GARL

SNP HYPOCRISY

The Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL) bill was going through it's final phase in Parliament this afternoon and was accepted by 118 votes to 8 with no abstentions. Local Labour MSP Wendy Alexander welcomed the SNP support to the progress of the bill, but pointed out that someone should really tell the local SNP as they have campaigned against the link and continue to do so.

The Local Labour Administration of Renfrewshire Council have argued all along that the pitches at the Race Course (St James Playing Fields) were of prime importance to the people of Renfrewshire, while the local SNP led by the likes of Bruce McPhee list MSP and his protege Cllr Derek McKay led a campaign to stop the Rail Link. The Chair of the Local Football league is quoted as saying that 'Christmas has come early for the St James Playing Fields'. The Local SSP have also said that they are against the bill progressing, I don't have the voting records for today's vote but in June of this year they did vote for it!

LABOUR GAIN

THE GOAL OF FULL EMPLOYMENT

• Unemployment at lowest level since 1975 and is half that of Germany's and France's!

The fact that when I was growing up in the 1980's Full Employment was seen as a myth in political and practical terms tell you a lot about the Tories and their policies, we now have it in our grasp thanks to a Labour Government in Westminster and Holyrood!

MY SCOTLAND

CreatingDate= 29-11-2006

Thanks to Mr Handy for this! This is the first time I have put one of these You Tube things on my blog so lets see if it works?

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

OUTRAGE

Renfrewshire Against Gender Violence

Today I was lucky enough to be invited to the first Outrage conference which has been organised by Renfrewshire Women's Association it is part of the 16 days of action for the elimination of violence against women which is being held internationally. I am writing this while waiting to go back over for the second half of the day but, this morning was fantastic, the Beechwood Women's group were fantastic and their drama had quite a few of the audience in tears. When I went outside at lunch there were a few of the audience talking about the morning session and they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it, similarly brilliant was the Women 4 Women Group, many have experienced the issue of sexual and physical abuse and they gave an audio presentation which was outstanding.

This afternoon it is the turn of a very talented young actress called Naomi Breeze who does a one woman show about domestic violence from the individuals perspective, the first time I caught the performance we were not told that it was a drama presentation and it was like a woman just telling her story, very powerful and you get the chance I would definitely go see her.

Also this afternoon is the Women and Children's First project, Choose Life and RAMH as well as closing remarks from Community Learning and Development. I will update later (hopefully with visuals of the art work also on display) on this afternoon's presentations.

ELDERSLIE BY ELECTION

LOCAL?

I have never thought that people should vote for someone JUST because they are local, it is not something that the Labour Party support, local people can have a greater knowledge of the problems but it does not follow that they would necessarily be better for the ward, we do support the best candidate and if they happen to be local all the better.

The SNP use the LOCAL card a lot however, their candidate Tracie McGee from Howwood suggested at the last election that because she lived in Johnstone Castle and the Labour candidate Cllr John Hood only lived in Johnstone that people should not vote for him as he was an outsider! I wonder if she has changed her mind now she is the one standing for election as the 'outsider'. (this is how Ms McGee referred to Cllr J Hood in her election materials)

The Tories are at it as well and in the local rag this afternoon their candidate is being threatened with legal action by the local Pharmacist (I am sure you will agree an integral part of the village) for trying to scare residents by suggesting that the local Methadone programme is being improperly run and that it should be shut down. Keep in mind there have been no complaints from Strathclyde Police and they have dismissed the claims. The candidate is obviously trying to stir up an issue without any evidence to back it up, you can make up your own mind if this is normal in your area.

I think that the candidate who most reflects your views and has your trust should get your vote, I think that John Caldwell will do an excellent job for Elderslie and will carry on the excellent work that the Late Deputy Provost Jean Goldie started. It has been well known that Jean LOVED Elderslie and at times it was difficult to have a conversation with her where it did not get back to Elderslie, to her credit she worked extremely hard for her constituents and was extremely well thought of! I am sure that John will carry on this tradition of having a strong and representative Labour voice on Renfrewshire Council.

VOTE LABOUR, VOTE CALDWELL ON DECEMBER THE 7th!

FAREPAK

JIM DEVINE LABOUR MP


Previously I had written about Elaine Murray MSP and her efforts to shame HBOS into paying more money into the Farepak fund, today is the turn of Jim Devine MP. Mr Devine has been involved with this from the very beginning and his efforts are to be congratulated, in todays Herald newspaper it states that he has had a response from HBOS re their credit management procedures, and has asked for further information on what these actually are and how they were applied to EHR and Farepak.

In the same article it tells of how reps from Kleeneze have condemned the actions of EHR the parent company to both Farepak and Kleeneze for their actions in this matter.

The main point here is the one that I have hinted at in the earlier post, that HBOS got most of their money back, it was the ordinary woman/man on the street that lost their savings! I do not think that it is too much to ask for HBOS to be significantly more generous than they have been with regard to the fund do you?

LABOUR GAIN

SENIOR CITIZENS

• An extra £11 Billion is being spent this year on pensioners compared to 1997. This is £8 Billion more than an earnings link would have delivered.

