PROVOST BRISLEY UNDER PRESSURE

At Thursday’s meeting of Stirling Council, Labour and Liberal councillors took advantage of the absence of Conservative Councillors to elect a Labour leader of the council.
Leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Alistair Berrill said, “As predicted, Labour and Liberals have shamefully abused Standing Orders and taken cynical advantage of the absence of councillors. They had deliberately arranged at short notice a series of daytime council meetings in order to maximise the inconvenience for councillors who have jobs. At Thursday’s meeting they saw their opportunity when some Conservative councillors were absent due to unavoidable work and family commitments.”

He went on to say, “Thursday’s meeting had been arranged specifically to make certain statutory appointments, including membership of the Licensing Board. The agenda did not include election of Leader of the Council, but when Labour Provost Margaret Brisley saw that councillors were absent she lost no time in bringing forward the election as ‘urgent business.’ At two previous meetings Labour and Liberal councillors had taken advantage of the provost’s casting vote to refuse to allow a vote for the leader because they did not have a majority of votes for the election. Yet only a week later this election had apparently become very urgent.”

Cllr Berrill says he has not ruled out taking legal advice with a view to seeking a judicial review of Provost Brisley’s decision. He said, “there is no doubt that the Provost is perfectly entitled to bring forward genuinely urgent business at any meeting of the council. However, that does not give her the right to show blatant party political bias, which is what she has done. I shall be looking very carefully at her stated reasons for allowing the election as urgent business.”

Cllr Berrill was particularly disappointed with the part played by Liberal councillors. He said, “I was given a personal assurance on Tuesday that the Liberals believed it to be ‘unethical’ to take advantage of somebody’s absence to sneak through this election. Yet on Thursday the Liberals had no hesitation in voting with Labour. It seems that Liberal ethics don’t last longer than 48 hours.”

STIRLING COUNCIL STILL TO DECIDE

There were furious scenes at the meeting of Stirling Council on Thursday evening (24th May). Labour councillors were accused of “bottling” a vote to elect the Leader of the council, and of cynically manipulating procedures in order to hang on to power.

Labour were in control of the administration until the election on 3rd May. Following the election, Labour have 8 councillors, SNP have 7, Conservatives 4 and Liberals 3.

Liberal and Labour have made an informal alliance. At the meeting of the council on 17th May, Labour and the Liberals forced through the election of a Labour provost. However, the election of the Leader of the council, and the election of all the other executive and committee posts, was deferred.

With Labour and Liberals controlling 11 votes out of 22, they have the benefit of the provost’s casting vote for procedural matters but not for appointments to the various council posts including Leader. In the event of a tied vote the decision would be made by a cut of the cards.

At yesterday’s meeting (24th May) the Labour-Liberal alliance deferred the vote for the Leader and all the other posts, leaving the council’s administration in chaos. Until these posts are filled every single decision, from the most important to the most minor, will have to be decided by a meeting of the full council. Labour and Liberals intend to make the council meet every Thursday at 10.00 in the morning.

The leader of the Conservative group at Stirling Council is Cllr Alistair Berrill. He says that Labour and the Liberals are playing games at the expense of the people of Stirling. “The council’s business is set to grind to a halt. A large modern council cannot function by meeting every week to take every single decision. Labour and the Liberals know this perfectly well, but the effective running of the council is clearly less important to them than desperately clinging on to hope of power and allowances.”

He added, “The ironic thing is that the one piece of business they insisted on forcing through last night was approval of councillors’ expenses. The Conservatives made a formal proposal that councillors’ expenses should not be paid until this mess is sorted out, but Labour and the Liberals voted it down.”

Cllr Berrill added a prediction. “Election of the Leader of the council has been formally deferred until 28th June. However, there will be other meetings before that date. If one councillor happens to be absent due to sickness or other commitments, I am sure that once again Labour and Liberals will manipulate the Standing Orders to bring forward the election as urgent business, and force through their nomination. So much for democracy!”

A MISSED OPPORTUNITY BY THE SNP

At Thursday's meeting of Stirling Council, the first since the elections, Liberal councillors joined with Labour to elect Labour's Margaret Brisley as provost. Together the Liberals and Labour accounted for her eleven votes. Conservative nomination Cllr Tony Ffinch received four votes. If SNP councillors had supported the Conservative nomination, Labour could have been defeated, but the SNP abstained.

Speaking after the meeting, Conservative group leader, Cllr Alistair Berrill said, 'This was an opportunity missed for the people of Stirling. The Liberals are propping up a failed Labour administration, whose main achievement has been to give Stirling the second highest council tax level in Scotland, yet one of the highest levels of customer dissatisfaction.'

He continued, 'I was surprised and disappointed on Thursday night. First the Liberals joined this discredited and demoralised Labour administration. Then the SNP group lacked the political courage either to put up a candidate of their own or to support ours. Only the Conservatives were prepared to stand up to Labour.'

Deputy group leader Cllr Neil Benny added, 'The fight isn't over yet. At this Thursday's meeting we have to elect a new Leader of the council, and the new Labour-Liberal alliance isn't certain of getting enough votes to win.'

DUNBLANE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The minutes of the Dunblane Community Council meeting which was held on Monday 2nd April can be read by clicking here. Read all the updates concerning CCTV, parking, zebra crossings, grass cutting, and the Dunblane Development Trust.

BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes from the Bridge of Allan Community Council meeting held on Tuesday 17th April can be read by clicking here.Read all about the updates concerning the proposed Kildean - Stirling University link road, the latest issues concerning the proceeds from the sale of the Museum Hall, and an insight into the restoration of the fountain in Fountain Road.

CALLUM CAMPBELL ELECTED

Callum Campbell has been elected to Stirling Council, representing the Dunblane and Bridge of Allan ward.

"I am delighted to have been elected by Dunblane and Bridge of Allan residents to represent them on Stirling Council. The Scottish Conservatives received the largest number of first preference votes in this ward, and I look forward to serving on Stirling Council on behalf of those people who voted for a new direction and a better community" Callum Campbell said.

"I would particularly like to thank my agent and campaign manager, Euan Wallace, for the immense amount of time and effort that he has put into this campaign. I would also like to thank all those local individuals who contributed greatly to our efforts in getting our communication leaflets to all the electorate in the ward.

"There is plenty of work which needs to be done, and it starts now".

DON'T GAMBLE - VOTE CAMPBELL !

As the final days of the election campaign fast approach, Callum Campbell has been urging Dunblane and Bridge of Allan residents to ensure that they vote Scottish Conservative on 3rd May.

"The Scottish Conservatives have an enviable track record in local government. My election campaign has involved listening to residents over the last 12 months, and understanding what they want from Stirling Council. Only the Scottish Conservatives can beat Labour in Stirling.

"I am the only candidate standing that actually lives in Bridge of Allan and already takes an active part in the community. Because there are 2 Scottish Conservative candidates standing in ward 3 my colleague Hugh McCrea, a resident in Dunblane for 25 years,and I can represent and work for local residents. Only by voting Callum Campbell as your first preference and Hugh McCrea as your second preference will you get a strong team which can fully represent the ward and keep Stirling's finances under control"

On May 3rd - Don't gamble, vote Campbell!

ANNABEL GOLDIE VISITS STIRLING

Photograph shows L to R Callum Campbell (LG candidate Dunblane and Bridge of Allan), Cllr Tony Ffinch, ( Trossachs and Teith) Helen Scott (Stirling East) Annabel Goldie, Bob Dalrymple, Lesley Stein (Castle) Neil Benny ( Stirling West) Mary Kenyon (Trossachs and Teith)

• Scottish Conservative Leader lends support to Bob’s campaign
• An SNP vote will lead to “a bitter and messy divorce”

Annabel Goldie visited Stirling today to follow up her “State of the Union” address, in which she warned that Scotland would pay a heavy price for the failures of the Lib-Lab pact, if it resulted in an SNP-led administration.

Visiting the Robert the Bruce monument at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Annabel said:

“Alex Salmond’s consistent political rhetoric about his opponents is to dismiss them as “London-led parties”. Presumably he said that sitting in his office in Westminster. He makes outrageous comments suggesting that those who oppose independence are by implication anti-Scottish. If you vote SNP, you get a bitter and messy divorce.

Here in Stirling, the real opposition to Labour is Bob Dalrymple, the Conservative candidate. The Scottish Conservatives want to make devolution work. We stand for delivery, not divorce.”

Bob Dalrymple added:

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Annabel back to Stirling constituency.

“As the second-placed party last time, Stirling’s voters know that the best way to get rid of Labour is to vote for the Scottish Conservatives. Only we can beat Labour in Stirling, so people don’t have to choose between more of the same Labour failure on one hand, and splitting apart the UK on the other. The Union has served Scotland well for 300 years, and a Conservative vote will protect it.”

ACCESS ALL AREAS?

>(Above, l to r) - Bob Dalrymple Stirling Conservative candidate for Holyrood, Neil Benny Stirling Conservative council candidate for Stirling West, Murdo Fraser, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives.)

Conservative Scottish Parliamentary candidate Bob Dalrymple and Council candidate Neil Benny today showed the way to prevent the reopening of Murrayshall Quarry in Cambusbarron, and issued a rebuke to the SNP for playing party politics over the issue and misleading the public.

Stirling’s Conservatives have discovered Hanson Ltd, who plan the new super-quarry do not in fact have access rights to the area.

Following conversations with Tarmac Northern Ltd, the Conservatives have established that the only access point is owned by Tarmac, which has no intention of sub-letting it to Hanson. Therefore for Hanson to start the super-quarry, Stirling Council would have to give planning permission for a new access point to be built.

Contrary to statements from the SNP and Stirling Council, the mineral consent for the whole area was in fact granted in 2001 following a national review of mineral consents. The relevant consent provides specifically that the access to the quarry should be along Polmaise road only.

Bob Dalrymple commented:

“While the SNP has postured, Stirling’s Conservatives have actually got some work done, and found a way forward that would address genuine local concerns. We have spoken directly to the site’s owner and operator Tarmac who have told us ‘As responsible landowners and quarry masters we will always listen to and take on board the genuine concerns of local residents. We have no intention of allowing our access to be used to reopen this quarry’.

Bob continued
“Provided Stirling Council doesn’t allow a new access point, there will be no super-quarry.

“I know there is an election on, but the SNP really has to learn that showboating in the press is no substitute for actually getting things done.”

Stirling West Conservative Council Candidate Neil Benny said:

“The SNP’s Scott Farmer has been seeking to stoke local anxiety over this matter purely for electoral advantage. The SNP should have done what any sensible public representative would have done – checked the facts first!

