Latest News

  Politicians launch A1 action group - 26/09/08

Politicians from both sides of the border have joined forces to campaign for improvements to the A1 from Dunbar to Morpeth. Representatives from business, government, transport groups and local communities have been invited to join the A1 Action Group, which will meet for the first time in October. Commenting on the launch of the group, Borders MSP John Lamont, who is co-chairing the group, said:

“The issue of duelling the A1 from Dunbar to the North of England has been bounced between Government bodies for many years, to little affect. I believe that the time has come to step up the pressure for action and I hope that the new A1 Action Group be able to achieve this by bringing together a range of organisations.

“The A1 Action Group will include politicians, community representatives, business groups and representatives from the transport industry. I hope that by bringing together such a range of experts, we can present a strong message about the importance of improving this vital road.

“In July, Stewart Stevenson MSP, the Scottish Transport Minister stated in a reply to my Parliamentary Question that there “are currently no plans to upgrade the A1 between Dunbar and the Scottish Borders.”

“I think the A1 is of huge significance, not only to the Border region but also to the whole country in it’s position as one of the main routes linking Scotland and England. Improving the A1 will have benefits for businesses, commuters, tourists and of course local residents.

“Recent figures show that duelled sections of the A1 see far fewer fatal accidents than single carriageway stretches. I believe that duelling the remainder of the road would improve road safety and reduce fatalities.”

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Lamont presents Post Office petition - 25/09/08

Borders MSP John Lamont today presented a petition to Post Office Ltd, opposing plans to cut local services in a number of Borders communities. Over 3,000 people have supported the campaign and John presented the petition to Post Office representatives at their headquarters in Edinburgh this morning. John also presented his detailed submission to Post Office Ltd, setting out the reasons why the local post offices should be preserved and enhanced. Commenting, John said:

“The number of people who have supported my campaign has been tremendous, and sends a very strong message to Post Office Ltd that many communities do not want these changes. Having heard the views of hundreds of people in public meetings, letters, emails and other conversations, I am convinced that these proposals will damage the very heart of local rural communities.

“With the consultation period now over, I hope Post Office Ltd will fully take into account the strength of public feeling as they consider all of the submissions they have received from the Borders. It is often the case that the loss of the post office will also result in the closure of the community’s last shop and Post Office Ltd must consider the wider impact of their proposals.

“Equally, it is important to note that some communities are content with the proposals in their area but they want the proposals improved to best suit their needs. I have represented these views where this has been the wish of the community.

John added “However, the point that people have made over and over again in recent weeks is that local post offices have a strong social, as well as commercial function, particularly in rural communities. They are vitally important to the communities that they serve and I hope that Post office Ltd will recognise this.”

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Lamont presses for Government action on dentistry disgrace - 25/09/08

Borders MSP John Lamont today pressed the Scottish Government to take action to improve access to NHS dentists in his Roxburgh & Berwickshire constituency. Speaking after he questioned the Health Minister Shona Robison in the Scottish Parliament on the issue, John commented:

“I have long been campaigning for better NHS dental provision in the Borders and am pleased that the new facilities in Hawick and Coldstream will be up and running soon. However, the fact that only 17% of adults in my constituency are registered with an NHS dentist shows that more decisive action is needed.

“Thousands of people are affected by the lack of NHS dentists in my constituency with many having to travel to Edinburgh, Newcastle or even further afield to get a dentist.

“However, rather than offering any firm commitments on reducing waiting lists, the Minister simply restated what we already knew about the new surgeries in Hawick and Coldstream. I think that people are more interested in whether or not they will be able to access an NHS dentist in the future rather than how much money the Government is spending. Once again, they are focussed on the inputs rather than the outputs.

“Although the current situation is a result of eight years of underinvestment by the previous Liberal/Labour administration, the current Government has a responsibility to rectify the problem.

John added “There are also issues about access to the new dental services, as many people in my constituency do not have a car and live away from the few bus services that there are. I will continue to press the Government and NHS Borders to ensure that this is also taken into consideration.”