This brings to mind a conversation I had at the last election in Paisley Town Centre, with a couple of senior ladies, it went along the lines of the Monty Python 'What have the Roman's ever done for us?' sketch! When I pointed out the free TV licence the Winter Fuel Allowance, the increase in Basic Pension, the minimum income guarantee and the Pension and Savings Credits they got the point. Today's Seniors are demanding more and more and they have found their voice thanks to this Labour Government, they will continue to do well, why endanger this by voting SNP, Tory or anyone but Labour at the next elections?

ADVENTUROUS

COOKING

My sister has been kind of teaching me how to cook, I am now getting to the stage of adapting her recipes so after my first successful lasagna I am now making the same dish only with chicken! So the recipe remains the same.

Nightmare though that I keep burning my hands on the oven tray! I know I should wear the oven gloves but I can never find them when I need them.

Just so just for the reader who I met this morning I will take a photo of it and put it at the top of this post when it is ready! Probably not the graphics you were looking for but I will continue to try!

I promise it tastes nicer than it looks!

LABOUR GAIN

HEALTH REBUILDING THE NHS

• 84% of NHS staff are directly involved in patient care across 300 different careers.

Despite the claims of the Tories, SNP and others the fact that 84% of the NHS staff are DIRECTLY involved with patients shows the investment in the staff in the NHS. Again it is not perfect but it is an excellent start.

FAREPAK

ELAINE MURRAY LABOUR MSP

I hate blogs that just reproduce the news without any comment or extra but this is well worth it!

Dr Elaine Murray (Labour) MSP has suggested yesterday (according to the BBC) that she will be closing down her Halifax/Bank of Scotland (HBOS) accounts unless they do more to help the Farepak victims, I am 100% behind this, it won't mean much to them to lose my business I have an old account with about £10 in it, but I do have friends and family who have their everyday accounts with HBOS and I would encourage them to write to HBOS to tell them that they are intending to do this! (added 27th November 2006) This is to encourage them to help out the Farepak victims in a more significant way, many of whom are no doubt customers of HBOS.

Come on Everyone just think 'People Power' we have done it before and will do it again! Also remember that European Home Retail (EHR) own Kleeneze so if they come round don't buy anything!

I have recently been taken to task for this last point by a Kleeneze rep who has suggested that it simply hurts the agents and ruins their Christmas and I take that point but given that the parent company EHR have reneged on giving the Farepak customers the goods how confident can you be as a consumer that you will get your Kleeneze goods?

WALKING BUSES

DOUGLAS ALEXANDER MP


As per the title the Labour Scottish/Transport Secretary and Local MP Douglas Alexander has announced this week Labour's new initiative to keep children healthy, walking buses!


The idea is not really a new one as I have been aware of it for the past three years since becoming a Local Councillor, however it is very worth while and the additional monies being allocated is no doubt welcome. Check it out and see what you think?

TORIES AND POVERTY

IAIN AND COMPANY RANTING

I normally read The Guardian online, this stemmed from when the paper was huge and it used to hurt my wee arms! However, I missed the one big story on the comment section that Poly Tonybee was recently praised for by The Conservatives! Yup that is right you heard correctly well it turns out that the worms are turning, if you look in on Iain Dale's blog they are going nuts about it! They are suggesting that relative poverty doesn't matter that it is a non entity and that it should be removed from official government language.

I cannot help but think that is because they have probably never met someone who lives below the poverty line, or if they have they do not consider them worthy of their time. In today's comment Tonybee points out that although 'relative poverty' is indeed relative it does not make it any less real for those children and parents who suffer with it, trying to avoid the PE lessons because you don't have the right kit might sound frivolous but it wouldn't be if it was your child!

Tonybee also doubts -as do we all- that Cameron and the Tories are taking this seriously, I agree with her assessment of the situation that the figures don't add up, you cannot cut spending on the social justice agenda and still lift people out of poverty, she suggests they will be looking to the voluntary sector to come up with the cash, but they get a lot of the funding for their projects from Government be it Central or Local so the idea that they would be able to sustain this type of spending without the assistance of government is ridiculous and I am sure Tonybee agrees.

I like the fact that she attacks the Government for their language on this, it should not be about the deserving and undeserving poor but about what we can do for ALL society and the injustices and inequalities that exist to make a more just and tolerant society. The tolerance debate seems to have been left out of this particular issue but it is relevant, tolerance is fostered by equality of rights and responsibilities and social policy should equally assist all sections in society.

LABOUR GAIN

WORKPLACE RIGHTS

• Delivered 50 new employment rights since 1997

As promised this is my Labour Gain for today, the fact that workers now have more rights than ever before can only be a good thing, I am not suggesting that the present situation is perfect but at lot of work has been done.

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

FINAL CHANCE!

OK you may be getting sick of hearing about the Birthday fund for Tebo but I am just letting you all know that today is the last day that you are able to donate online through the Just Giving page I set up, so if you haven't given, get a move on!

I would like to say that I am soooo grateful to all of those that helped out and donated, my friends have been excellent, as have my colleagues in the Labour Group in Renfrewshire Council have been extremely generous as have my family. All of those who came on the night thank you so much it was a great night and I have loads of photos as well! The Labour MSPs and MPs locally also pledged their support and it is gratefully received.

