SNP Councillor Drew Hendry

The Highland Council SNP Group have welcomed Press comments from Lib Dem Councillor Michael Foxley on the removal of the jobs threat to 344 Classroom Assistants in Highland. The comments followed a call by the SNP Group on Highland Council to use some of the 3.6 million pounds extra funding left after a “better than expected settlement from the Scottish Government” to remove the jobs threat. This also follows a series of changes over the past year, made to the original proposal to firstly, simply axe the jobs, then to have the jobs cuts justified by a “review” then to postpone the job cuts until after the review (but still retain the cuts as a driver) and finally, after much pressure from the public, educationalists and a concerted campaign by the SNP group, both through votes in the Council Chamber and in public, today’s comments.

Speaking after hearing the comments, SNP Council group Leader, Councillor Drew Hendry said “I have read what the Independent/Lib Dem/labour Administration leader has said in reaction to our call and, if confirmed in Council by his Independent and Labour partners, then this will be a relief to many. The most important thing is to welcome this declaration as the past year must have been a very hard one for Classroom Assistants with this threat hanging over them. We are delighted for these hard working employees that we can finally allow them to get on with their futures. However, the Administration have some hard questions to answer about the shambolic way that they have handled this and the distress to employees, schools, parents and pupils who must have all been fearing the worst throughout this time.” He added “We know that the public had spotted this folly right from the start and must praise the way the public, in particular, many Parent Councils have fought this proposal. Once this jobs threat is formally removed we will work to make sure that Highland Education is never threatened in this way again”

Highland News Report – http://www.highland-news.co.uk/News/Axe-lifted-from-Highland-classrooms-assistants-12012012.htm

One of the many pleasant consequences of being a Ward Councillor are the opportunities to attend and often take some part in Community events.

I was honoured to be asked to introduce Beauly Theatre Group’s production of “Andy’s War” and to welcome veterans of the campaign last Friday night.

The review featured songs from the war era, and was a mixture of uplifting and poignant moments.

It was an evening of fun but also an act of remembrance for those who served in Burma and, in particular the action, won on the same day as the D-Day landings, by the troops at Kohima. This action effectively halted the Japanese advance and, because of the headline grabbing activity in Europe the men never really received the public recognition for their bravery. Of course, the war in Burma was not just one engagement so it was fitting that other services from the campaign, in Navy and Air Force were also represented.

After some great performances – and surprising range – it was fascinating to relive the veterans experiences with them after the show. Former Pilot, Tom Smith, even told me how to get the best performance out of a Hurricane fighter plane. The other veterans, who all had amazing stories to their service, were Dr Leask, from Inverness, Walter Hibbert from Cannich and Alexander Campbell from Muir of Ord.

Locals in Foyers, South Loch Ness, were dismayed last week when they discovered that, due to an unpublicised change in vehicle type, that they were unable to get on to the bus which normally serves both pupils and paying passengers, leaving them stranded without transport.

After calls from the community to help I have asked the council to introduce an additional temporary bus for the next few weeks, to remedy the situation, whilst the council works with both the community and the coach operator, D and E to achieve a mutually acceptable, longer term solution.

It is vital that any changes proposed to what are effectively lifeline services that the people affected are fully involved. I will be working hard to make sure that lessons are learned and that a suitable option is put forward.

Highland Council officers will carry out an inspection later today (Monday) to see when the A862 can re-open. The road near Kirkhill remains closed with a diversion through Kirkhill Village, however, work carried out after Friday’s meeting and dry weather over the weekend has reduced the flooding on the road. More later.

There is a temporary road closure of the A862 near Kirkhill due to flooding.

Please be aware of possible delays and remember to reduce speed through Kirkhill.

I will update later.

One of the outcomes of a “slide rule” approach to financial management, as opposed to looking at what is needed to support services and communities, is that savings measures often hit those who can least afford the cut. Service points are THE point of contact with the Council for many elderly and less well off citizens. In rural areas the effect is multiplied because of the cost of travel for even those who don’t fall into these groups. Travel to Inverness from Fort Augustus and back is now a costly exercise whether you have access to a car or not and public transport can be difficult at the best of times.

The SNP Group on Highland Council argued strongly against the way the Service Point network were targetted based on the fact that the measure was short sighted and likely to both distance the council from the public and disproportionately affect those already blighted by fuel poverty and other pressures.

We will continue to work for an intelligent needs and outcomes based approach to services, particularly for rural areas and those likely to be less able or well off.

New opening hours at Service Points at Fort Augustus will take effect from Monday 18 July.

Fort Augustus Service Point will now only be open Monday – Friday between 9.30 am and 1 pm.