Barrhead News | News | JOIN BATTLE FOR BARRHEAD

Saturday, 22nd November, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 6th August, 2008 12:00

JOIN BATTLE FOR BARRHEAD

By Caireen Kelly

THE campaign to keep Barrhead inside East Renfrewshire has stepped up a gear as the Boundary Commission’s local enquiry gets closer.

The Boundary Commission for Scotland is proposing to remove Barrhead from the East Renfrewshire Scottish Parliamentary Constituency and MSP Ken Macintosh has urged local residents to attend the inquiry at Paisley Sheriff Court on August 26 to 28 to voice their views.

Ken said: “I have yet to meet anyone from Barrhead who thinks it is a good idea to remove Barrhead from East Renfrewshire Scottish Parliamentary boundary.

“Local residents successfully campaigned for a public inquiry.

“And they will now have the opportunity to put forward their reasons for keeping the current boundary.

“The arguments of local residents will prove vital in ensuring that Barrhead remains in East Renfrewshire.

“I would urge anyone who feels strongly to go along and make their views known.”

Barrhead Community Council also support the inquiry as a means to generate public debate on the issue.

They do not want the boundary to change by default and the people of the town not to have been able to have their say.

Members say their one hope would be that Barrhead would continue to have a strong, political voice in whatever constituency they find themselves in.

They are also urging any local people with opinions to attend the inquiry and raise any concerns they may have.

Vincent Waters, chair of the Community Council expressed his own personal views.

He said that if Barrhead moves into the Paisley constituency, he would like the close historical connection with Neilston and Uplawmoor to be continued because he feels they are better off together.

And residents in the area have also been quick to add their views.

Bill Galt said: “I think it’s very important to keep Barrhead in East Renfrewshire.

At present all the services in East Renfrewshire from local MSP and MP, Council, Health and Education work together and provide a good service. This boundary change could affect these services.”

Anna Klimek added: “I came from Paisley to Barrhead when I got married many years ago and I know that the services are better because they are together.

“We have great contact with our local MSP Ken Macintosh, MP Jim Murphy and Council because they have same boundary.” Gillian Ferguson said Barrhead should stay the way it is now because she does not want to move into another boundary.

Everyone will have the chance to have their say at the inquiry at Paisley Sheriff Court between August 26 and 28 when locals will be invited to give evidence.

The Boundary Commission are no longer accepting written letters.

Anyone wishing to air their concerns should attend the inquiry. What’s your view call Barrhead News on 0141 889 0511.

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