Thanks again all, mostly thanks to my mum, dad and sister Clare for all their support and help.

ANONYMITY

COMMENTING

I have decided that due to some confusion over whether or not I am right to ask for those commenting to at the very least identify themselves I am taking the step of now NOT publishing comments unless the person identifies themselves, this should cut down on the confusion on my position.

This will not stop the likes of Max or Martin, who are obviously NOT in agreement with me in terms of politics, but it will stop those who like to challenge my position without identifying themselves or their own views.

This is just something I am trying and I know that it will not be popular with the anonymous crowd but to be honest if they had a blog I would identify myself when posting a comment I don't think it is too much to ask that they do likewise!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

DISABLED PARKING BAYS UPDATE

One of the Local MSP's Trish Godman (Renfrewshire West) the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, has advised that she will be supporting Jackie Baillie in her private members bill to stop people parking in disabled parking bays if they do not have a blue badge.

I personally wanted to thank Trish for this as this is something which will make a BIG difference to my constituents lives!

E- PETITIONS

DOWNING STREET MADNESS!

OK I have put down the side of this webpage (just for a wee while) a feed from the e petitions section of the Downing Street web site! It is quite interesting to see what kinds of things are being suggested. I knew that the site was up and running because they sent me an email about it, but, my attention redirected to it this afternoon on reading the Herald Diary page. The guys that write this can be quite funny and they have highlighted the petition with the 10th highest number of votes reads ...

'we the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to stand on his head and juggle ice cream'

Not the most intelligent suggestion, but I am still trying to find out if they have done this as a joke or whether they are just at it! Of course some petitioners may just be putting silly ones online so that they can increase their traffic to their blog! A lot of the petitions are from individuals who are serious about what they are saying so have a look and see for yourself. The Scottish Parliament petitions do allow online contributions as well so you may want to check them out too. (click here)

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

DISABLED PARKING BAYS

There is an article in the Scotsman this morning entitled 'Disabled parking-bay cheats face stiff fines under new law', it reports the new bill introduced by Jackie Baillie MSP (Labour) which would see the idiots that park in the disabled parking bays in supermarkets without a disabled badge having to pay fines. She goes further by suggesting that it should apply no matter where the disabled parking bay is whether it is outside your house for instance!

I could not agree more on this front, as a Local Councillor I get lots of complaints about parking hence the East End Parking scheme, one of the main problems is that the disabled bays are not statutory and people do not respect the need of the disabled for these bays! I am trying to see if Ms Baillie has an elctronic copy of this consultation document so that I can get it to the local Disability Resource Centre and my constituents.

Thanks to Jackie Baillie for this it will make a huge difference to people's lives.

300+ LABOUR GAINS

USDAW'S EXCELLENT BOOK


This morning I received a copy of the above booklet in the mail from my Local MP Jim Sheridan - thanks for that Jim- and I am delighted. The previous book which was around two years ago was an excellent tool for campaigning and now for blogging!


I thought that I would pick out a few of the points in the book and put them in here just to cheer you all up, because part of the problem of being the Government is that people don't notice what the Labour Party are doing for them, so just in case you didn't know here is what the Labour Party have done for us ....

• Created the first ever national minimum wage which delivers at least £5.35 an hour to 1.5 Million people.
• Doubled Maternity pay to £106 a week.
• 500,000 new fathers enjoy extended paid paternity leave of 2 weeks.
• A record 28.94 million people in jobs - up 2.51 million since 1997 - the highest number ever.
• Average incomes up by 19% since 1997
• The longest period of sustained economic growth in Britain's history.
• Cut by 2.1 million the number of children living in poverty.
• NHS Investment has doubled since 1997 and will treble to £92 Billion a year by 2008.
• 84% of NHS staff are directly involved in patient care across 300 different careers.
• Banning smoking in ALL public places including private clubs.

Obviously this is just a fraction of the gains that the UK has benefited from under a Labour Government, we have a duty and a right to get the good news out there so start your day with one Labour Gain a day on your blog, try it for the next year! One a day keeps the Tories/SNP/SSP/Liberal Democrats at bay!

INSPIRING WOMEN

'SOMEDAY I WILL TREAT YOU GOOD'

I love reading other people's blogs, and while scouring the Internet this evening I found the blog above (http://andrewkbrown.wordpress.com/). On this blog there is a quiz about inspiring women, I have taken it twice, and both times came up with Mary Wollstonecraft.

The good part about it is that when you have finished it tells you a little of the history of the particular woman, take it see who you resemble.

To access the quiz click on the title above 'Inspiring Women'

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

LOVE SCOTLAND, HATE RACISM

The STUC are organising their annual anti racism march in Glasgow this year, the date time and place are outlined below.

The Scottish TUC Assistant Secretary Mary Senior said ...

“The STUC is proud to be organising this anti-racism event, where Scotland unites against racism and fascism, and really celebrates our diversity and shared humanity. We are delighted that the Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance is sponsoring this year’s event and hope that as many people as possible will participate in the march and celebration, to give a visible sign that we love Scotland, but we hate racism.”

Click on the title above to visit the STUC website for more information.

