Read it and weep

Always glad to hear that opposition councillors in my ward enjoy reading my blog.. ;-)

fell free to comment - dont be shy!

Cammy Day

Labour Councillor

Forth Ward

Truth or not?

We hear that the back tracking SNP and Liberals have at last realised the stupidity of their proposals to freeze applications for Direct Payments - maybe they have some compassion after all?.. but...

What about all those who were told to wait until the tender was awarded to see if their existing provider had kept the contract? They haven't yet (or have only just) applied for a Direct Payment - are they to remain frozen? And - the rate of the Direct Payment will be all important ... if it's to be at the new contract rate, then that's going to be very, very different from the current rate (see paragraph 2.6 here).And one very important point needs to be remembered - if it wasn't for "our weird 25% rule" and the "student stunt" inflicted on the poor Finance and Resources Committee on the 27th October, this whole policy would have been approved there and then. Current Direct Payment applications would now be frozen - full stop.The whole sorry episode, and the appalling way its been politically managed, just underlines how crucial decent scrutiny is for any local democracy ...... and that democratic process needs to be defended, as its obvious to a blind-man that the current crop of politicians in charge would diminish - even further - the Opposition's ability to scrutinise their decisions at the slightest opportunity

shameful! here's what some of those affected had to say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJF1eIapA0Q

MORE SUCCESS FOR LABOUR!!

Well done to Labours excellent candidate Willie Bain, who thrashed the SNP in the by election in Glasgow North East!!

As with my own by-election, LABOUR were the outright winners, and the Lib Dems trailed far far behind, this time losing their deposit! (see graph opposite)

Labour today scored its best ever result in a Scottish by-election in living memory - seeing an increase in our share of the vote and comprehensively beating the SNP.

The newly-elected Labour MP for Glasgow North East, Willie Bain, said: "This is a great day for Labour. It is an absolute honour to stand here as the new MP for Glasgow North East and say that this is a resounding victory for Gordon Brown and Labour. "This by-election has been about many things - most of all jobs and the economy. "The people have had a chance to have their say. They have backed Gordon Brown and his efforts to secure our economic recovery.

to read the full story click WILLIE BAIN WINS FOR LABOUR

New Broughton High School

It was great at last to see the official opening of the new Broughton High School, where many young people from the Forth Ward atttend.

Well done to the Head Teacher, Lesley Johnston and her team for a great celebration, and to all of the pupils who took part in it! Well done

I was pleased to see one of Labours 34 schools being opened by the SFA Chief, Gordon Smith, and his confirming that state of the art, football academies will be built here at the school - another reason to celebrate.

I spoke to the Architect and was interesting to hear some of the complications along the way!

I hope this new school, will provide a state of the art teaching and learning facility for many years to come

West Pilton Children & Families Centre

You may have read that more cuts are on the cards for North Edinburgh.. not content with ripping £800,000 of local funding out, closing down the local community centre, proposing to close 2 local primary schools and cancelling the tram to the most needed part of the city,, there are now proposals to close West Pilton Children and Families Centre and merge into the new High School - now whilst that may be the best for some, its not for all,,, and where was the consultation?

Many parents have contacted me, and a great turnout locally showed the real concern at lack of any consultation on the proposals,, thankfully after pressure from Labour Councillors the parents are now fully involved in progressing plans, lets hope its a true consultation and not tick box excercise!

Carrie Mac

I was really pleased to have been invited to Carrie Mac;s launch of her debut solo album last week.. Carrie Macdonald, from Drylaw, recently won the Forth One to Watch award, and since then hasnt stopped on her path to success in the music industry.

For a taste of Carrie Macs top tunes, have a listen on her myspace page http://www.myspace.com/carriemacmusic

of course - buy the album too!

Do they Care??

I mentioned the recent report on the award of contracts for the provision of Care and Support Services just last week ...... well, since that meeting last week myself, and many of my colleagues, are completely awash with correspondence from concerned service-users who are very, very vocally expressing serious worries about just what is taking place.Obviously yet another classic example of significant changes being poorly communicated ... I sense a lot of angry people may be present at the Full Council Meeting in a couple of weeks time

Doe sthis SNP/Lib Dem adminstration care for those most vulnerable in Edinburgh??

Royston Parents Fury

School Property Review = CUTS (click here for doc)


I attended a meeting on thursday night - organised by the Royston Primary School Parent Council, attended by around 100 local people, parents, children and community reps. It was great to see the lady who was the first pupil back in 1937, supporting the local campaign, and speaking highly of the school





MArk Lazarowicz MP and Malcolm Chisholm MSP spoke out in support of the school, and how this flies in the face of the SNP Governments policy to reduce class sizes to 18 - cant be done, and wont be done, another failed promise!





I was impressed at how organised the Parent Council have been, gaining local support, support of local businesses, raising eswsential funds and showing that Royston is a not only a school, but a fantastic resource in the heart of a community.





Unfortuntely our local SNP and LIbral Democrat Councillors failed to attend the meeting, and show any support what so ever to the parents,, lets see how they vote?!?!?





The Parent Council will have the opportunity to speak at the Education, Children & Families meeting on Tuesday 8th September at 9am(surprisingly at the same time they should be putting kids into school - deliberate? - never!?)





There will be another opportunity at a council organised meeting for parents, this will take place on 23 September at Royston Primary from 7-9pm and on 30 September at Telford College from 7-9pm.





