
Revised plans put forward by the Prime Minister to push back the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars by five years to 2035 could ease the pressure on hard-pressed households in Dumfries and Galloway.
The fact is that the extra time would make a big difference to many of my constituents who would not be able to afford the extra cost of a greener vehicle, such as an electric model, until, through time, prices become more affordable in the new and second-hand markets.
Likewise delaying a ban on installing new oil and LPG heating boilers for off-gas-grid homes rises to 2035, and exempting certain residential properties from the fossil fuel boiler phase-out, would also be helpful in our wide rural area with some very old buildings.
The UK remains at the forefront of the global drive towards Net Zero carbon emissions with its achievable target of 2050 and the Prime Minister has been pragmatic and proportionate with his sensible adjustments.
Put train service back on track
A regular concern for Stranraer constituents has been interruptions to rail services to and from the town.
I was disappointed this week to learn that a further fire at the former Station Hotel near the track at Ayr has affected through trains to and from Wigtownshire.
These are unfortunate circumstances but I know from regular travellers just how important it is that ScotRail and other agencies involved do their utmost to safely fully resume this vital train service as soon as possible.
Go-ahead for new station bridge
Having had an interest in the project during much of my time as MP, I was delighted that Dumfries and Galloway Council have been granted planning permission for a new pedestrian bridge, with disabled lift access, linking both platforms at Dumfries railway station.
As a passenger and someone who picks up family and friends there, I appreciate what an attractive and well-kept station Dumfries has and understand just why there was community apprehension about the scale of the development.
On balance though I’m convinced planning councillors have made the correct call in giving the green light to a project, which will also represent a vote of confidence in Dumfries and the Nith Valley line by the UK Government, which is providing substantial funding through the Access for All (AfA) programme.
Strong bond of friendship
The bond of friendship between Dumfries and Galloway and Norway remains as great as ever and I was delighted to see that a memorial recognising our local links with the country is now firmly in place on the Whitesand at Dumfries.
It will be a lasting reminder of when the town and wider area played host to the Norwegian Brigade when exiled forces, who fled their homeland when Nazi Germany invaded, made Dumfries their base.
More than 80 years on, the march of time means fewer people directly remember that eventful period but with some Norwegian service personnel and civilians later marrying into local families the links remain strong.
The ‘stone of friendship,’ gifted by Norway with council and other local support, looks perfect in its new setting beside Devorgilla Bridge and will be a lasting reminder for future generations of this important chapter of in our history.
School buildings work a priority
I know from constituents that confirmation of dedicated reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in four schools in the region was an understandable worry.
This, of course, is a national issue and I welcome funding support being provided through the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure work is carried out in a timely fashion by local authorities to safeguard young people and school staff.
I’m grateful to Dumfries and Galloway Council colleagues for keeping me abreast of progress and I encourage parents to monitor the regular updates on the local authority website.
On another front, I hope during this time of difficult global financial and other challenges, that both sides in the current Scottish local authorities’ pay disputes reach a deliverable agreement to avoid further strike action, which has already disrupted some local schools and, sadly, children’s education.