“The Conservative approach has been to examine the facts and then speak directly to the key landowner, namely Tarmac Northern Ltd., to get the truth. Tarmac already owns and operates another quarry at Denny, which is why they closed Murrayshall in the first place. Apart from removing a quantity of loose stone in the interests of safety from Murrayshall over the summer, they clearly have no need to reopen this quarry.

“This issue is too important to be the victim of SNP sensational media spin. The facts speak for themselves and we intend to tell the story as it is.”

CONSERVATIVES FOCUS ON EDUCATION

(Above, Left to Right- Hugh McCrea, Neil Benny, Callum Campbell, Mary Kenyon, Bob Dalrymple, and Cllrs Alistair Berrill and David Lonsdale)

Conservative candidates for next month's council elections today highlighted their plans for education in a Conservative administration. Attacking Labour's failure on education, they highlighted the fact that if Conservative alternative budgets had been adopted schools would be £1.7million better off.

Conservative candidate for Stirling West Neil Benny said "Labour has cut spending time and again on Stirling's children, not only this £1.7million, but also on cleaning and other frontline services . So much for "Education, Education, Education".

Conservative candidate for Teith and Trossachs, Mary Kenyon, said, "It's terrible the way that Labour has treated education in Stirling, especially rural schools.
The threatened closure of Lochearnhead Primary should worry all parents in Stirling. The Labour administration has openly targeted all small, rural schools for possible closure. Only a Conservative administration can save rural schools."

Launching their plans for an education system with more independence for teachers and more money for frontline services, Cllr Alistair Berrill, Conservative Education spokesman and candidate for Forth and Endrick said, "the Conservatives can succeed where Labour has failed. We will deliver an education system that gives teachers the freedom to teach and puts pupils and their parents at the centre"

CALLUM CAMPBELL'S ELECTION ADDRESS

Callum Campbell has launched his election address which will be delivered to all residents in the Dunblane and Bridge of Allan ward between now and the election on May 3rd. In his address, Callum notes the response by residents to his recent survey and highlights the fact that under a Labour led administration, Stirling residents pay the second highest council tax in Scotland. Callum said:

"Stirling council currently has 22 councillors. 10 are Scottish Conservative, 11 are Labour and only 1 is SNP. Only the Scottish Conservatives can realistically challenge this Labour-led administration. In order to make a change and ensure that you don't wake up to the same poorly managed Stirling Council on 4th May,vote for the team that is determined to deliver improved services and improved efficiency.

"My goal is to ensure that you get value for money from your council tax. It is time to put and end to waste and profligacy and introduce a new era of efficiency. By electing me and my colleague Hugh McCrea on 3rd May, it needn't be that way. Don't Just hope for a better council...Vote for it!"

Callum's election address also outlines the Scottish Conservatives local government manifesto for Stirling. The manifesto is centred around 5 key areas including Tackling Ant-Social behaviour, Delievring Value for Money, Succeeding in Education, Promoting Civic Society and Providing a Greener, Cleaner Stirling. The address also includes some background information about Callum and his family, and background information about his team candidate Hugh McCrea from Dunblane.

Callum also states his desire to restore pride to Bridge of Allan and Dunblane and cites the disgrace of the longstanding saga of The Museum Hall, the crumbling war memorial, the state of the local roads and the decaying public sporting facilities including the neglect of the tennis courts at Keir Street.

"Only the Scottish Conservatives will restore pride to your villages and towns once again!" Callum said.

Callum's election address will be landing on your doorstep soon.

A CLEAN SWEEP BY THE CONSERVATIVES

‘It’s time to Bin Labour's Rubbish policies’ – say Stirling Conservatives’
Stirling Conservative’s team of Council candidates today outlined their plans for real improvements to waste collection in Stirling District.

In week two of the campaign they are focusing on everyday issues that affect local people.

Bridge of Allan candidate, Callum Campbell, said, “People are fed up with Labour’s failure on basic services. Having your bins and recycling box emptied on the allotted day isn’t exactly rocket science, but after spending £2.5 Million on new equipment this Council still fails to deliver.

Yet in Stirling, no Labour Councillor takes any blame. Instead they blame the management, the equipment and even blame their own workforce. We say it’s a lack of leadership by Labour’s failed Councillors, pure and simple.”

Conservative Candidate for Stirling West, Neil Benny said, “ Everywhere I go, almost every elector I meet has his own horror story of failure of Stirling Council’s basic services. And this on the back of the latest figures showing that refuse collection is costing £170 per year per household – the highest in Scotland!

Hugh McRae, Conservative Candidate for Dunblane said, “Labour is running scared on this issue. I have floods of complaints about late collections with some people waiting up to three days for a collection. On top of that it’s costing us an arm and a leg.”

The recently launched Conservative Manifesto, “Don’t just hope for a better council – vote for it”, lays out plans for an expansion to the waste service to include more recycling. It also lays out plans for a Conservative Administration to lead on service delivery issues, with more front line staff given the responsibility to deliver.



Conservative Parliamentary candidate, Bob Dalrymple said, “These are the bread and butter issues that Tories are fighting for across Stirling and across Scotland. It is services like waste collection that people write to me about and Labour's failure can be reversed by a Conservative administration in Stirling".

STIRLING COUNCIL MANIFESTO LAUNCHED

Local Tories have published their Stirling Council manifesto, setting out the priorities for change that a Conservative-run Administration will implement.