Come along - say your piece!

New Licensing Laws

Om sure you'll all have read, or heard of the new legislation to kick in tomorrow (1st September 2009) Which will see the end to irresponsible drinks promotions and offers.

This has been a difficult time for the Licensing Board to implement, the SNP Governments Licensing act legislation is wide and varied, and some people would argue it is hitting the average joe public, rather than target those irresponsible sellers, or user's of alcohol!

We will be fair here in Edinburgh, while we do our best to implement the new rules, and hope businesses and local communities will bare with us.

No more wine deals for me!

Refuge Collection

...Im sure you will all have experienced the effect of the ongoing dispute.

Unfortunately, the SNP/Lib Dems lack of ability to resolve this dispute for 2 months now, is not only leaving our streets in a state, but costing thousands more to council tax payers.

Unwisely, in a recent newspaper article, it was reported that Cllr Cardownie was telling bin collection workers that this would lead to our bucket collections service being privatised!!' click here for the full comment

Further to that the Lib Dem Councillor -said we shouldnt buckle 'when binmen get uppity!! This is the wrong message to send to council employees, involved in a dispute over changes to their pay and conditions

I was further surprised to learn that the Lib Dem leader has opnly managed to make ONE meeting with the trade union to discuss this!

I urge our SNP/Lib Dems to stop dancing around the edges, meet with the Trade Unions and offer the right package to allow return to normal service

SAVE ROYSTON SCHOOL

SAVE ROYSTON SCHOOL

PARENTS and pupils are stepping up their campaign to save Royston Primary from closure.
So far 1,700 people living in the Royston and Wardieburn community have pledged their support to save the school.Local businesses have also donated £800 to have hundreds of Save Royston School T-shirts printed up for all children in the school, as well as their parents.Campaigners say this support highlights the importance of the school to the local community.Education chiefs are proposing to close Royston, along with Burdiehouse, Drumbrae and Fort primaries, next summer.A public consultation will get under way next month and parents from all schools are building up as much support as possible. Grant Cunningham, chair of Royston's parent council, said: "We got £800 from five businesses so that every kid in school can have a T-shirt, as well as parents. This shows how much this is a community issue and not just a school issue."Closing the school would rip the heart out of the community."Fortunately nobody has panicked and taken their children out of the school, which is always a risk when a school is under threat of closure."The council says the school roll at Royston has dropped by 32 per cent over the past five years to just over 150 pupils, meaning it has a capacity rate of just 40 per cent.But campaigners argue that the school roll has improved considerably since the appointment of headteacher Andrew Hunter. Cammy Day, the Labour councillor for the Forth ward, said: "He was tasked to increase the roll and attainment and he has done that. The guy is ticking every box and he's done that in less than a year so this is a slap in the face to him, his teachers and his parent council."Obviously no-one can give cast-iron guarantees that the school is not going to face closure at some point but he was told these were the key priorities to address and he has fully achieved this."It wasn't even on the closure list the first time round so it doesn't make sense that it is on this time, given everything he has done."Mr Cunningham added: "The headteacher was given guarantees and assurances by (city education leader] Marilyne MacLaren that he would be given time to bring the roll up from 143."He put a school improvement plan in place, got the parent council active, introduced a pupil council and brought the numbers up to 156 in just a year."

GAGGED!!

Unbelievably!! Labours Leader in Edinburgh - Cllr Andrew Burns, was evicited from the chamber, by the SNP/Lib Dem adminstration... WHY?

Well, to read the full story click on Andrews link here basically - we caught them out, not providing the true and complete facts - yet we have them already!!

Today was a shambles, I thought the Lord Provost chaired these meetings but it seems to be who ever shouts loudest!

The unknown councillor up in the back benches who proposed this - didnt even know or understand what he was asking for?!!

This whole sad saga, brings the chamber into disrepute, this could have been clarified, then moved on - not into these draconian measures, its a blatant attempt to silence the true democratic voice of councillors who represent the people of Edinburgh!!

Well done to Andrew, keep exposing them!!

MORE CUTS!?!?

The schools closure report has just appeared on CPOL ... you can now find it here.Over a day after initial Press Coverage and the SNP/Lib-Dem Administration have finally released the report publicly.If you ask me, this all shows a complete and total lack of basic courtesy to the local communities involved in these proposed closures ... it's all about 'news management' instead of trying to involve those who matter most.Lets hope the communities affected don't forget about how they've been treated - as eventually they will be able to have their say on the current crowd running the city.

Ive yet to hear why Royston Primary School is on this new list - yet not on the provious one!?

And what will be done to support schools like Trinity Primary to cope with a huge increase in its intake??

I am keen to hear the SNP/Lib Dem councillors will be vocal in their views, on yet more cuts to Forth Ward!

Euro Elections... coming your way 4th June!

In a few weeks you will be able to vote for your MEP in the Europen Elections. To find out what the European Parliament does, click here

Labour's MEPs David Martin & Catherine Stihler have been touring scotland speaking to local people, and hearing some of the issues affecting them, and how Europe works..

Make your vote count on 4th June 2009

Expenses!

Well, the 'expenses' for all of Edinburgh's 58 Local Councillors - for the year ending 31st March 2009 - are published late this afternoon and you can see all the details for the 'Edinburgh Labour' Group of 15 Councillors by going .

