Labour sets out manifesto for Bo'ness area

HELPING to create more affordable homes and improving local bus services are just two of the pledges in Labour's manifesto for Falkirk Council in central Scotland. Local party bosses have also said they want to support the regeneration of town centres but "work with local traders, not against them".

[ClickPress, Mon Apr 16 2007] HELPING to create more affordable homes and improving local bus services are just two of the pledges in Labour's manifesto for Falkirk Council.

Local party bosses have also said they want to support the regeneration of town centres but "work with local traders, not against them".

The move comes during a well-publicised spat between the SNP on the Council and local shopkeepers in Bo'ness in the run-up to the council election on May 3.

Linda Gow, Falkirk district's Labour leader, said: "Throughout this campaign, we've been listening to local people and trying to take their ideas on board. Unlike others, we want to include and involve people, not isolate them.

"Bo'ness and other parts of Falkirk district have seen huge increases in house prices in recent years. That's why we've made a pledge to help deliver more affordable homes, be it for rent or shared ownership. We also want to improve the management of our existing council estates – and deal with litter louts and anti-social behaviour."

She added: "We know that people have difficulties accessing local bus services and getting to work using public transport. As the local MSP, Labour's Cathy Peattie was instrumental in setting up the Bus Users' Group in Bo'ness and we want to support local aspirations to improve public transport and make our communities more accessible."

The party was instrumental in setting up regeneration working groups across Falkirk district's town centres. But many traders in Bo'ness and other areas feel left out of current discussions, now under the control of an SNP-led administration.

Said Linda: "Labour wants to make our town centres vibrant places to live, work and shop. Now and after the election we want to talk to local businesses and establish ways to help and support them."

The party says it also wants to set up wireless broadband networks in town centres across Falkirk district – enabling small businesses and others gain ready access to the internet.

Local activists are also committed to finishing Labour's school re-building programme across Falkirk district. "The new Bo'ness Academy was delivered by a Labour administration and we're committed to looking at schools throughout the Falkirk area and seeing ways to improve provision," said Linda. "We also realise that we have to help pupils after schools. That's why we've pledged to set up a network of youth facilities for our young people – and take them off the streets."

Labour's candidates for Bo'ness and Blackness say the pledges set out a positive vision for the area.

Ken Wright said: "Many new houses being built in Bo'ness are outwith the reach of first-time buyers. Anything that can help people get good quality, affordable housing has to be welcomed."

Adrian Mahoney added: "The Bus Users' Group and others have identified real problems with local public transport. Improvements to services – and Labour's pledge to really work with communities, and listen to local people, will be good for the area."

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