The policy programme is the most comprehensive and ambitious the local party has produced. It contains 30 objectives and commitments across five key themes, namely:

• Real value for your money
• A cleaner, greener Stirling
• Ensuring educational success
• Reducing anti-social conduct
• More public say in council affairs

The document, entitled Don’t hope for a better Council – Vote for it, has been published by the 11-strong team of Tory council candidates after extensive consultation with residents and community groups throughout the district.

25,000 copies of a summary of the manifesto will be delivered through letterboxes locally in the run up to May 3rd.

Cllr Alistair Berrill, candidate for Forth & Endrick Ward, said:

“Local residents now pay the second highest council tax in Scotland, up from 18th highest eleven years ago. Yet satisfaction levels are falling and several council services have been cut back.

“Local Conservatives believe the council can and should deliver in a far more effective and positive manner, for those who use, pay for, and provide services. We are concentrating on what the priorities should be, not just for a Conservative-led Administration, but for any Administration.

“The top priority that residents have identified for us is to install a new financial discipline in Stirling Council, ensuring value for money. Conservatives will bring the council’s finances under control and end the massive deficits of recent years, which have led to hefty rises in Council Tax. This will particularly benefit those on fixed and modest incomes, such as local pensioners and young families.

“We have also set out the action we will take to make our city and district cleaner and greener, to combat anti-social behaviour, strengthen parental involvement with schools, and do more to nurture our local civic society.”

Neil Benny, candidate for Stirling West, added:
“It is not always a lack of money that is the problem, but the priorities pursued by the current Labour Administration that are wrong. Residents are paying a lot more in tax, but feel they are getting less in return.
“The Labour Party has run Stirling Council for 11 years. It is clearly time for a change of Administration, and Conservatives are best placed to deliver that.
“Local residents needn’t hope for change. On May 3rd they can vote for it.”

The Conservative manifesto commitments include:

Real value for your money: A Conservative-run Stirling Council will
 Install a new fiscal discipline in Stirling Council, so that it lives within its means. The council’s finances will be brought under control, bringing to an end the large financial deficits witnessed in recent years and which have led to hefty rises in council tax;
 Maintain council assets such as schools, roads, and community halls, in good condition. Letting them fall into disrepair only costs more in the long run and is a false economy;
 Listen to new ideas and strengthen the role of local communities in determining the quality of services to be delivered, such as grass cutting, street sweeping and toilet maintenance. Local communities will be able to propose new ideas for improving services directly to council committees, such as the introduction of voluntary roads inspectors or speed monitors.

A cleaner, greener Stirling: A Conservative-run Stirling Council will
 Build a recycling service that allows you to recycle more and different materials;
 Lead by example on energy conservation, beginning by reducing its own energy consumption;
 Make our streets, parks and open spaces cleaner and safer, with an expanded street sweeping, litter picking and grass cutting service;
 Examine the feasibility of providing discounted Residents Parking Permits for those with less polluting cars;
 Review the effectiveness of the area’s flood prevention and drainage systems, and implement necessary improvements.

Ensuring educational success: A Conservative-run Stirling Council will
 Support a diversity of education provision and popular smaller primary schools;
 Encourage parental involvement and school boards;
 Give headteachers more say in managing their schools, especially over discretionary spending (they can’t even hire a local plumber to fix a leaking tap at the moment!);
 Aid schools which want to establish their own trust funds, in order to tap their alumni network of former pupils;
 Strengthen links between schools and local firms as part of the Determined to Succeed enterprise initiative;

Reducing anti-social conduct: A Conservative-run Stirling Council will
 Establish a more visible presence of community wardens on our streets, to help combat vandalism, graffiti, dog fouling, and littering;
 Use its presence on the Police Board to argue for more police officers on the beat, and to support the recruitment of special constables;
 Oppose police force merger, as it would make the police less accountable and undermine local community policing;
 Expand the number of officials who have enforcement powers over litter and dog fouling;
 Establish an enhanced grants scheme for community councils, to help them fund local activities and youth projects;
 Create a junior community wardens scheme, to strengthen young peoples’ civic engagement and awareness of the effects of anti-social conduct.

More public say in council affairs: A Conservative-run Stirling Council will
 Cherish and nurture voluntary endeavour and public service;
 Support democratically-elected local institutions like Community Councils, rather than usurp them through costly Area Forums;
 Support local commerce where it wishes to create Business Improvement Districts;
 Reform the council’s committee system to make the Administration more accountable and allow residents and local communities to propose new ideas.

CALLUM STEPS DOWN FROM SCHOOL BOARD

Callum Campbell, the Tory candidate for Bridge of Allan and Dunblane in the forthcoming Stirling Council elections, is stepping down as Chairman of the Bridge of Allan Primary School Board with immediate effect.

“As we are now quickly approaching the local council elections on May 3rd, it is important that I step down now to ensure that there is no conflict of interest as the Board is apolitical.” Callum said.

Callum, whose daughters Chloe (10) and Harriet (8) both attend the school, was elected as a Parent Member of the school board in 2004, and duly elected Chairman in 2005.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving on the board, and have had the opportunity to work alongside highly dedicated individuals who have given up plenty of their spare time to volunteer and work for the benefit of the school as a whole.

“The school has gone through a major transformation over the past year, achieving highly encouraging comments from the school inspectors in January. Much of the credit for this goes to Head Teacher Lina Horsburgh and her team who have worked very hard over the last 12 months. The children and parents have also played their part too.