You can see the complete list for all Parties by going here (2008-09 may not be there for an hour or two). If you're not certain which Councillor belongs to which Party , then you can find out here.

You'll see from the 'Edinburgh Labour' table, that almost all our Group of 15 are on the basic annual salary of £15,838 - the exceptions being Ewan Aitken and Andrew Burns, who have variously spent parts of 2008/09 as Group Leader which is regarded as a Senior Councillor post and for which the full annual salary is just over £24,000.

Salaries aside, the total of additional expenses claimed by our complete Group of 15 Councillors for the whole of 2008/09 is £9,797.

I'll briefly explain some of the column headings in the 'Edinburgh Labour' table for these additional expenses:

• mileage expenses - this relates to daily travel costs: principally 'mileage allowance' for car travel.
• taxis - for taxis fares related to Council work.
• subsistence expenses - 'accommodation costs' at any conferences attended.
• telephone and ICT expenses - telephone calls made for work purposes: principally 'home-telephone' costs.
• other allowances and expenses - this relates, in the main, to the £444 for an annual bus pass. As you'll see, most 'Edinburgh Labour' Councillors use this as their primary mode of travel. This column also includes any 'conference fees' and overseas travel.

As mentioned above, this totals £9,797 for our complete Group of 15 Councillors for the whole of 2008/09

I will always be open abou any pulic expenses I incurr, and you will be able to see other councillors claims by clicking; contrast it with what the other 43 Edinburgh Councillors have claimed

Any questions or queries, please get in touch

cammy.day@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 3281

No funding, No Buses, now.. no trams!!!

Im a wee bit late in updating my blog site, so heres a few wee snippets!

Im sure you will now have heard, that here in Forth Ward, not only have the SNP/Lib Dem council cut nearly £800,000 from the local budget, not only have the subsidised bus routes to this side of the city been dumped!, but last month, the SNP/Lib dem shower, voted to 'suspend' progressing line 1b - the part to the north of the city including the waterfront link!

Telford College, Scottish Gas, Housing Developments, all created along the route - to benefit from a state of the art transport system, failed, failed and failed again!

what next!

Royston Wardieburn/Stepping Stones

You may have heard the recent political decision by the Lib Dem /SNP administration to cut £1.7 million pounds from the long awaited new community centre and integrated services..

Well thats now back on hold, no one knows where it will go, what it will be.. another feasibility study to accompany the one already done?

Whispers hear that they may be no desire to build a new 'extension' at Royston School, as this Administration have not yet decided the next raft of school closures? Is this true? and what does this mean?

I have argued against this, and other cuts in full council, and neither Cllr Morris or Cllr Cardownie say anything to support resources for Forth Ward in North Edinburgh, are they happy to see more resources ripped out from under our feet,, seems like it!

Stepping Stones were told nothing of this, while Royston were told the day before the decison was made in Full Council,, disgraceful way to treat local communities who have fought for and won the right for this centre to be built!

Lets hope the rain keeps off, or we will see the kids catching the rainwater through the roof!

Them n Us!

I recently attended the Intergenerational Debate organised by the Pilton Community Mediation (intergenerational Project), which was greatly attended by over 30 young people, and 30 older people.

The event was one of many to be organised, bringing togther young and older to discuss the many perceptions and beleifs held between young and old.

Well know and respected local beat officer Ian 'Stan' Matthews, gave some background information on how the Muirhouse area has greatly changed over the years, and massive regeneration has completely revamped muirhouse from in the 1980's.

The day was kicked off with Radio Forth's Grant Stott (with a few plugs for Forth ONe 97.3 and his many Panto apearances!) who confirmed this great opportunities to get young and old together to discuss and debate, and work together for a better community.

The event kicked off with some 'speed dating' and then broke into discussion groups, after a fine lunch served by Billy and Marjory, of Muirhouse Millenium centre fame!

The event was very well organised, well done to Tracey, Project co-ordinator, and SACRO for supporting the event!.. whats next....???

Skillnet & BCDP

I was pleased to be invited to attend the recent awards ceremony with Skillnet and the Black Community Development Project, based locally in Forth Ward which was held at Royal College of Physicians.

The course learners, have made an excellent committment to the course and many of the students were presented with awards on the day.

2 of the local participants spoke of their experience during the course, and the great support dfomr tutors and from BCDP alike.

Congratulations to all those involved!

Cammy Day

Labour Councillor

Forth Ward

BUDGET BALLS UP

Budget Update

Well, unsurprisingly the local Lib-Dem/SNP budget was voted through last Thursday in the Council Chambers.

There is a huge amount of detail in the confirmed budget - please don't hesitate to contact me directly if you'd like any specific information - but meantime here's some quick analysis of the main differences and some of the problems that will quickly become apparent with what the Lib-Dems and SNP have just passed:

- Both Labour (and Tories interestingly) put the 1.5% cut in School Budgets BACK INTO this year's figures ... some £2.7million would have been returned to schools. The Lib/Nats didn't, and instead allocated a paltry £250K to all of the city's schools - that's not very much for each school :-(

- In terms of allocation of additional funding to front line services ... here's the running order: Labour £28.1million; Tories £26.9million; Lib/Nats £25.6million. So, again, even the Tories appear to care more for front-line services than the current Administration.