SEEDHILL PLAYING FIELDS

UPDATE

In contrast to what I have written about the Friends of Seedhill Playing Fields in the past this is not going to be a positive post! I have just checked in on their website and noticed a new article written by the group which is littered with inaccuracies and which is at best disingenuous.

To set the record straight this is the truth!

The Council have changed their plans partly due to cost but, partly due to listening to the community and the objections that have been made. There are NO PLANS for 79 flats on the ground and this has been advised numerous times yet the front page of the website still suggests this, why?

Despite the Director of Planning and Transport, the Head of Transport and the technical officer who commissioned the report advising the group that the contamination on the ground is not any different from that on any other urban site, the group continue to suggest that the ground is somehow dangerous to human life!

They advise that the land at Millarston has been sold for £8 Million pounds which is absolutely ridiculous and unfounded! No one knows where they have plucked this figure from and I can categorically deny it!

They further advise that the decision was take illegally and that the report was 'hidden', maybe this is something that they should take up with their Local Elected Representative Cllr Celia Lawson, she will be able to advise that EVERY Councillor in Renfrewshire gets EVERY council agenda and report across their desk, this would have included the report on the sale of the land at Seedhill Playing Fields in Cllr Lawson's ward.

I personally pointed out that even if you miss something on a board paper you have several representatives of your party on the policy board and they would be able to highlight this to you, at least that is the way it works in the Labour group where we work as a team, recent press reports from evictees of the SNP would suggest that this is not how they work.

The reasons for selling the land have not changed and the group are aware of this, despite what this press release says!

SHOPPING

BRAEHEAD

Today my sister and I went out to Braehead Shopping Centre supposedly for fifteen minutes (in my sisters time frame!) which turned into two hours! Shopping is only fun when you have money to spend, which I don't so it is annoying basically.

What is more annoying is the number of people who simply walk into you and don't apologise, they don't try and move out the way, they don't even look at you just try and walk right through you. The Christmas spirit obviously hasn't reached some of the shoppers, hence why I prefer doing my shopping online!

You have heard of road rage look forward to shopping rage in the near future!

SSP BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

UNIVERSITY NAME CHANGE

Despite the efforts of the Labour Administration on Renfrewshire Council and the petition organised by the Labour MP's the University of Paisley announced about a month ago that they were changing the name and the likely outcome would be the University of the West of Scotland.

Only today have the local SSP joined the debate, three time failed candidate Ian Hogg has only now noticed! The Paisley Daily Express (no doubt spurred on by the press release Mr Hogg or the SSP provided) wrote an article suggesting that as a graduate of the University Mr Hogg is concerned, well, welcome to the party Ian although you are a little late. As a graduate in Politics and Social Policy from the University of Paisley I too have been worried only my concern stems beyond this week!

Better late than never I suppose, thanks for joining the Labour Party in it's efforts and I am glad that you agree with us, however it may have been better if you had mentioned the petition or even given credit where credit was due but I guess that would have been too much to ask!

WENDY ALEXANDER MSP

FINANCE SUB COMMITTEE

In the Glasgow Herald this afternoon it is carrying a story about our local MSP Wendy Alexander taking up a new role in Hoylrood as the Chair of the Finance Committee. The article suggests that she may be a thorn in the side of the Executive yet it also suggests that she will have a main role in next years election campaign.

Personally I want to congratulate Wendy on her new position, it comes as no surprise to me that Mr McConnell has asked her to take this position and I am sure she will do an excellent job, yet another Paisley MSP raising the profile of Renfrewshire.

ELDERSLIE BY ELECTION

HARRIET HARMAN

Harriet Harman the Minister of State (Department for Constitutional Affairs) was in Elderslie today campaigning along side the Labour Candidate John Caldwell. Members of both the Labour Party and the public were impressed with Ms Harman's attitude and down to earth personality. Thanks have to go to the local party for their efforts so far and to the people of Elderslie for their positive attitude towards Mr Caldwell.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

JOURNEY SOUTH

Not being much of an X Factor fan I was aware but not entirely sure who Journey South were (sorry boys!), but this afternoon at the switching on of the Christmas lights they proved any critics they may have had wrong! Despite of the heavy rain and cold wind the guys showed how professionals should do it! They sung four songs and obviously had quite a following.

They previewed a song from their upcoming album and I must admit that I will probably want to hear more, which is something coming from me because I do not really like most of the acts in the X Factor and Fame Academy shows (with the exception of our own David Sneddon -that is a fiver you owe me Dave) so well done for changing my mind.

Can I also say that I was very impressed with their behaviour, before leaving the stage they shook the hands of the crowd at the front and signed numerous autographs at the Town Hall, which always helps.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

RENFREWSHIRE COMMUNITY HEALTH PARTNERSHIP

This afternoon was the third meeting of the Renfrewshire Community Health Partnership of which I a member. The meeting was well attended and even at this stage had members of the public present, the reports discussed included the appointment of the Head of Children's Services, the formulation of the Public Partnership Forum, and a report on the Renfrew Health Centre development.

Some of the opposition in Renfrewshire have complained at great length and at great volume about the Labour Administration of both the Council and the Scottish Executive 'betraying' the people of Renfrew over the Health Centre Development, they have suggested in the past that it was not going to be built, that the Scottish Executive had refused to identify funding and generally ran a campaign of disinformation with regard to it.