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Borders MSP shocked at Ofcom report - 25/09/08

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Lamont calls for Government to do more to halt rural decline - 24/09/08

“We forget at our peril that the first and most important ‘public benefit’ to be derived from land use is food production. With UK self-sufficiency in food production having fallen by over 20% in the last ten years, Governments must now address this, and the sooner we get started the better.”

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Lamont reveals shocking A1 accident figures - 24/09/08

Borders MSP John Lamont has today revealed figures which show a significantly higher level of fatal accidents on stretches of the A1 in the Borders which have not been upgraded. Speaking after he received the figures in a Parliamentary answer from the Government, John commented:

“These figures show that the number of fatal accidents on single carriageway sections of the A1 is significantly higher than on the duelled stretches of the roads. Whilst no fatal accidents took place on the dual carriageway sections of the A1 in the Borders, the figure for single carriageway sections is 2.58 per 100 million vehicle km.

“This figure is also more than twice the Scottish average for single carriageway trunk road. I have long been arguing for investment in the A1 in Berwickshire but these figures show just how urgently this work is needed. The Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP stated during the summer that there were no plans to upgrade this section of the A1 but, on the basis of these figures, I hope he will no re-consider this.

“The simple fact that upgraded sections of the road see far less fatal accidents than unimproved sections should send a strong message to the Government that action is needed now.

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Post Office meeting moved to accommodate crowds - 17/09/08

Local MSP John Lamont today commented on the large numbers of people attending public meetings in Ancrum and Morebattle to discuss changes to local post office services in the communities. John commented:

“The huge interest in this issue resulted in the meeting in Morebattle being moved into a bigger venue, where over 100 people turned out to quiz Post Office representatives on the proposals. Residents in Ancrum were just as passionate about how important their post office was to the village.

“Many people feel that their communities are losing much more than just a post office, emphasising the social service aspect of the branches. Whether giving advice to people new to the area, providing an individual service to customers, or simply being a friendly local face, the existing services are clearly an important part of community life.

John added “Post Office Ltd have promised to take on board all the comments made, as well as the petition and written submissions that people have made. I would encourage anyone who feels strongly about these changes to the service in Ancrum and Morebattle to write to Post Office Ltd, outlining the reasons why these post offices should remain as they are.

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Lamont visits flood affected areas - 16/09/08

Speaking after inspecting the flood damage to communities in Bowmont and Kale valleys, local MSP John Lamont commented:
 
“I was glad to be able to see the devastation caused by the flooding first hand. It underlined to me the scale of the damage and I can only imagine the frightening conditions for those who experienced the flood waters rising around them. I am pleased that Scottish Borders Council appear to have responded quickly to events, greatly assisting the recovery work.  Indeed, the workmen were hard at work on Saturday when I visited the area.
 
John added “I was also pleased to meet Dr Chris Spray from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency SEPA has  come in for criticism over the way they handled the situation. Dr Spray did his best to re-assure me that SEPA had acted as quickly as possible and had helped local residents. However, I am still being contacted by constituents who are unhappy with the way SEPA have dealt with them.
 
“I will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that victims receive all the help they need to recover.”

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Standing room only at post office meetings - 16/09/08

Local MSP John Lamont last night hosted the first in a series of public meetings in the Borders to discuss the proposed changes to local post office services at Greenlaw, Hutton and Eccles. Speaking after the meetings in Hutton and Greenlaw, John commented:
 
“I was pleased at the large number of people who were at both of the meetings, with over 150 packing into Greenlaw’s Fairbairn Hall. The fact that so many people were willing to come out on a wet Monday evening shows just how much these communities value the existing post office service. Emotions ran high at both meetings and I am pleased that the post office representatives were able to see at first hand the strength of local opinion.
 
“The public meetings provided an opportunity for the post office to try to explain the rational behind these changes, but most importantly, to give local people the opportunity to have their say on the proposals. One recurring theme that many people raised was the question of why rural communities are being penalised, with the feeling that this was yet another vital local service being removed from these communities.
 
“What was clear at Hutton was the high regard in which the current sub postmistress is held. It is clear that, if the proposals go ahead, Hutton will lose not just a post office, but a dedicated local servant who provides invaluable help and advice for her customers, far above the duties expected of her.  There were some very exciting proposals coming from the Village Hall Committee and the Community Council and I hope that the Post Office will give these due consideration.
 