- Very worrying increases in the 'school let' figures - which we rejected in our proposals - with the Lib/Nats raising charges for these rentals very, very significantly. For example, to hire a general games hall goes up from £21.25 to £27.63 - that's a shocking 30% (yes, 30%) increase. In total, this area of income is going up by some £319,000 and I confidently predict real pain for many over this, and I doubt if any of the 29 Lib/Nats even realised they approved it in their budget.

- Another £350,000 taken OUT OF Community Education - that's on top of the £850,000 last year - both cuts we rejected. Again, this will lead to serious service reductions in a whole host of areas and I doubt very much if those in charge politically, realise the full impact of what they've just agreed. I reckon the 'Scouts' and 'Lothian Association of Youth Clubs' can kiss goodbye to their seconded-posts, for example?

- No new monies for 'supported bus services' - this WILL come back to haunt them I'm sure - whilst we allocated an extra £300,000 to this area.

- No general uplift for voluntary organisations whatsoever - we did have 'inflation provision' for these organisations in our budget.

- No additional monies (once again, despite the avowed emphasis on 'doing things locally') for Neighbourhood Partnerships - we had put in an extra £600,000 for this.

- No extra monies for additional local Police Officers - the Libs had consistently failed to back this initiative when they were in Opposition and continue to show no real support - we had an extra £320,000 for this in our budget, which would have paid for 10 new Police Officers.

Overall, pretty poor emphasis on 'front-line service delivery', and it's certain that some very serious problems will arise out of what's just been approved.

In short, another weak budget for the city of Edinburgh's residents.

January NEN update

Firstly I’d like to say well done to the North Edinburgh News, despite
a very difficult time, that they continue to struggle on to provide a
great local newspaper for North Edinburgh. I was very
disappointed to read Cllr McIvor’s column about the NEN. I’m sure
the NEN would be keen to expand, if the resources were made
available for this to happen... not really a possibility given they’ve just
had a 56% cut, in addition to the cut last year when the SNP/Lib
Dem Council cut the grant from Edinburgh Community Newspaper
Trust, in total a cut of approximately 75% to the NEN!!
There are no community project ‘Empires’ in North Edinburgh, and
if there are - I’d be keen to know where and visit them!!
Fairer Scotland Fund I am continuing to work with officers to look for alternative
funding streams, including Health, Police and Council resources to try
and save the local projects threatened by the cuts imposed on
them. These projects are essential for North Edinburgh, and I hope
the whole community will rally to support them.

17 Bus

A number of local people have been in touch about the 17 service
being cut. We have spoken with Lothian Buses, and they argue the
service is financially unviable. My Labour colleagues argued
against this cut, but it was pushed through. This loss is in addition to
the 32 being peak only - means a drastic reduction in buses serving
this side of the city!

Clean Green and Safe?

The state of the streets continues to be high on local people’s agenda.
Whether it’s dog fouling, broken glass in the parks, litter or general
neglect, as I am keen to hear more from local people if this concerns
you then please get in touch - details are as follows;

Contact details

My surgery details are: first and
third Wednesday of the month at
6pm in Muirhouse Millennium
Centre then at 7pm in Royston
Wardieburn Community Centre
Second and fourth Wednesday of
the month at 6pm in the Prentice
Centre then at 7 pm at Trinity
Primary (during term times only).
Phone; 529 3281
Email; cammy.day@edinburgh.gov.uk
http://cammyday.blogspot.com/
City Chambers High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1YJ

Not sure what to say about the latest blundering of the SNP/Lib Dem Administration.. 1.5 % savage cuts to schoosl last year, anoither 25 proposed this year - devastating most school based budgets!

But no, theres been a u turn, roundabout decision making? or something else - there now wont be cuts to school based budgets?>!

I say well done to Parents who have rallied support to fight againt these cuts. Cuts to young peoples education in this city! and excellent campaign.. worryingly we've yet to hear where the saving will be made??

UN-

Many of you may have heard of the recent cuts by the SNP and Liberal Democtras to the North Edinburgh Community.
I have been meeting with officers to look for alternative funds to support many of the local projects that have taken cuts in excess of 50-60% - shocking, i know - but true!
If you are a project user, and these cuts affect you please get in touch. I will be working along side other councillors, your local MP Mark Lazarowicz and Malcolm Chisholm your MSP to fight these unnecessary cuts!!

Happy Christmas

Christmas time, council is off now until early January.

My Best Wishes to everyone for the festive season, I look forward to hearing from you.

Cammy

Cammy Day

Labour Councillor

Forth Ward

UNFAIR SCOTLAND FUND

This Thursday - many local people and local projects will attned the Full Council in the City Chambers, to push for the administration to re-look at the savage funding cuts to the Forth Ward.

The report - see here, has been referred to council, as Jenny Daze, oops Dawe, and her Liberal/SNP colleagues cant quite decide what to do?!

Even in past Labour Administrations, ward councillors would fight tooth and nail to save local resources, , not any more,, we dont hear a peep from Cllr Morris or Cardownie on what they intend to do.

As your Labour Councillor - I will stand up for this unfair allocation, and flawed process!

Buggy Brigade

Happy Christmas - Buggy Brigade!





Today I was pleased to attend the Buggy Brigade at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre - on their Christmas Party!





Was great to see so many young mums and kids having a great time - and well done to the mums who catered very well for kids and adults,, whilst I didnt have toime to wait for Santa, I did have time to nab a a jam piece! (sorry)

I look forward to viting the group again in 2009, and having more time to discuss the local issues raised.