“It is sad to be saying farewell, but I know that I am leaving the board in capable hands. Yvonne Walker, currently Clerk to the school board, will be acting as interim Chair until the new parent council known as FAST (Families And School Together) is expected to be formed later in May.

“I hope that I will still be able to work closely with the school in the future wherever and whenever I possibly can.”

BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The minutes of the meeting held in February by the recently reformed Bridge of Allan Community Council can be read here. Les Ferguson is the new Chairman of the Community Council.Click here to read minutes

LOCAL HUSTINGS

The Bridge of Allan Community Council have arranged a local hustings which will provide a great opportunity for local residents to come and listen to the various local candidates who are putting themselves forward for election on 3rd May to stand for Stirling Council. Callum Campbell and Hugh McCrea will be presenting the Scottish Conservative's Manifesto for Stirling Council. Callum said

"I am grateful to the Bridge of Allan Community Council for arranging the local hustings. It will give local residents the opportunity to get to know a bit more about the candidates and what they stand for. I for one will be putting across our message that the Scottish Conservatives are both willing and capable of bringing Stirling's finances under control so that we can put an end to residents experiencing hefty council tax increases year after year."

The hustings will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18th April at the Allan Centre. All are welcome and are encouraged to attend.

CONSULT?........INSULT!

Conservative Holyrood candidate, Bob Dalrymple, today described Stirling Council’s Labour Administration’s latest proposal for a new road crossing of the River Forth as: ‘Yet another example of the insensitive and deceitful way Labour operates. Coming hard on the heels of the Back O’Hill Road scheme scandal I uncovered just a year ago, I am astounded that this Council have tried to slip a major capital proposal through with the minimum of publicity and that the consultation period ends THIS WEEK on Friday 16 March. This is government by stealth.

Stirling Council and the Scottish Executive should immediately extend the consultation period until after the elections in May so that all concerned can have proper opportunity to fully consider these proposals.

How can representatives, newly elected after 3 May, possibly represent the wishes of their constituents when an important matter such as this is waived through in a rush at the end of a Council term ?

This is just another example of the contempt this failed Labour Council and failed Labour/Liberal Executive exhibit for the people of Stirling’.

The proposal is part of the draft TACTRAN Regional Transport Strategy, but has only just been published by Stirling Council as part of a proposed alteration to the Structure Plan consultation, which ends on 30 April.

TONY BLAIR'S ACHIEVEMENTS 10 YEARS ON...

An excellent article by Simon Heffer appears in today's edition of the Daily Telegraph. It summarises extremely well and very succinctly just what 10 years under Blair's leadership means for those of us who live in the UK...
Click here to read the full article.

STIRLING COUNCIL CUTS TOURISM FUNDING

Stirling Council’s Labour administration have voted to cut support to tourism by half.

At last week’s budget meeting Labour forced through £2 million of cuts to services, despite increasing Council Tax levels. £100,000 of those cuts were for support to tourism.

Cllr Alistair Berrill, along with other Conservative opposition councillors, voted against the cuts. He says he is concerned about the damage to Stirling’s important tourism sector. “Labour haven’t explained the detail of how they plan to introduce these very severe reductions. However, they have indicated that a number of Tourist Information Centres are likely to be affected, including those at Aberfoyle, Dunblane, Drymen, Pirnhall and Tyndrum. We don’t yet know whether these centres will have to close outright, but my fear is that they will. This is likely to cause tremendous damage to tourism outside the City of Stirling, particularly to smaller businesses.”

Cllr Berrill goes on to condemn the administration. “These cuts are so short sighted. I would like to know whether their impact has been fully thought through and costed. For Stirling Council £100,000 is a relatively modest amount, particularly when you see the huge sums they squander every year on unnecessary bureaucracy. Yet it represents half of their annual funding for Visit Scotland and Tourist Information Centres. If the local economy is damaged as a result, then the saving to Stirling Council may prove small consolation.”

STIRLING COUNCIL EDUCATION CUTS

At last week’s meeting of Stirling Council, the Labour Administration voted through a package of educational cuts for the second year running. Despite an increase in the Council Tax of 1.8%, Stirling’s schools will once again be feeling the pinch, says opposition Education spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives Cllr Alistair Berrill.

“Last year Labour slashed almost £1 million from the Education budget. This year the cuts total over £700,000. They are taking £227,000 from pre-school education, £381,000 from primary and secondary schools, and £100,000 from primary school closures.”

There is confusion over the £100,000 for primary school closures, which Labour have coyly referred to as their “review of primary school provision and arrangements.” As far as Scottish Conservative Cllr Berrill understands, this can only mean the proposed closure of Lochearnhead Primary School. But, he says, “they haven’t yet approved the closure, which is to be discussed at the meeting of the Executive on Tuesday (13th February). They seem to be jumping the gun in voting through the cuts before the closure has been approved.”

Cllr Berrill believes that, year on year, these cuts to front line services must begin to damage the quality of our children’s education. “Labour voted down our budget, which would have preserved full funding to schools. We had proposed making reductions in headquarters administrative costs, which would have safeguarded the money going into schools. Yet, once again, Labour have shown that their instinct is to remove money from where the impact will be felt the hardest.”

STIRLING SETS SECOND HIGHEST COUNCIL TAX IN SCOTLAND!

With just three out of the 32 Scottish local authorities still to set their budget for 2007/08, householders in Stirling district look set to be charged the second highest Council Tax in the country this year.