 John added “At Greenlaw, a wide range of different users described how they rely on the service provided by the post office. There are clearly issues for the 30 small businesses in Greenlaw who rely on a local and efficient post office service. I understand that a number of these businesses would be forced to consider relocating if the village loses its permanent post office. At a time when considerable work is being done to regenerate Greenlaw, the last thing anybody wants is for businesses to start moving out of the area.
 
“The meeting also heard passionate arguments from pensioners, disabled people, carers and young families who would be inconvenienced were the plans to go ahead. What happens if the van breaks down? What happens if the weather is bad, particularly in the winter? If there is still a queue when the allotted time is up, does the van simply drive of and leave pensioners standing in the snow?
 
 John commented “Post Office Ltd have promised to take on board all the comments made, as well as the written submissions that people have made. I would encourage anyone who feels strongly about these changes to write to Post Office Ltd, outlining the reasons why these post offices should remain as they are.
 
“If there is a glimmer of encouragement to be taken from the meeting last night, it is the wonderful community spirit that emerges as people rally round to defend this vital local service. I understand that this was the biggest gathering of local people in a number of years and I hope that Post Office Ltd will not ignore such a strong message from Greenlaw and Hutton.”

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Lamont supports proposals to cut Council Tax - 11/09/08

Borders MSP John Lamont has voiced his support for Scottish Conservative proposals which would see Council Tax bills cut by at least £150 for every household in Scotland. Speaking today, John commented:

“The Scottish Government is proposing to replace the Council Tax with an unpopular ‘Local’ Income Tax which could see Scotland become the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom. The £281 million that Alex Salmond says he can find to subsidise the SNP’s unfair, unworkable and totally discredited new national income tax would be much better used to cut the Council Tax bills of every household in Scotland.

“The problem is not Council Tax itself, but the level of Council Tax which people are paying, which has risen dramatically over the past decade. These proposals represent the biggest tax cut in a generation, and are completely fair as they will reduce the Council Tax bills of every household by the same amount.”

Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said:

“This is a totally costed, entirely workable plan. It can be done as soon as the SNP finds the money, which they say they can. Indeed, as soon as they can find even some of that money, we can start cutting bills. This is real help in these hard pressed times.

“It is time for the truth on the Scottish National Income tax plans. They say that 80% of Scots households would be no worse off under their plans. But to make this claim the SNP has to pump £281million pounds in subsidy into the scheme. The real comparison is not between a subsidised LIT and an unsubsidised council tax, but between both bills cut by the same subsidy. As the enclosed study shows, which is based on the SNP’s own data, the tables have been turned.

“Alex Salmond says he can find the money; Scottish Conservatives can spend it better. In these pressing economic times we don’t need a new tax on work – we need a tax cut for all.”

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Local Income Tax bad news for everyone - 08/09/08

The Scottish Government’s proposals for a ‘Local’ Income Tax would be bad news for communities in the Borders with front line services losing millions of pounds in lost Council Tax benefit. After reports emerged suggesting that the Liberal Democrats are preparing to make a U-turn and support the Government’s plans, Borders MSP John Lamont said:

“This flagship policy of the SNP Government has been unravelling over recent months and is now completely discredited. If they ever make up their mind, the Liberals Democrats would be wise to reject this unfair tax and the Scottish Government should ditch these plans immediately.

“Business groups have stated that ‘Local’ Income Tax would undermine enterprise and the economy, academics have suggested the proposals would contravene European law, and trade unions, students and numerous other organisations have rejected the proposals as unworkable, unfair and unpopular. The Institute of Directors have suggested that the ‘Local’ Income Tax would see Scotland become the highest tax part of the United Kingdom.

“We have been arguing in the Scottish Parliament that the £300m earmarked by the Scottish Government for the imposition of a ‘Local’ Income Tax would be better spent reducing Council Tax bills for everyone, particularly hard-pressed pensioners. The Government is ignoring the vast body of expert opinion by pressing ahead with this ridiculous plan.”

Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre, leader of the Conservative Group on Scottish Borders Council added:

“If we lose Council Tax then Council Tax Benefit will go too.  In the Borders we get over £5 million p.a. in Council Tax Benefit.  

“What will that do to our rubbish collection?  What will it mean for our home care charges to the elderly? Would we have any bus services left?  Meanwhile if adult children live at home when they start work, they’ll be taxed on their incomes.  This is a proposal for income poll tax on the hard working and thrifty.

“Will future employers chose to locate here or will they head a few miles south to Northumberland?  The Nationalists cannot howl for independence one minute and for subsidy the next.”

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Berwickshire News Column - 4/09/08

As I write my column this week, the sun has finally appeared and everyone seems to be enjoying some late summer sunshine. I know the farmers are certainly pleased to see this dry period as they frantically catch up with their harvests. Fingers crossed that this is the start of some late summer sunshine, although I’m afraid the weather forecast is not looking great.

Parliament returns to business this week after the break for summer recess. The main item of business on the agenda will be various statements by the Scottish Government about their legislative programme for the coming year. The first 18 months of the new Government has seen very little new legislation going through Parliament. This compares favourably to the previous administration which seemed to think that every problem could be solved by passing a new Act of Parliament. Many parts of the “knee jerk” legislation passed during the first eight years of Scottish Parliament now sits redundant. The reality is that new legislation very rarely solves the problems of society itself – it needs a combination of measures and sometimes just a change of emphasis.

The challenge for the new Government is to get the balance right and to avoid the trap which the previous Government fell into. It must clearly set out its vision for Scotland and how it is going to move our nation forward. It must not get distracted by its obsession with independence for Scotland and must instead deal with the day to day challenges and the bread and butter issues which we must deal with in our communities every day. I will listen to the Government’s plans with interest.

I was very pleased to have been able to take part in Eyemouth Primary School’s Primary 7 Induction Day. The purpose of the day was to demonstrate to the pupils the importance of the 3Rs – relationships, respect and responsibility. As the senior pupils within the school, the Primary 7 children are important role models for the rest of the school and it is important that they set a good example to the other pupils. They also must act as ambassadors for the school in the wider Eyemouth community. I was very impressed with the group of kids that I was assigned to work with. The talent and energy which they demonstrated was very impressive. I would like to thank the pupils for making me feel so welcome and part of the team. The headteacher, Kath Easton and her dedicated staff should also be congratulated for organising such an exciting and productive day.

At the weekend, I was lucky enough to attend a performance by the Moscow Ballet Theatre “Osmoi Div” at Longformacus Village Hall. We were treated to a selection of dances from Giselle followed by the “The White Cockade”. The White Cockade is a full length ballet which tells the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s coming to Scotland in 1744. It is based on a number of well known Scottish tunes and songs from the Jacobite period. I am sure that many of those performing are more used to performing in the grand surroundings of international concert halls and opera houses. However, the evening in Longformacus was truly magical and everyone seemed to have a thoroughly enjoyable night. Well done to the organisers and to everyone who supported this event.

My preparations for the Great North Run with the Friends of the Borders General Hospital continue to go well. I was able to knock 8 minutes off my personal best time at the recent Hawick 10km road race – the training seems to be producing results! I hope to raise £2500 for the Orthopaedic Unit at the BGH. I’ve had a number of enquiries from people asking how they can sponsor me ahead of the race – it is really easy. You can either go online to donate securely at www.justgiving.com/johnlamont or you can post sponsorship to my constituency office at 25 High Street, Hawick TD9 9BU.

Surgery Dates

My next surgeries in Berwickshire are on Friday 5 September, when  I will be in the Old School, St Abbs between 3.45pm and 4.15pm and then at Eyemouth Community Centre between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. On Friday 12 September I will be at the Blackadder Masonic Hall in Greenlaw between 3.45pm and 4.15pm and then at the Rodger Hall in Coldstream between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. No appointment is necessary. For more information, please contact Ben in my Parliamentary office on 0131 348 6533.