SAVE THE MILLENIUM CENTRE

I was pleased to see, despite the weather, Muirhouse Millenium Centre having an indoor car boot sale of goods.

Unfortunatley, despite 4 attemps to win a prize (and the only £4 with me) I failed to win a prize! despite attempts to bend the rules!!

It was a good opportunity for me to speak to more of the local residents, introducing myelf as the new couniillor in FOrth Ward, and hearing how well used the centre is - despite the 60% cuts announced by the Council Administration.

I was heartened to see that they wont go without a fight - and look forward to supporting their fight to save the Muihouse Millenium Centre

Surgery's and Contact!

As promised - here are my surgery detials - covering the full forth ward, long with my contact details. Please feel free to contact me regadring any local issue.

I will work alongside your MSP Malcolm Chisholm and your Member of Parliament Mark Lazarowicz to progress issues for this community.

My Surgeries are as follows;

First and third Wednesday of the month at 6pm in Muirhouse Millennium Centre and at 7pm in
Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

Second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6pm in
the Prentice Centre and at 7pm in Trinity Primary School.

You can also call me on 529 3281, or email me at;
cammy.day@edinburgh.gov.uk or write to me at;

City Chambers
High Street Edinburgh
EH1 1YJ

Malmo Residents!

I was pleased to be invited to the Malmo residents association on Thursday evening (last night) , and welcomed by Ross Bell and the many residents who attended.

I hope that I can support the Residents Association with the many issues they raise..and look forward to working along side them!

More on the residents information can be found on their website - see link below.

http://malmogranton.wordpress.com/

Full Cooncil!

Yesterday saw my first ever full council meeting and maiden speech(s)!!

I was proud to be welcomed by my Labour Group colleagues, and to the Lord Provost and Leader for welcoming me, and grateful to the many positive comments from some of the citys political groups, and individual members


I was able to ask impportant question on the future investment of the new Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, and any likelyhood of investment in Granton Primary School.. the answers from the Liberal Convener - wishy washy to say the least, no start date, no contacts and no clue!

I also questioned the LIB DEMs on the Fairer Scotland (UNFAIR SCOTLAND FUND) and aksed to meet with the leader to look for ANY way of saving projects in the Forth Ward from closure - after repeatedly asking the question - she refused - I can only presume the Liberal Democrats are happy to see projets closed, and jobs lost - not what i call fairer scotland!!

I also put a motion up calling for projects to be goiven fair opportunity in mainstreaming and this was refused by the Liberal Democrat Lord Provost


Very dissapointing to see a casting vote used to close 3 schools - I hope the administration are proud

A long day for all - something im sure we need to get used too..

Been a busy week arranging local surgeries, constituent casework, and tidying up loose ends from our fantastic campaign in Forth Ward!

I'll very soon be on touch with local organisations to see what support i can give to groups and individuals.

Meantime - you can get in touch with me at city chmabers on 0131 529 3281

Locally i will continue to be available with surgeries on;

Monday 4pm at Prentice Centre, and

Wednesday 5pm at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

I am updating surgery times to ensure the whole ward is covered - these will be distributed as soon as the venues confirm.

I look forward to working with the Forth Ward. Please get in touch with me.

First day in the City Chambers

First day in the City Chambers today...

And my first surgery - and pleased to see a constituent along already!

I'm looking forward to working alongside my Labour Councillor colleagues, and to working all over the Forth Ward - my surgery and contact details will be posted here soon, once its all confirmed - watch this space!

Cammy Day

Councillor

Forth Ward

THANK YOU

Thank you so much to every single person who took the trouble to vote yesterday.

I'm obviously delighted that a Labour Councillor has now been returned to represent the Forth Ward once more.

And I give an absolute assurance that I will do my utmost to represent the needs of this area to the very best of my ability. I will do everything I can to repay the trust that local voters have placed in me, and in Edinburgh Labour.

Can I also say thank you to all the other candidates who stood in this election, for a hard-fought but even-tempered local campaign.

A short rest now, and then the really hard-work starts!

Polling Day!

Polling Day at long last.

... and just a final reminder that all the Polling Stations are open from 7am-10pm today!

PLEASE do cast your vote, and ensure you have your say in the future of local services in the Forth Ward area.

1-day to go!

Last full day of the Forth Ward by-election campaign.

Please do have a last look at my 'Local Priorities'; you may even want to cast your eye over that video-clip?

If you do want a cleaner, safer and greener environment for the local area, then please consider giving me your 1st preference tomorrow. If you have another preferred first choice candidate, don’t forget you can vote for 'Cammy DAY too' – by placing a number 2 next to my name.

And many thanks for taking the time to read my campaign blog.

Pilton Community Mediation Service

Regular blog readers - I know you're out there! - will remember I visited the Pilton Community Mediation Service back in October.

Well, I hear today that they've received word of new 'part-funding' for the project from SACRO - great news, and congratulations to all the staff concerned.

2-days to go!

I know a lot of political attention is elsewhere today - and understandably so! - but here in the Forth Ward, dozens of local political activists are busy pounding the streets vying for every last 'preference vote'!

And if you're visiting this blog for the first time, can I please encourage you to:

• cast your eye over the 'posts' I've made throughout the campaign
• follow up some of the links therein, which give you further information on the issues
• maybe even look at the video I 'posted' up yesterday!