Bottom line is that £15 million has been identified and set aside. The plan at the moment (barring any problems) would be that the building would be available by late 2009, just over two years!

It would be interesting to see what Mr Doig (perennial SNP candidate) has to say about this given his recent letter in the Paisley Daily Express condemning the local Labour Council and Wendy Alexander MSP for their continued support and work on this project.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

CONGRATULATIONS HUGH HENRY

It was announced today that the replacement for Peter Peacock MSP as the Minister for Education and Young People will be our very own, Hugh Henry MSP. Hugh was the first leader of Renfrewshire Council after reorganisation he has been involved in local politics for many years and has been the Deputy Minister for Justice for the past four years.

I for one want to say congratulations to Hugh Henry MSP, I am sure that Peter Peacock will give him as much assistance in his new post as possible.

SWITCH WITH WHICH

SCOTTISH GAS

I have recently changed my electricity and gas supplier through switch with which and thought that it would be good idea to highlight the positive experience that I have had. I checked it out because I felt that I was paying over the odds for my electricity and gas, and found a supplier that could save me around half of my current bill with Scottish Gas, and so I switched in October.

Earlier today I checked my online banking and found that Scottish Gas had repaid overpayment on my gas account, I called and tried to find out more about it (I hadn't actually been told they were giving me money) and they said that it was only for my gas and my electricity final bill would be out soon. My point? I got back over a third of my yearly bill! Some companies are putting up the payments keeping the money and pocketing the interest! Be aware that this is common practise with some companies and my families experience of Scottish Gas is that they have tried in the past, please check your bills and call the company if you think it is too large, check out how much you can save and let them know, you never know they might be able to match it!

STORY OF THE SCOTTISH PRESS

INTERESTING

I managed to catch the tail end of the documentary on BBC one this evening about the Scottish Press and their relationship with politicians. I must admit I found it interesting, it was interesting that some journalists suggested that McConnell had been badly advised by being told BEFORE becoming First Minister to come clean about his extra marital affair.

Personally I didn't think it was anyone's business and that it was private matter, but it did highlight the point that increasingly people are more and more concerned about the private lives of their representatives. Is the celebrity culture we live in to blame? It is necessarily anyone's business what their representative does in their spare time, as long as it is legal? For instance would you care if your representative was pregnant? What if they were black? What if they were 70+ or under 30? Does it really matter?

What do you think?

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

COMMUNITY POLICING

This is just a short update to let my constituents know that I have just spoken to the Community Police for the Seedhill area, we now have two community police, PC McKie and WPC Arnott, I have discussed with PC McKie the problems that residents have been experiencing in the area and have advised that the Council and the Local Community will continue to do everything they can to work with police.

Main issues highlighted were Graffiti and anti social behaviour, the police are in the process of identifying the culprits of the recent graffiti spree in the Glasgow Road area, if you have issues please do not hesitate to contact me using the link below...

cllr.rayleen.kelly@renfrewshire.gov.uk

PETER PEACOCK

EDUCATION MINISTER WILL BE MISSED

I have just read on the BBC news website that the Scottish Education Minister Peter Peacock MSP has had to resign due to ill health. Mr Peacock recently opened the new St Andrews Academy building in Paisley and this was one of the handful of times that I have been lucky enough to have a conversation with him and a few others. He may not remember me but I do remember him, when speaking on stage he was eloquent and interesting, and he will be missed in his role as the Minister.

Good luck to him in his future endeavours and I hope that he will be able to continue in his role as an MSP working hard for his constituents.

RIGHT WING MADMEN

PEOPLE ARE STRANGE

I now and again check in on my dad's website, why? Because it is fun! Some of the issues that he writes about attract a wide audience most of whom are hostile to his views. I have no problem with people arguing with your views putting forward their case and presenting their arguments, only problem is that this is not what happens.

The likes of Mr Farrer and Martin are well known for their personal attacks which have nothing to do with beliefs or issues, although a friend who read some of the articles did suggest that they show a distinct air of threat, they are threatened that is by Cllr T Kelly's views. They have also had a go at me, indirectly on their own comments page, this type of bully is not unusual in their brand of politics and although they may think that they are menacing in reality they are anything but.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

CHILDREN'S PANEL INTERVIEWS

I have spent all of today in Renfrewshire Council interviewing candidates for the Children's Panel. There have been many applicants and only twelve spots, so it is important that if you don't get picked to try again next year!

The candidates were outstanding and importantly they had a wide range of experience, age and ability which of course reflects the community. If you are interested in getting involved check out the Council webpage or contact your local authority for more information, you have probably missed this years intake but they will keep you informed of the arrangements for next year.

I personally wanted to say thank you to all of the candidates for giving their time, it was appreciated by all of the panel members and Children's Panel Advisory Committee members.

SCOTTISH HISTORY

BBC'S SCOTTISH HISTORY

Most people in Scotland will have seen the BBC Scotland trailer for their series on Scottish History. Follow the link above and have your say, the question?

'What do you believe are the most significant events in Scottish history and who are Scotland's most important historical figures? Send us your views.'