An Alternative Budget proposed by Conservatives at yesterday's meeting would have meant no increase in Council Tax this year - the fourth year in a row that local Tories put forward plans involving no increase in tax.

With the rise in government grant, coupled with an end to Labour profligacy, the Tory proposals would also have meant more funding for roads, grass cutting, street sweeping, flood prevention, community halls, wardens, and gritting.

Labour councillors used their majority to vote down the Tory proposals, instead imposing a 1.8 per cent increase in council tax.

Commenting afterwards Tory finance spokesman Cllr Paul Nelson said:
"The tax increase levied by Labour for the coming year is more modest than we have seen before, thanks partly to Tory pressure and partly to the increase in government grant. But few will be fooled by it. Labour's track record in Stirling suggests that should they be re-elected in May they will simply revert back to their high tax agenda once again.

"Stirling has gone from having the eighteenth highest to fifth highest council tax over the past decade. That dismal record is set to deteriorate yet further, with local householders facing the second highest tax in the country over the coming year.

"It's not always a lack of money that is the problem, but the priorities pursued by the current Administration that are wrong.
Residents are paying a lot more in tax, but feel they are getting less in return."

"The traditional Labour orthodoxy that higher council taxes lead to improved services has been turned on its head by this Administration.
Even their own Residents Survey shows public satisfaction with council services has declined."

"Our alternative proposals would have brought tax relief to local people on fixed or modest incomes, such as pensioners and those with young families, for whom the council tax has rapidly become a sizeable part of the household budget.

"The fact is that the current Administration doesn't have a revenue problem - it has a spending problem. That's why they've lifted Stirling into the 'top tax league', way above councils of a similar size or profile. They claim they can't afford not to increase the council tax, but the truth is it's Labour councillors we can't afford!"

91% SAY COUNCIL TAX IS NOT VALUE FOR MONEY

A survey has revealed that over 91% of respondents living in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane are dissatisfied with the value they feel they are getting from their council tax payments to Stirling Council.

The survey, which was sent by post in December to everyone on the electoral register in the new multi member ward of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane, received the best response on record for a survey of this type in a Stirling consituency.

Respondents were asked their opinions on a number of key issues ranging from crime and transport to education and road maintenance. Over 91% of respondents stated that council tax was not value for money, and that council tax was their biggest concern.

Callum Campbell and Hugh McCrea, both Conservative candidates for the multi member ward, devised the "Survey of Opinions" in order to engage with local residents and to understand fully their concerns.

Callum Campbell said "The level of response has been hugely encouraging. What is clear is that there is a depth of feeling as to how poorly taxpayers' money is being spent. I keep hearing how successful Stirling is at collecting council tax payments. I just wish they were as adept at managing them and spending them."

Hugh McCrea commented "These results only serve to underline the response I have been getting on the doorstep. To say it is one of total disillusionment with Stirling council is probably the understatement of the year."

Road maintenance was also cited as the main area for concern after council tax. Over 80% believe that transport could be improved in their area, and 78% would not be in favour of any plans to introduce a toll on cars wishing to access the city centre.

Callum Campbel added, "The results of this survey illustrate the work that needs to be done in order to deliver services more efficiently and cost effectively in Stirling - work which this Labour led administration has failed to do over many years. Residents in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane have made their views clearly known, and the least we can do now is answer their call and deliver."

"GORDONOMICS" AND THE REAL ECONOMY

In 1992 James Carville, Bill Clinton's political strategist, famously placed a sign above Bill's desk in Little Rock which read "It's the economy, stupid!". The sign was placed there in order to answer the question "What is this campaign all about?". If, heaven forbid, I was Gordon Brown's political strategist, I would be very tempted to place a similar sign above his desk at 11 Downing Street. Only this time it would read "It's the stupid economy".

There is no doubt that over the last ten years many Britons have felt more comfortable about the pound in their pocket. Rising asset prices (housing), low inflation and low levels of unemployment have worked miracles in helping the British electorate feel so secure and confident about themselves that their approach to this Labour Government's endless list of failures and incompetencies has been almost nonchalant.

As well as placing a sign above Gordon's desk, I would also like to ask him to take part in a game with me. Let's call it "Truth and Consequences". The truth is that the measure of inflation used by this Government does not truly reflect the real rate of inflation that we face. The truth is that the real rate of inflation is in fact far higher than we are led to believe.The truth is that interest rates have been artificially too low for too long.

The consequences are that interest rates will need to move swiftly upwards to compensate. The consequences are that a stronger pound will damage our exports. The consequences are that many homeowners, who are already strugglig with huge mortgages, will face repossession. The consequences are that the recent boom in personal borrowing will result in a large increase in the number of personal bankruptcies. The consequences are that businesses will be forced to cut jobs.

We could alternatively play a different game. Let's call it "Go For Broke". Only this time, I think Gordon may have won the game before we've even started.

SURVEY SUCCESS!

Following the recent distribution of the survey that I sent to local residents, I am encouraged by the substantial response I have received. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who took the time to complete and return the survey. Many of you took the opportunity to add your additional thoughts and comments regarding ways in which you would like to see the delivery of council services improved. The survey certainly seems to have started some healthy and much welcomed debate! I hope to reply to all respondents shortly, once the data from the responses has been properly analysed after the Christmas and New Year break.

I had expected that many of the replies would come from natural Conservative supporters, which there were. What encouraged me most, however, were the number of constructive comments and views I received from residents who historically may have voted for other political parties, but were prepared to engage with me in order to achieve the shared goal of ensuring that Stirling Council provides value for money services.