And if you have any outstanding questions, then please don't hesitate to get in touch using any of the methods outlined in the right-hand side-bar.

And, most importantly of all, PLEASE DO take the time to vote in a couple of days time.

The political choice that Forth Ward makes on Thursday WILL have an impact on the future of services in this area.

Vote #1 for Cammy Day

A long Sunday

Today has felt like a very, very long day!

A huge number of leaflets, letters and other materials being hand-delivered across the Forth Ward. I simply cannot thank all the Party volunteers enough.

And, I've spent a lot of the day talking to voters on the door-step again. The messages I'm receiving remain constant. And the over-riding theme is just 'get the basics right'!

Of course, being the last weekend before polling on Thursday, we also had everyone's favourite job to do today - put up the dreaded lamp-post posters!

Get the basics right!

A lot of time spent on the doors again today.

And the main message I'm receiving from voters - over and over and over again - is:

"that 'the basics' have been badly neglected in Forth over the last 18-months!"

What people are saying is pretty straightforward:

• the streets are in a real mess, with litter and weeds the worst that most people can remember them locally
• local roadworks are not being co-ordinated and are being poorly managed
• there needs to be more of a police presence on 'the beat' and more imaginary ways of keeping peace on our streets
• housing and education needs to be given a higher 'local' priority (with Granton Primary and Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre being mentioned specifically)

I've pledged to prioritise all of these areas - none of them are rocket-science and the current SNP/Lib-Dem Council is failing to address them effectively.

Please don't reward failure when you vote on Thursday.

Brief reminder

Just a brief reminder of the overall result for the four main political Parties in the Forth Ward election in May 2007.

Please don't believe other misleading figures, and PLEASE do vote next week to ensure that Forth has a Labour Councillor to re-join the three that the Ward already has:

one SNP

one Tory

one Liberal

Only one more is elected next week!

Official by-election details

City Council website has finally put up all the relevant details for the forthcoming by-election.

You can access it all via here - and if you're still not certain of the location of your Polling Station, then the map here may be of assistance.

Of course, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me (all the details are within the right-hand side-bar) if you think I can assist directly.

Shocking waste of money

I can't tell you just how many people have mentioned the lead story in the local Newspaper to me today.

It's definitely been the main topic of conversation in the Forth Ward!

£6,000 could be a lot better spent on some street-cleaning, or pavement works, in the communities of Forth.

What with plans to re-introduce robes, and now plans for pointless trips to India, one really has to wonder at the judgment of those currently running the City Chambers?

Lib-Dem no-show for the second time

Well, hustings earlier this evening (at the Royston/Wardieburn Community Education Centre) was well attended by the public, which was very good to see.

Unfortunately, it wasn't so well attend by candidates (or substitutes?) from the main Political Parties. The Lib-Dems failed ONCE AGAIN to send either their candidate or a substitute.

Pretty poor if you ask me.

People in Muirhouse, Royston and Wardieburn are frankly wondering just who the Lib-Dem candidate actually is??

My Local Priorities

Very busy weekend coming up - the last one before Polling Day, which is now only 7-days away!

A further Labour leaflet is being distributed around the Ward over the coming few days, and it contains my own 'Local Priorities':

• Environment: Forth is a mess - weeds on the pavements, graffiti, dog dirt, neglected parks. I will not accept this standard for Forth and will work hard to make a difference in all areas.
• Road Works: I will demand co-ordination and speedier work, so that traffic can flow.
• Housing: I will fight to make sure Pennywell, Royston and Wardieburn are top of the list for regeneration.
• Crime: I will fight to get more police on the beat to help tackle local crime.
• Education: This is a Labour priority. Nursery provision for all, small class sizes in primary schools and making sure every young person succeeds at school to go into work, training or further education.
• Sport: Labour is committed to protecting sports centres - vital for the health of young and old.

More financial woe

Yet more financial woe announced by the Council today!

The shortfall of £20million in Capital receipts is bad enough, but even more worrying is the potential extra £10million Revenue pressure due to energy costs.

Whilst I'm willing to accept some of this may well be beyond the direct control of the Local Authority, it must not be used as an excuse for the failure to get the financial basics right - such as keeping the streets of Forth Ward in a decent condition of cleanliness!

More hustings

Another local hustings coming up tomorrow night - this time at the Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre.

Will be interesting to see if all the major Parties are actually represented tomorrow? I won't be holding my breath.

Local hustings

Attended a local 'hustings' at the Muirhouse Millennium Centre (in Muirhouse Medway) last night.

Enjoyed the evening, but pretty disappointing (to say the least) that several candidates failed to show up - including one of the main Parties, the Liberal -Democrats, who sent neither their candidate nor any substitute?

10 days to go

A mere 10 days to go to Polling Day!

The pace of campaigning locally is now really gearing up and I don't anticipate much respite between now and the 6th November.

Still a huge number of very local issues being raised with me on the doorsteps, and a continual mention of several key-points:

• the reduction of hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding for local projects in the Forth Ward
• the failure to take forward the renewal of Granton Primary
• the failure to take forward the renewal of Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre
• the threat of closure to the Pilton CAB office

And more generally, the lack of funding for devolved school services and the dreadful condition of many local streets, are also persistently raised.

The SNP/Lib-Dem Council has failed to successfully pursue any of these local issues in the last 18-months - I remain confident that the people of Forth will send them a very clear message on Thursday 6th November.

Postal votes arriving soon

The weather was a lot better today - thankfully!