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Lamont continues fight to save Post office services - 2/09/08

Borders MSP John Lamont will today meet the chair of the watchdog for postal services, to discuss the Post Office Closure Programme which will see services cut in a number of Borders communities. Following the meeting, John commented:

“Postwatch Scotland have a crucial role to play in the current process and I was pleased to be able to discuss my concerns with the chair, Professor Alan Alexander. As the watchdog for the postal services industry, Postwatch Scotland have committed to ensuring that the consultation exercise currently underway is meaningful and that Post Office Ltd take into account the views of local residents affected by the changes.

“Postwatch Scotland were very keen that local residents express their opinions on the proposals, either by writing to Post Office Ltd at National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, or by attending one of the public meetings arranged in the affected communities in the coming weeks.

“I firmly believe that the proposals represent a significant blow to rural communities which have already been hit by the loss of other local services like schools, shops and GP surgeries in recent times. Whilst some communities will still have a post office service after these changes have been introduced, it is important to note that the service will be dramatically reduced. I would urge residents in the affected communities to make their views known to Post Office Ltd in writing or by coming along to one of the public meetings which have been arranged.”

The public meetings to discuss the proposals will take place on the following dates:

Monday 15 September
5pm to 7pm - Hutton Village Hall
7.30pm to 9pm – Greenlaw, Fairbairn Hall (to discuss Greenlaw and Eccles)

Tuesday 16 September
5pm to 7pm - Ancrum Church
7.30pm to 9pm - Morebattle Institute

Wednesday 17 September
5pm to 6.30pm - Bowden Village Hall
7.30pm to 9pm - Bonchester Bridge, Laidlaw Memorial Hall

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John Lamont to take part in Great North Run - 1/09/08

Borders MSP John Lamont is to join a team of fundraisers taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for the Orthopaedic Unit at the Borders General Hospital. The Friends of the Borders General Hospital group will also include 3 doctors, 4 other NHS staff and 2 firefighters who will all be raising funds for the Orthopaedic Unit at the BGH. Run over 13 miles between South Shields and Newcastle, the Great North Run is the world’s most popular half-marathon, with 50,000 people taking part.

John commented:

“I am very pleased to be helping the Friends of Borders General Hospital group with their fundraising efforts this year. I know the high regard that people across the Borders have for the Borders General Hospital and the staff that provide such an excellent standard of care. It is vital that these facilities are as well equipped as possible and I hope that the money we raise will make a difference to the experience of patients in the BGH.

“I have also set up a website to assist my fundraising efforts which can be found at www.justgiving.com/johnlamont.”

Jennifer Croall, Chairman of the Friends of the BGH, said:

“The Great North Run is one of a number of events on our fundraising calendar and we have a number of places allocated each year to the group. We greatly appreciate the support of all of our runners and sponsors who are so willing to get behind the cause.”

Friends of the Borders General Hospital team organiser Tony Watson added;

“This is the fifth year the Friends of the BGH have organised a group of runners to raise funds. The Run is a major fundraising project, and over the past four years the runners have raised a total of £37,000 towards the MRI scanner, a kidney dialysis machine, a critical care transport trolley, and equipment for the stroke unit. This year’s money will go to the Orthopaedic Unit.

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Lamont calls for temporary bluetongue vaccine suspension - 19/08/08

Borders MSP John Lamont has backed industry calls for a temporary suspension of the bluetongue vaccine in the north of England to ensure the autumn trade between that region and the south of Scotland is not hindered.

Commenting, John said:

“Whilst giving the strongest possible support to the continued roll out of the bluetongue vaccination programme, I am concerned that if the protection zone continues to move north this autumn, then the traditional sales in the south of Scotland, such as the Kelso Ram Sales, could be unnecessarily damaged.

“I therefore believe that the Minister and his veterinary advisors, when discussing these matters with DEFRA, should consider if a temporary suspension can be justified during the autumn period. This would ensure farmers in Northumberland and Cumbria can continue supplying Scottish finishers during the September and October sales period, allowing other cross border livestock trade to continue unhindered.

“It is essential however that the vaccination programme should be resumed following the main sales season and that if there are any outbreaks during this period then the suspension must be lifted immediately.”

