East Renfrewshire Foodbank Like many people I’m not sure how I feel about the growth of food banks throughout the UK.

On the one hand I think it is commendable that so many civic minded and caring people are willing to make the effort to help those less fortunate than themselves. And it’s not just the dedicated volunteers. Local people have responded magnificently with their usual generosity by donating foodstuffs for distribution to those who need help. On the other hand, it’s a disgrace that food bank usage has trebled across the UK. Surely in 21st century Britain we shouldn’t have to rely on food banks to help needy families? While the answer must be that we need to grow the economy, create jobs and tackle inequality and poverty, at the same time we should recognise and commend the efforts of local volunteers like those whom I met recently in Barrhead. They are determined that no local family should go hungry. They don’t want recognition or thanks, they just want to do what they believe is the right thing. Donations are always welcome. If you know of anyone who needs help then please direct them to East Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau at 216 Main Street, Barrhead, G78 1SN.

Royal Mail Rip off Residents in Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor know the value of our Royal Mail.

Unfortunately it would appear that the Tory/Lib Dem government hasn’t got a clue about the true value of Royal Mail.

The government has just sold off a huge chunk of Royal Mail, giving big financial institutions an immediate bonus of 50%, not as if they needed it. So the government has short changed taxpayers and given a multi million pounds boost to financial speculators. But the value of Royal Mail is not just in the price of shares. Royal Mail’s true value lies in a guaranteed six day affordable service with it costing the same to send a letter anywhere in the UK, no matter where you live. On the day that shares surged by 50%, the chief executive of Royal Mail (who has a £1.47 million pay package) announced that she thought the price of postage would have to rise. What a cheek! Vince Cable really should be ashamed of himself and I hope he is hauled over the coals by M.P.’s at Westminster.

Vote for Barrhead Water Works needs your vote!

The public can now vote on whether Water Works will be chosen to receive £100,000 ahead of two other Scottish projects. The money from the Big Lottery Fund would be used to transform the former sewage works on Glasgow Road into an area of natural beauty. The concrete tanks would become large wild flower gardens. Barrhead High School nominated the site and will drive the idea with the help of “Still Game” a local club for retired people. If you have access to the internet, you can vote for the Water Works project. What a difference the money could make to the local area. Vote for Barrhead. Simply go to www.vote.growwilduk.com and select Water Works. Go on. It’s not often that you have the chance to vote for the local community to receive £100,000.

Cigarette Packaging I don’t often agree with the SNP government but I have to agree with SNP Ministers that we should have plain packaging on cigarettes.

It’s right to do everything we can to take any glamour and attraction away from cigarettes which are still a major cause of premature death in this country. Attitudes to smoking have changed significantly in Scotland to smoking but we still have a problem. I remember around 13 years ago when I suggested that we ban smoking in public places. I was denounced in the national press and yet now most people see that it was the right thing to do. This is one area where the Scottish Government can take a lead and I will be backing them on this.

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