Plenty of the campaign-team out and about, with a big effort going into ensuring that as much information is in the right-place, for the arrival of postal votes - which are being dispatched tomorrow.

Detailed planning for the actual, election-day of 6th November also now taking shape.

Only 11-days to go!

Rain on Forth!

Some VERY wet conditions in the Ward today - didn't stop the large band of campaign-stalwarts from getting out and about across Forth.

That said, we are hoping for slightly better campaigning-conditions tomorrow!

Pilton Reach out Project

I had a great time visiting the PROP Centre in West Pilton, with Malcolm Chisholm MSP, and was made so welcome by Penny (manager) and PROP's Board of directors.

PROP is a user-led community health project, in the heart of West Pilton, and is always welcoming to any one who feels they may need to utilise PROP's services.

No pressure, at your pace, in your time, the relaxed, homely feel, made me want to stay longer!

An increasingly utilised service that works in partnership with community mediation and other local services, to benefit local people.

SUNSHINE in Muirhouse!

I was pleased to visit the Sunshine Club in Muirhouse on Wednesday with Former Lord Provost, Cllr Lesley Hinds.

The SUNSHINE club, is a social activity club for older people, and is warm and welcoming, hosted in the Muirhouse Millennium Centre, one of the Forth Wards finest community centres.

On speaking to some of the ladies, I found that while they love the Millennium Centre, and of course the sunshine club, they are furious about the state of their community!

One lady of 74 years old said: "I've lived here for over 55 years, and its never been so disgraceful, broken glass on the pavements and the park, litter all over the place, street lights out, I wont leave the house after dark".

This shows us the respect the SNPLib-Dem administration have for communities like Muirhouse.. The Councils own monitoring system shows that Forth Ward FAILED its cleanliness test - basically the streets are a disgrace - and none of the SNP/LIB-DEM councillors will stand up for Muirhouse!

I will ensure the street cleaning and maintenance are a priority, and that people can feel safe to walk in their streets!

Safe in your community!

Cammy Day welcomed Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to the Pilton Community Mediation Service recently.

Cammy was welcomed by Tracey Stewart-Kellagher, a local woman who has been employed for some time now to lead on innovative projects around community mediation, which has seen referrals from the city council, the police, and self-referrals rise dramatically.

Jacqui Smith commented:

"Asbos provide a way to stop groups engaging in antisocial behaviour from making the lives of other people a misery, but there also has to be work by projects like this to intervene early before it starts. "The fact that it's based here in the community means it's also easier to engage young people."

Tracey - who's project has not been able to receive council funding due to the SNP/Lib Dem administrations cuts to the voluntary sector commented:

"These kids were never given a voice before. They've become used to simply being shouted at. The kids from Pilton and Muirhouse actually came to us looking for help to resolve their issues."

LABOUR's Forth by-election candidate Cammy Day who hosted the visit, said:

"The Community Mediation Service is a fantastic resource. Supporting parents and families to resolve problems before getting into serious conflict, which usually results in police or housing taking enforcement issues. The Community Mediation Service is further complimented by the range of services on offer from the Pilton Community Health Project, like Barri Grubb, Women Supporting Women and 'smoking cessation' to name a few - all of which are likely to suffer at the hands of the LIB DEM/SNP cuts to be imposed in the coming weeks. I will fight to save these local services!"

Robes for Councillors?

Well, well, well - just look at this story in today's Evening News.

I wonder why the planned report on 'bringing back robes' has been delayed because of an "administrative oversight" and now won't come back to the Council for decision until its next meeting on Thursday 20th November, which just happens to be 14-days after the Forth Ward by election?

I personally think the voters of Forth Ward will, once again, see this for what it is and pass judgement on those currently in charge of the City Chambers on Thursday 6th November.

A long weekend ahead

A long weekend of leafleting and door-knocking ahead.

Less than three weeks to go to Polling Day now and the pace is really picking up!

Looking forward to speaking to many more people, right across the Ward, over the next few days.

That said, if I don't manage to chap your door!, don't hesitate to get in touch - all my contact details are on the right-hand side bar.

'Burying bad news'

Confirmation in the local press yesterday that some judicious 'burying of bad news' is indeed going on surrounding the (so-called) Fairer Scotland Fund.

The people of Forth will see this for what it is.

Black Community Development Project

Visited the Black Community Development Project (BCDP), with Malcolm Chisholm MSP, to discuss the services they provide for young people and families.

BDCP grew from the late 1980's 'Muirhouse Anti-Racism Campaign' and was formed following the receipt of mainstream funding in the early 1990's.

There was clearly concern about the security of their current funding-stream/s and a great deal of unhappiness about the way that the change to the Fairer Scotland Fund has been (mis)managed. Possibly up to a third of their funding appears to be under threat.

Not good at all.

Close of nominations

Close of nomination period (for Forth Ward by election candidates) this afternoon - at 4pm!

And it appears that the previously stated intention of the BNP to stand a candidate in the by-election has come to nothing?

Good news.

Unfair treatment

Well, the (so-called) Fairer Scotland Fund implementation goes from farce to fiasco in the Forth Ward.

Rumour is sweeping the local area that a meeting which was supposed to be held tomorrow, to allocate the Fund across the Ward, has been summarily postponed until - wait for it - after the by-election is over.

Of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that the meeting would have led to the confirmation of hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cuts to local services?

