Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

Paisley Daily Express Column - 11 Nov 2009

BUS CHIEF TALKS

Here in Paisley we are well served by having both the Canal Street and Gilmour Street train stations. Despite the fact that as Scotland ’s largest town, we don’t have a dedicated Bus Station – instead having to make do with the Central Way – but buses are the vital transport link for thousands of local residents.

So, along with Hugh Henry MSP, I recently met up with Ralph Roberts, the Chief Executive of Arriva West of Scotland – the largest bus operator in the area.

We raised with him the concerns we hear from local people – from reliability and fare increases to routes and evening services. Despite the Concessionary Travel Scheme for Senior Citizens that we introduced  a few years back, many bus companies are suffering a decline in passenger numbers as a result of the recession.

With big changes in the regulation of buses here in Renfrewshire, we made the case for continued investment – to secure a strong service for local bus passengers.

GLENNIFER COMES TO WESTMINSTER

Most months I talk to Renfrewshire pupils  about local issues and the work of a local MP. And this week I held a question and answer session with a large group of pupils from Gleniffer High. Yet this discussion didn't take place in the new modern campus on Amochrie Road, but in a room at 1 Parliament Street, London.

The pupils were on a visit to see Parliament led by David Nicholls, the head teacher who leads such an outstanding team at the school. The questions ranged from concerns about the Council's plans for hockey pitches to forms of voting system. All in all it was a great visit, and the pupils were a great credit to our community.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY AT THE CENOTAPH

Last Sunday morning at 11am I was not at my usual place at Paisley Cross. Instead I took my place as a member of the Cabinet at the national service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The service attended by Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family marked the Service and sacrifice of the British Armed Forces spanning almost a century was  especially poignant this year in light of the continuing conflict in Afghanistan. It was a fitting tribute to their courage, their commitment, and the gratitude of our country.  

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

I can hardly believe it is that time of year already but the Paisley Christmas Lights will be switched on this Saturday.

This year the singer Lemar will be performing at the ceremony and I hope that lots of local people turn out for the occasion.

The event will start at 10am with some special Christmas-themed markets and a toboggan ride and snow beach for children.

Radio Clyde DJs will be hosting the events all day with singers Lemar and former X Factor contestant Ruth Lorenzo taking to the stage in the afternoon.

There will also be a reindeer parade through the town from 12pm until 5.30pm.

Events such as this are a great opportunity for the community to come together and have some fun.  I am sure that the event will be a great success and I would encourage everyone to make the effort to go along.