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Action demanded on A68 - 18/08/08

Borders MSP John Lamont, together with Jedburgh councillor Len Wyse have this week expressed their frustration over road safety on a dangerous section of the A68. Commenting on the BEAR Scotland’s lack of action over the bend at Inchbonny, John said:

“I know that a number of people have raised the issue of this dangerous junction and the potential for accidents at the site. My colleague Cllr Len Wyse has taken the initiative in trying to get BEAR Scotland to make improvements to this section of road but BEAR Scotland have been far than helpful.

“The recent wet weather has again highlighted the importance of road safety and we have seen a number of tragic road accidents in the Borders over recent months. Surely we cannot afford to wait for a fatality to spur BEAR Scotland into action. I have written to the Transport Minister demanding that the Scottish Government investigates this so that a serious accident can be avoided.

Jedburgh councillor Len Wyse added:

“A significant number of my constituents have identified the bend on the A68 at Inchbonny as a dangerous length of road. There have been a number of occasions over the past year where cars have come off the road and I am worried that it could only be a matter of time before a serious injury or even a fatality occurs. 

“Having contacted BEAR Scotland to raise the issue, their responses to me have been slow and half-hearted, suggesting that they are not willing to fully engage in a discussion on the issue. I hope that our local MSP will have more success.”

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Commonwealth Games should benefit Borders too - 12/08/08

Borders MSP John Lamont and Borders campaigner Chris Walker, have today called on the Scottish Government to consider the Borders as a potential venue for events and training venues for the 2014 Commonwealth Games which were recently awarded to Glasgow. Lamont commented:

“The current Olympic Games in Beijing are a reminder of the huge level of excitement which come with the hosting of such an international sporting event. The 2014 Commonwealth Games will bring significant benefits to Scotland, and not just to the host city of Glasgow.

“The Borders has some excellent sporting facilities and I am concerned that these have not been considered in the planning of the games. I have been in contact with the Glasgow team about some of the events in particular and I have also written to Communities and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell MSP, asking him to re-consider facilities in the Borders.

Chris Walker said “In particular, I am concerned that the 7stanes mountain bike network in the South of Scotland, which is rated as one of the best in the world, will miss out in 2014 in favour of a new development at Cathkin Braes. I understand from the Glasgow organisers that 7stanes was considered to be too far away from the athletes village, however I notice that the shooting events will be based at Carnoustie in Angus. It seems a shame to build a new development for mountain biking, when such a high class facility already exists in the Borders.

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Lamont marks countdown to Digital switchover - 06/08/08

Borders MSP John Lamont last week attended an event to mark 100 days until the switchover to digital television. Speaking after the event, John highlighted the work which has been done raise awareness of the switchover, commenting:

“I have been working closely with Digital UK over recent months to ensure that the switchover occurs as smoothly as possible for residents in the Borders. With the Borders being the first full region in Scotland to go digital, I know there is a degree of uncertainty over the process and it is important to ensure that people have as much information as possible about the switch.

“Although there is some variation depending on which transmitter your set is connected to, the switchover should see a huge increase in the number of television channels available. It seems that information on how to be prepared for the switchover is getting through but I would encourage anyone who is unsure to contact Digital UK for advice on 0845 650 50 50.

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Lamont welcomes Transport Minister to Reston - 04/08/08

Speaking after hosting a visit from Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP, Berwickshire MSP John Lamont underlined his support for the re-opening of Reston Station. John commented:

“The Minister’s visit to Reston today is a great step forward in the battle to re-open Reston Station. The current Government has shown considerably more commitment to this project than the previous administration and I hope that this will lead to positive progress and improved transport links for Berwickshire and the eastern Borders.

“It is important that the whole of the Borders benefits from improved transport links, not just Galashiels and the central Borders. A number of campaigners and community groups have been working extremely hard to put forward the positive case for re-opening the station and I am glad they were able to put their points to the Transport Minister.

“We took the opportunity to discuss a number of logistical issues surrounding the feasibility of a station at Reston including local housing plans, station construction, likely passenger numbers and the possibility of unlocking the tourism potential. I am convinced that a station at Reston would be of real benefit to the local communities across Berwickshire.”

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Lamont wins Roxburgh & Berwickshire - 05/05/07

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