For me it would have to be the Scottish Suffragette movement, mainly because of the old lady that lived up the stairs from me in the close when I was young, Mrs Dargie was a suffragette and she used to tell us stories of her youth, I am very privileged to be able to say that I knew a real suffragette.

The most important historical figure? James Kier Hardie, need I say more. Locally we could mention, Christian Shaw, Alexander Wilson, the Reverend Witherspoon, Robert Tannahill and Marjory Bruce to name but a few.

JUSTICE?

SNP'S IDEA OF JUSTICE

The SNP showed their reactionary side this evening. The comments made by Sturgeon today showed how they are trying to play on the politics of fear. As someone who has seen a family go through the ordeal of a family member being murdered and the trial that ensued I was not only extremely offended by Ms Sturgeon's remarks but astounded by their naivety.

Those in our society who kill, rape and kidnap others should serve time, they should be locked away, but they should also be released once they have served their time. I hope Ms Sturgeon never has to go through the ordeal that my friends family has been through, but the reason that victims of crime do not determine the length of time someone serves in prison is retribution, the need for justice is not as strong as the overwhelming feeling that you need revenge.

What does Ms Sturgeon suggest we do? Lock them away and throw away the key? Capital punishment? Maybe someone from the SNP can answer this, I doubt it!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

SNP CONFUSED OVER WHERE BRAEHEAD IS!

Ex SNP Group Leader (disgraced) Cllr Ian Nicholson, seemed to be confused as to where Braehead actually is! Today at the Lifelong Learning and Work Policy Board disgraced Cllr Nicholson advised that he does not count visitors to Braehead as visitors to Renfrewshire, it was pointed out to Cllr Nicholson that Braehead is actually in Renfrewshire (just in case he hadn't noticed). Despite the relative proximity of his ward in Inchinnan to Renfrew and Braehead he still seems a little confused.

The report can be found by clicking on the title 'Councillor Rayleen Kelly' above, accessing the Lifelong Learning and Policy Board and the 9th of November 2006, and looking at item 19. The report outlines what the economic benefits to Renfrewshire have been achieved through tourism, Renfrew riverfront, Paisley Town Centre etc.

ELDERSLIE DESERVES JOHN

LABOUR PARTY CANDIDATE

It will come as no surprise that I am 100% behind the Labour Party's choice for the Elderslie by election John Caldwell. John is a genuinely nice guy, and has lived in Elderslie for twenty years now, and was a close friend of recently deceased local Labour Councillor Jean Goldie. In the Paisley Daily Express John shows his commitment to Elderslie and said ...

'This is a by election nobody wants. Jean Goldie was a true champion for the people of Elderslie. I am proud to live in Elderslie and be associated with the village. I want to continue the work of Jean Goldie and, if elected, I will fight to make my community a better place for local people.'

A local resident Mr Nicol said ...

'Elderslie needs a local person to fight our corner. John Caldwell is the right choice to make our community safer.'

His issues are the issues of the community of Elderslie and I hope that the voters will elect him to serve on the Council on their behalf.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

SHOP MOBILITY PAISLEY

I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the AGM of the Paisley ShopMobility in the Disability Resource Centre in Paisley on Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately the timing coincided with a Community and Family Care Board meeting so I had to tender my apologies, I did however go down to the AGM after the council meeting had concluded, although I missed the AGM meeting I was able to meet many of the members including the new Chairman Tom. The committee were extremely pleased at the work of Renfrewshire Council who from next year will be giving the group £10,000 a year for running costs, and they were thankful for the help of all of the elected members who had been instrumental in making this happen.

I hope to visit the premises in Story Street in Paisley soon, but for those who want more information now on this excellent service please click on the title 'Councillor Rayleen Kelly' above and it will take you to their website. I would like to say a personal thank you to all of the committee members for all of their hard work and to Evelyn the outgoing chair of many years for her dedication. Thanks also to all of those I spoke to on Tuesday afternoon for making me feel so welcome.

BIRTHDAY CHARITY EVENT

PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS

As regular readers will know I had a 30th Birthday party in October and instead of asking for pressies I asked for people to make donations and all of the money is going to Leukemia Research Fund in memory of my youngest brother Terence, who we lost ten years ago this month. As you know the Paisley Daily Express somehow heard about it (I did not contact them, they called me!) and the feature that they are running is supposed to be in the paper tomorrow.

I did ask them to point out that the web page for donations is open until the 23rd of November in case anyone wants to donate.

Thanks to everyone for their help and donations up to this point, Tebo would have been very happy!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

DISABLED ACCESS TAXIS AND OTHER ISSUES

The Regulatory Functions board was held this morning (and this afternoon) within the Council chambers, among the issues discussed were the provision of disabled taxi's within the Renfrewshire area and especially Glasgow Airport, where the Council allow the siting of hot food vans.

The meeting usually lasts around three hours, most of the applications are relatively straight forward, however recently the meetings have been taking longer due to the number of taxi drivers/ operators in the authority who are asking the council to change our policy of 100% wheelchair accessible taxi provision. The main argument is one of cost, followed closely by the accessibility issue of the taxi's for those who are not wheelchair bound but have 'ambulant disabilities' such as those who have suffered a stroke. The argument is that people who are not wheel chair bound but are disabled cannot use the new vehicles because the step is too high. I would be interested in your views on this so please leave a comment!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

COMMUNITY AND FAMILY CARE

Continuation from yesterday's post the two reports on the older people's care arrangements were outlining an extension to the home care services offered by Renfrewshire Council and the second report was outlining the protocols for older people moving from Hospital to a care home. Both reports were widely welcomed by most of the parties with only the Liberal Democrats complaining regarding the second report.

