Sir,
I wish to record my appreciation to all those who have supported me throughout this
by-
My other campaign strategy was not so successful, in terms of turnout, but sincere thanks to all those who attended meetings which I organised at the seven different venues throughout the mainly remote and dispersed locations served by this ward.
Letter: Thanks for the support
30 March 2015
My capable opponent Roslyn Macpherson was also kept busy during this campaign, and
I hope she will not be too despondent. I was in a similar position in 2012 when not
elected, but in my case it was only a temporary set-
I have already been asked about key policy issues which I intend to pursue, now elected to serve as a councillor. Much of my campaign has focused on changes to services provided at Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh, and the need for consultation with local stakeholders before any significant changes are implemented.
This remains one of my key objectives, as clearly any reduction in NHS “care of the elderly” beds in the hospital, has direct consequences for services provided by the Comhairle. Another is to discuss and pursue the need to look at conditions of service for home care staff: in particular the continued use of zero hour contracts.
The Scottish Government agenda, “shifting the balance of care” is in practice about developing and sustaining community care services, in particular our home care workforce, working now round the clock, seven days a week, to support the elderly and most vulnerable in their own homes. The voluntary sector also has an increasingly significant role to play in complementing and supporting statutory services. My involvement with Tagsa UIbhist constantly reminds me of this.
Finally, listening to the numerous and varied concerns of our scattered communities on matters such as public transport, waste disposal and recycling, street lights, road safety, road gritting and fuel poverty will remain a priority, and my eyes and ears on these matters will be the respective community councils as well as individual constituents.
The newly formed Association of Community Councils, Uists and Barra, is becoming an increasingly powerful voice, and forum for consultation, as we move forward facing further rounds of budget cut backs in local authority services over the next two years. My attendance at meetings of the respective community councils and the Association of Community Councils, will be given priority.
I consider it an honour and privilege to be voted in to office to serve as a councillor
until the next elections in May 2017. I will endeavour as an independent councillor,
with no party affiliation, to work co-
Andrew Walker
3 Kyles Flodda
Isle of Benbecula