CALLUM CAMPBELL'S SURVEY OF OPINIONS

A survey which has been put together by Callum Campbell has been sent through the post to residents in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane. The aim of the survey is to identify the key local issues which affect residents the most. Callum believes that problems can only begin to be solved if he knows what those problems are. Callum said;

"It is all too easy to assume that the day to day problems and issues that I face regarding council services are the same as everyone else's. Rather than make any false assumptions, I feel it is imperative that I gather information which accurately reflects what residents in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane really want from their council. This survey will allow me to do that. It is therefore important that residents take this opportunity to complete this survey, no matter which political party they may have supported in the past, and return it to me. That way we can identify the key issues and make some headway into tackling them".

Keep an eye out for Callum's Survey of Opinions in your mailbox soon!

IN TOUCH WITH BRIDGE OF ALLAN

The local Conservative constituency newspaper, "Unplugged", will be delivered to the doorsteps of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane over the coming weeks. Within the newspaper, a flyer from Callum Campbell will be included. Please contact Callum with any views you may have about the Conservative's proposed plans for Stirling's future.

UNPLUGGED - A BLUEPRINT FOR STIRLING

Stirling Conservatives have launched their blueprint for the running of Stirling council, publishing proposals in the latest edition of the local party's constituency paper "Unplugged". The policy document has been published well ahead of the formal election campaign in order that the public can "share their own opinions about how the council should be run and what the priorities of the next administration should be."

Councillor David Lonsdale, Conservative spokesman, said; "The local election next May is about the selection of individual councillors to represent each part of the district. It is also about the election of a new administration to run Stirling Council. Local Conservatives believe the council can and should deliver in a far more effective and positive manner for those who use, pay for and provide services.

"We are concentrating on what the priorities should be, not just for a Conservative-led administration, but for any administration. That is why we have set out a range of ideas for the future, and why we are also keen to hear what residents think the priorities for the next administration should be."

The Conservatives have identified four key challenges for the Stirling area:

Delivering value for money; making Stirling greener; tackling ant-social behaviour; and strengthening local civic society.

NEW TORY TEAM FOR STIRLING

Stirling Tories have named their new team to contest the Stirling council election in May 2007. Candidates are being fielded in all seven of the new multi-member wards. The full line-up of candidates are Callum Campbell and Hugh McCrea(Bridge of Allan and Dunblane), Neil Benny and Councillor Gerry Power (Stirling West); Alastair McCulloch (Bannockburn); Lesley Stein (Castle); Councillors Alistair Berrill and David Lonsdale (Forth and Endrick); and Councillor Tony Ffinch and Mary Kenyon (Highland and Trossachs).

Stirling Tories' Holyrood candidate Bob Dalrymple said; "Our line-up of candidates offers a real blend of experience and youth I am sure they will prove to be a very attractive alternative council administration, one that is committed to ensuring excellent value for money services."

PYLON THE POUNDS AT RACE NIGHT

A group of Stirling Tories attended a "Race Night" held at Stirling Rugby Club organised by the Stirling Before Pylons campaign.Significant funds were raised at the event in order to help pay for the legal costs of fighting the proposed plans to place high voltage pylons from Denny to Beauly. An excellent night was had by all at what was a very well organised and well attended event. Our thanks go to the organisers of the event, and we continue to support them with their campaign and wish them every success. Click here to learn more about the Stirling Before Pylons Campaign.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

Probably not, as it is now October and the summer is clearly over! However, even more probably not given the state of the tennis courts at Keir Street (pictured left) which have been so badly maintained by the council. There is a long running history (almost 2 years) behind the state of these tennis courts. Whilst there were once 3 very useable courts, thanks to the council, there is now only 1 useable court. The useable and recently upgraded court is excellent, and receives plenty of use by the local community. But the neglect of the remaining courts leaves them all but useless. Yet again, evidence of Stirling council spending more of your money, but delivering fewer useable facilities.

"NO" TO HOUSING TRANSFER

More than 68% of tenants have rejected plans to transfer housing to private landlord, Stirling Housing. Stirling Council's housing debt cannot now be written off, and they have now approached ministers for extra funding.Click here to read more details.

THE PERILS OF LABOUR CONTROL...

A damning report into a Labour-controlled local authority has highlighted serious failings, including allegations that councillors used their powers to win preferential treatment for their constituents.Click here to read the article published in The Scotsman...

BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The minutes of the Bridge of Allan Community Council held on the 15th August include topics such as Police Report, Hawes Park, and the campaign against Pylons.Click here to read the minutes.

DUNBLANE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the Dunblane Community Council meeting held on Monday 7th August include the coverage of topics such as local crime, the Skatepark and local planning issues.Click here to read the minutes.

PYLON THE PRESSURE

Many of you will be aware of the proposals concerning the Denny to Beauly power line. For those of you who aren't, Scottish and Southern Electricity plan to install high voltage overhead powerlines across some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside, some in close proximity to homes in the Stirling area. As well as being a danger to the countryside, danger to the health of inhabitants in close proximity to the powerline is a very real concern. Alternatives, such as using underground cabling, must be fully examined and debated. If you would like to get involved then visit Stirling Before Pylons.

DUNBLANE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

You can read the minutes of the most recent Dunblane Community Council meeting held on 5th June at the Dunblane Youth Centre by clicking here.Read about local matters concerning the proposed skateboard park, the schools PPP project and crime and planning reports.

