MONDAY 24TH NOVEMBER

Alongside Mairi McAllan, MSP for Clydesdale, I attended an organised walk of the “safe route” from Sandford to Strathaven Academy. This was organised by the Sandford First campaign group. The group also invited officers from the councils Education Department who continually state this road is safe for children as young as 11 to walk to school.

I have dealt with this campaign in some form since my election in May 2022. At that time, I pushed the council to deem this route as unsafe. To date, they have refused to do so and continue to quote the West of Scotland Road Safety Guidance.

At the Full Council Meeting of 1st October, my SNP group tabled a motion to instruct the council to take responsibility for assessing routes. This was voted against by ALL Labour Councillors, including support from the Provost.

I was pleased to see that a reported from Clyde 1 was also in attendance at this walk and that this was then reported on the station. This is an effective way to increase awareness of the very important issue facing children from Sandford.

I will continue working with the Sandford First group in trying to get this route deemed unsafe.

No child should face a dangerous walk just for an education and this Labour ruled council should hang their heads in shame.