Street weeds

Out in Royston/Wardieburn most of today.

Biggest single issue on the doorsteps today was the totally uncontrolled growth of weeds in the local streets; along with many people mentioning serious litter problems in the local area.

And, it is true that the general state of the streets is simply not good. There are weeds everywhere. And litter is pretty abundant.

Now, some of the litter issues 'could' be down to the recent industrial action days, but there can no excuse for the prevalence of weeds on the streets of Royston/Wardieburn. It does smack of yet more funding-reductions having a direct impact on an area of the City that the current SNP/Lib-Dem Council appear to pay precious little attention to?

Fairer Scotland Fund?

Out on the doors again today and a generally good reception from most folk we managed to speak to.

It has to said, that I'm pretty surprised at the sheer number of people who keep mentioning the funding reductions for local organisations that have arisen due to the switch to the (so-called) 'Fairer Scotland Fund'. Several folk even specifically mentioned the now-infamous letter (4th down) from the Lib-Dem Council Leader to the local press!

The switch to this Fund has frankly been botched, and its clearly affecting an awful lot of individuals and organisations across the Ward.

Not acceptable.

Inaction on new buildings

I know that none of the schools mentioned in this Council report (just out today) are within the Forth Ward, but do have a quick read through it.

In essence, the report is simply an update on a completely stalled-programme of school building, which reinforces the fact that nothing new has been initiated - as regards new school buildings - in the last eighteen months.

Its a shocking indictment of inaction.

The impact of which, sadly, parents at Granton Primary are all too aware of.

School budget cuts hurting

As if just to emphasise the point in my last post - having looked through the dozens of 'feedback -forms' from our campaign leafletting so far, its clear that local residents have local services as their main concern also.

It has to be said, that 'school services' (or the diminution of them) is a theme that keeps coming through. Hardly surprising (sadly) when you consider the decisions of the 2008/09 SNP/Lib-Dem Council budget:

• every Primary and Secondary school was forced to take a 1.5%-2.0% budget cut
• that amounted to at least a £10,000 reduction per average Primary School
• at least a £10,000 reduction per average Special School
• and at least a £50,000 reduction per average Secondary School

These cuts are clearly having a serious and negative impact on young people and families across the Forth Ward.

Local Services are what matter to me

Dear oh dear - bit of a stooshie in the local paper today. You know you've won the argument when people rely on idle gossip and tittle-tattle, rather than facts.

Frankly, the leader of the Council SNP Group should be defending the local-SNP role in:

• cutting hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding in the Forth Ward
• failing to take forward the renewal of Granton Primary
• failing to take forward the renewal of Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre
• threatening to close the Pilton CAB office

These are some of the real issues that matter to the people of Forth.

Its clear to me that the local SNP/Lib-Dem Council is failing Forth and, personally, I am campaigning to give voice to the old, the young and the vulnerable so they have a chance of retaining the local services they so badly need.

Idle gossip and tittle-tattle won't help a single resident of Forth.

No.1. for the Forth Ward

I'm told this afternoon, that I am now formally nominated as the Scottish Labour Party candidate for the Forth Ward by-election on Thursday 6th November.

Apparently no one else has put themselves forward (formally) yet?

No.1. for the Forth Ward indeed!

Royston/Wardieburn Centre?

The new Royston/Wardieburn community-wing, to be built at Royston Primary, has also been raised with me today as a project that appears to have stalled?

Again, checked with the Council, and the fears do have some basis as I'm told the project is under ongoing review and no firm date for signing contracts and starting work has yet been agreed!

This contract needs to be signed and work started, as it appears to me little progress has been made in the last eighteen months.

Granton Primary School

On the doors again today, in Granton, and many local parents angry about the lack of progress with the redevelopment of Granton Primary School.

Checked with the Council, and it appears this was indeed a project which was contained within the 'Capital Programme' up until last year, but has now been removed in favour of 'refurbishment' and not a rebuild!

And worse still, no one is able to give a straight answer as to when that 'refurbishment' will actually commence.

As an elected Member on the Council, I would pursue commencement of this project with great vigour.

CAB Pilton under threat?

Another issue I've picked up on the doorsteps over the last few days is the threatened closure of the Pilton CAB Branch.

Frankly, there appears to be a lot of confusion on this - the local CAB Board claim the threatened closure has been 'suspended', but the Lib-Dem politician in charge has written to the local press saying they were pleased to assist in the centralisation plans! (see the 4th letter down again - here).

Whether its the so-called Fairer Scotland Fund or the Citizens Advice Bureau, it does seem the local Lib-Dems don't care much for the real issue affecting the Forth Ward.

Weekend of Campaigning

Have spent most of the past weekend speaking to people on the doorsteps of Forth Ward.

It's clear that local issues are uppermost in many people's minds - not least the funding reductions from the previous CRF/SIP arrangements to the new 'so-called' Fairer Scotland Fund.

There may be some doubt about the 'exact' amount that these monies are being reduced by - but no-one is anymore denying that such reductions are taking place.

Even the politician in overall charge at the City Chambers (a Lib-Dem) has accepted that reductions, to the value of several hundred thousands of pounds, are indeed happening - see the 4th letter down here!

LABOUR'S CAMPAIGN IN FORTH WARD LAUNCHED, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1ST

Labour's leader in Scotland, Iain Gray joined us on Wednesday evening to open our campaign rooms.