LOGIE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The minutes of the most recent meeting of Logie Community Council held on 15th May can be read by clicking here.Read about local matters concerning pylons, speed activated signs, ward boundaries and grants. The next community council meeting is scheduled to be held on 18th September at 7.30 pm in the Blairlogie Reading Room.

BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes from the Bridge of Allan Community Council meeting held on Tuesday 18th July can be found by clicking here. The minutes include a local police report and matters concerning local planning applications.

SIMPLY PARKING MAD!

Is it just me?...Or has anyone else noticed the sheer increase in the number of drivers who decide to completely ignore parking restrictions signified by two large yellow lines painted at the side of the roads? Kenilworth Road, Blairforkie Drive, Fountain Road, Well Road and Pullar Avenue are all areas where I often witness a blatant disregard for parking restrictions. The prime reason for two yellow painted lines at the side of the road are nothing to do with aesthetics, but plenty to do with safety. I only hope that drivers will take it upon themselves to heed the restrictions before any accidents occur. There again, many are aware that these restrictions are never enforced. So Stirling Council....Where are the traffic wardens when you need them?

BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held by Bridge of Allan Community Council held at the Allan Centre on Tuesday 20th June 2006 can be found by clicking here. Minutes from the meeting held on Tuesday 18th July will be posted shortly.

BEND IT LIKE BECKETT

As the UK's Margaret Beckett struts and frets her stuff on the international stage, her empty calls for a cessation of Israeli bound US flights stopping off at Prestwick have fallen on deaf ears. It would appear that Whitehall has interpreted her call as one to ensure that the proper paperwork is in place, not that the practice should be stopped entirely.Whilst I understand that Civil Aviation does not come under the responsibility of the Scottish Executive, Jack McConnell's silence on this issue is truly deafening.

NHS - NATURALLY HELPFUL STAFF

Spending time in hospital is never pleasant, unless perhaps you are in the maternity ward. Over the last 15 days I have spent time as a patient at Stirling Royal Infirmary. The NHS has many problems which are all well documented. However, what struck me most about my time in hospital was the excellent performance of frontline staff who were responsible for my comfort and well - being during that time. The staff who had responsibility for cleaning the wards, making the beds, serving food and administering medication did so with the utmost committment and professionalism under difficult circumstances including working in an environment under searing temperatures. I would like therefore to take this opportunity to thank all the staff working in wards 25 and 26 at the SRI for restoring my faith in a highly dedicated team of frontline NHS employees.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND JOHN PRESCOTT

There has long been an association between cowboys and politicians in the good ol' US of A.Ronald Reagan was famed for playing western roles in Hollywood, as was Clint Eastwood. George Bush has often been seen parading around Texas in a ten gallon cowboy hat.

Here in the UK, we have become used to the cowboys who operate within the current Labour administration. John Prescott however, has taken this role perhaps one step too far. Maybe he thinks that if he sports a pair of chaps,(my apologies to readers of a nervous disposition who may be troubled by such an image), the ladies will go weak at the knees.

Surely it is now High Noon, and Tony Blair must have a final showdown with Prezza at the "Not-So-OK-Coral".(Click here to read article)

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

At long last David Cameron has taken the bull by the horns (or should that be the elephant by the tusks?)and re-raised the issue of the West Lothian Question. Whether you are a supporter of full Scottish independence or a supporter of maintaining the union is almost irrelevant. The fact is that the current situation cannot, and should not, continue.

DEFENDING THE INDEFENSIBLE

In today's Scotsman, (click here to read article) it has been reported that Scotland's local authorities have spent up to £100 million of council taxpayers' money to pay off staff over the last four years. Payments have been spent on severance, redundancy and early retirement payments.

If any evidence is needed to show just how bloated our public sector has become, then this is it. Taxpayers are paying handsomely for a reduction in jobs which should never have existed in the first place. That's taxpayers like you!...

DUNBLANE'S FINEST

Following Andy Murray's impressive victory over Andy Roddick at Wimbledon yesterday, Dunblane can be proud of his exceptional achievements. Rumour has it that Sven Goran Eriksson pocketed £25m to manage the England football team. The Lawn Tennis Association has reportedly been asked to pick up £500k a year to pay for Andy's new coach. Looks like good value to me! Perhaps Stirling Council will now recognise the importance of maintaining the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane public tennis courts in order that our young constituents can be encouraged to follow in Andy's footsteps.

PROTESTS GROW OVER BUS CUTS

Excerpt from Stirling Observer, June 21 2006

CONTROVERSIAL changes to school transport arrangements could put young lives at risk, say parents.

Bridge of Allan Primary School board chairman Callum Campbell is among those who says the change could be dangerous and who is hitting out over the lack of consultation.

He said:

"Walking to school is a much healthier option for children and should reduce the volume of early morning traffic congestion and pollution.

"However for some children the change in policy means their parents have no option but to drive them to school, resulting in more school run traffic, which may make it more dangerous for others who do walk to school.

"As a school board we have worked hard to promote the Safer Routes to Schools campaign but the fact is many parents who are affected by the policy change live in locations which will require children to walk along roads which have no pavement or cycle lane, are poorly lit or require them to cross exceptionally busy roads which have inadequate safety crossings.

"I fear such a lack of consultation may result in a serious accident or fatality and I urge the council to rethink before a child is killed."