FIRE SAFETY LEAFLETS

JUMP ON A DONKEY

I heard this on the radio tonight and thought it was quite funny, it seems that Scotland's fire service has had to scrap hundreds of fire safety leaflets due to a misspelling in the Urdu word for Cushions.

It seems that instead of advising members of the public to jump on cushions when fleeing a house fire, they suggested that the public who speak Urdu jump on a Donkey! The leaflets will now be reprinted.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

COMMUNITY AND FAMILY CARE

The Community and Family Care policy board has just finished, and this week it was a HUGE agenda with lots of important and interesting reports. Among them was the Child Protection Committee Protocols and the additional post required, item 11 Extraordinary Lives about the services provided for looked after and accommodated children in Renfrewshire, the Telecare service and a number of items on Older People's care.

The first is a significant document and it can be found online by following the link (click on Councillor Rayleen Kelly above) and go to item five on the agenda. This report shows the time and effort that goes into supporting young people in Renfrewshire and thanks go to all on the Child Protection Committee and the partner organisations for all of their hard work, long may it continue!

The second mentioned above was item 11 on the agenda this report relates to the 'looked after' children in Renfrewshire, if you are interested again follow the link as above and go to item 11 for the report to the board, but the main recommendations of the report are as follows ...

1. The Chief Executives make an annual report to their council on the outcomes achieved for looked after children.

2. That Local Authorities should nominate an elected member who will act as a champion for looked after children

3. That Local Authorities should consider appointing a Senior manager with specific responsibility for looked after children at a strategic level.

All three of these recommendations were accepted and I was nominated and accepted as the Elected member acting as a Champion for Looked After Children, I am really looking forward to this role.

On the third report I have highlighted here The Telecare bid is basically the community alarm service, Renfrewshire has recently won a national award for it's service and the Scottish Executive are looking at the Authority as an example of how best to provide this service. Please have a look at the report it is item 15 on the agenda.

I will put another post on this evening about the reports on Older People's care.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

RENFREWSHIRE SCHOOLS EXCELLENT

I encourage you all to have a look at the report on the HMIE inspection of Renfrewshire Council's Education department, despite claims from the SNP about the PPP project and how it would be detrimental to the children in Renfrewshire's education the Authority got an outstanding report.

In the report of the Herald Newspaper it tells of how the HMIE praised Renfrewshire for it's leadership, partnership, working, innovation, involvement of pupils and parents, support for learning and 'outstanding' approach to inclusion particularly for children and young people with additional support needs.

You can also have a look at the report to the Lifelong Learning and Work Policy board through the Renfrewshire Council website (click here)

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

EAST END COMMUNITY COUNCIL

There is a meeting of the East End Community Council this evening in St John Ogilvie Primary School. On the agenda for tonight's meeting are the topics of the Parking Scheme in the East End and the Seedhill Playing Fields proposal.

As I am unable to attend this evening I sent a written report which covers both of these items. The first on the parking scheme I am waiting an update on the number of objections that were lodged and what this means in terms of a public enquiry, I will update here as soon as I have further information.

On the issue of the Seedhill Playing fields the meeting between the officers and the Friends of Seedhill Playing Fields was sometimes heated, and sometimes very constructive, the group agreed at the beginning of the meeting that the Director would draw up a minute which will be agreed by both parties on what was discussed and the outcome of the meeting which they will put on their website. I will cover the issues in a separate posting.

Other issues in the written report sent to the secretary included the Lagoon Ice Rink and the upgrading of the lifts in Williamsburgh Court.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

TOWN CENTRE SHOPPING

At the Full Council meeting of the 3rd of November 2005, I seconded an amendment to a Liberal Democrat motion on the Town Centre. While seconding the amendment I happened to mention that more and more people are using the Internet to shop, at this notion the SNP were derisive and suggested that I was talking nonsense.

Check out the article in the Daily Record today, according to this about 25 million in the UK will spend £4 Million A DAY from now until Christmas! Spending £7 Billion pounds that is up on last years £5 Billion pounds!

The SNP can try and convince the people of Paisley that the decline in the Town Centre is the Labour Administrations fault if they like, but the yellow book study and other town centres in the same boat say differently. I don't think dismissing the power of the Internet is the way to go but hey if that is what the SNP want to do, fine!

Guy Fawkes

NOT QUITE SURE!

I may not be sure about the idea of Guy Fawkes night and whether or not to attend the festivities but I am sure that I would be in favour of banning the sale of ALL fireworks and only allowing organised demonstrations.

Now I can hear people calling me a bore and a spoil sport, but many of the people who hold their own demonstrations don't actually know the story of the events they are celebrating or why Guy Fawkes and his 12 fellow conspirators felt it necessary to try and blow up Parliament. I am not for one second condoning such an action but I think it is important to understand why!

On the point of only organised demonstrations (I mean organised by a Local Authority or Community Group not just you and your mates in the back yard!) the reason is two fold. Firstly the number of injuries are not acceptable, in 2005 there were 94 injuries from fireworks alone, most of these happened at family parties and casual incidents (ie walking down the street!). Rockets cause the most injuries, I know that 94 may be low but still is it too many.

The second reason for only allowing organised demonstrations is the noise and the effect it has on household pets. After watching my mums one year old Lakeland Terrier cower in the corner, under the bed and under the table shaking like a leaf because of the noise I came to the conclusion that I would ban fireworks entirely. I love my mum's dogs and we had taken the precaution of buying the stress tonic from the pet store the only problem is that you have to add it to food and Bessie was so scared she was not eating! It is extremely distressing to watch your pet be that upset!

Little advice if you know someone in your street has a dog or cat and you are having a home demonstration of fireworks then PLEASE contact your neighbours to let them know, tell the times that you are intending to have the display, be a good neighbour please!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

SEEDHILL PLAYING FIELDS


Although there has been some confusion over the meeting that it is to take place this afternoon with the Friends of Seedhill Playing fields it is going ahead and I will be present. Also present will be Council Officers who drew up the plan and who can talk in a professional capacity about the ground works study commissioned by the Council.


I hope that the meeting will be constructive and that all parties will try and work together for a favourable outcome, I will put an update on here later with the outcome.

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

WILLIAMSBURGH COURT LIFT RENEWAL

The residents of Williamsburgh Court should have received letters this week from the Council advising them of the lift renewal programme and the upgrading of the caretakers office. It might not sound like a lot but it will hopefully dramatically improve the lives of the residents in the Court. Both lifts are to be renewed and the programme of works will begin in January of 2007. There will be a temporary shut down of both lifts on the 11th and 12th of December between midnight and 6am for essential works, but after this the contractor will only work on one lift at a time making sure that the alternative lift is fully operational.

Anyone with any questions should contact myself or the Housing and Property Services department in Renfrewshire Council.

I am delighted as the local Councillor that this work is taking place, and I hope that the works do not inconvenience the tenants too much.

TV AND RADIO

DEPUTY CONVENER

As part of my duties as a Deputy Convener for Community and Family care, I stand in when the Convener has an alternative arrangement, this can happen now and again, in fact I am surprised it does not happen more with my Convener also being the Deputy Leader of the Council, but thanks to his excellent PA's and his fantastic time management skills it is not a regular occurrence unless it is something that I am delegated to handle as part of my remit.

Well this week I had to do my first TV interview since becoming a Councillor! It was exciting as well as terrifying, I kept thinking wonder how everyone else copes, as someone who was in Youth Theatre for about ten years (thanks to PACE for that) I find it easy to pick things up quickly and I don't get nervous that much either. The topic was the Children's Services Plan CD ROM as outlined here below and the STV reporter was great and put me at ease and I have been told that I did well! The important thing for me wasn't that I was on the news but that they covered the launch of the CD ROM so thanks to the officer in charge for the excellent briefing and the young people for their excellent CD.

Real Radio also covered it and I was very grateful to be picked to speak about it and so relieved when the young people were chosen for the photo! TV or film star I doubt it but it was a fun experience and one I will definitely remember!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

FULL COUNCIL CONTINUED

Interestingly enough I have had a comment already on the post below regarding today's full council meeting, let me say again here just for clarity ...

THE LABOUR ADMINISTRATION ON RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL ARE NOT CLOSING ELDERSLIE BATHS OR VILLAGE HALL

Now for the rest of the meeting, the SNP tried to suggest that the Labour Administration would punish the tenants of Renfrewshire for voting NO on the Housing Stock transfer, despite the SNP's misleading statements this morning Renfrewshire Council and the Labour Group has an excellent working relationship with the tenants and we will work with the tenants to get the best deal possible for them.


Yet again the SNP put up motions which they had not costed, more dog bins for each ward, extension to Erskine's Bridgewater Sports Centre and extension to the opening hours of the baths all over Renfrewshire, do you think these proposals will be costed and in their budget next year? What will they cut to include them I wonder?


On a separate note the disgraced Cllr I Nicholson suggested that the Labour Administration forgo the Special Responsibility Allowances suggesting that they are wasteful, funny it didn't seem to bother him when he was receiving one as the Leader of the opposition!

COUNCILLOR RAYLEEN KELLY

FULL COUNCIL MEETING

The Full Council meeting started at 9:30am and finished at around half two this afternoon with 45 minutes for lunch. As I have previewed some of the issues that were on the agenda already I do not intend to go over them yet again. The interesting point was the behaviour of the SNP in the meeting itself, they are definitely in election mode for the upcoming by election, EVERY motion they put forward they managed to relate in some way (no matter how far fetched) to Elderslie!

The motion on the swimming pool was exactly what we expected, the Labour Administration are intending on shutting Elderslie and Renfrew Baths, which is complete nonsense!! Despite the amendment from the Labour Group assuring that there are NO PLANS to close ANY baths in Renfrewshire the SNP still suggested that ALL of the facilities are still in danger! So watch out for this on the election leaflets.

More later!!