Martin Rooney column – Clydebank Post July 2014

I’m a really positive person by nature and I believe that West Dunbartonshire is an area with a great deal of potential. I’m always proud to talk up our place, our people and the work that our thousands of Council employees do for us.

 

Two years ago when I was appointed Council Leader this approach may have surprised some people given where our area was coming from, but I’m delighted to see the positives are now catching up on the ground and, importantly, in the minds of local residents and others.

 

Take a step back from the tittle-tattle of local politics and you will see a Council investing millions in offices that will regenerate and support our town centres as well as save taxpayers money; a Council set to provide a £15 million key to unlock major redevelopment of the vital Queens Quay site in Clydebank providing much need jobs, investment and business growth; an area ready to boast every pupil taught in modern secondary school facilities that rival anything in Scotland; tenants provided with housing improvements that meets the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and our neighbourhoods receiving support and investment; and two new care homes and day care centres to support our most vulnerable residents in the most comfortable and modern settings available.

 

I could go on to talk about our positive results on jobs, the improvement in our road infrastructure, the investment in a new £19m sports centre for Clydebank plus investment in sports in general and the improvements in Council services. I prefer however to concentrate on what the people who live in West Dunbartonshire think. In 2013 we surveyed 1,000 residents and just 58% of them believed the Council was efficient and well run. Halfway through 2014 and that figure has risen to 70%. Similarly in 2013, 63% of residents thought that Council services provided good value for money. Halfway through this year and that figure has now risen to 77%.

 

I believe this is the drip drip effect of gradual improvements that we’ve made in recent years in West Dunbartonshire. I also believe our residents are genuinely beginning to see the benefits of the changes we’ve made and the ones that we plan to deliver. They are being reassured about the present and getting hopeful about the future. I’m really excited about the years ahead and a great case in point was the recent City Deal announcement. In case you missed it both the UK Government and Scottish Government promised to invest £1 billion pounds in the Clyde Valley area. We should benefit from a grant of nearly £30 million to develop the Exxon site at Bowling which is equal in size to Queens Quay and just as exciting a prospect with the potential for hundreds of jobs. It was interesting though that this news caused barely a ripple in West Dunbartonshire, whereas in the past I think it would have been a landmark investment that we would all be sat around waiting to happen in the hope that it would regenerate the area. Today, thanks to our ambitious programme of investing in capital projects, it is just one of many significant projects that will help transform our area.

 

I’ll sign off by saying a big well done to everyone involved in the recent Queen’s Baton Relay which was a fantastic advert for the people of West Dunbartonshire. It was so great to see thousands of residents come out to cheer on the many amazing baton bearers running through our streets. The route took in all the best bits of our area and the sun thankfully shone so that our amazing scenery and iconic landmarks had real wow-factor for the national audiences that watched either live on the internet or that night on the evening news. What a fantastic day!

 

Thanks,

Martin Rooney, Leader West Dunbartonshire Council

Martin Rooney column – Dumbarton Reporter July 2014

I’m a really positive person and I believe that West Dunbartonshire is an area with huge potential. I’m always proud to talk up the place, the people who live here and the work that our thousands of Council employees do.

 

Two years ago when I was appointed Council Leader this approach may have surprised some people given where our area was coming from, but I’m delighted to see the positives now catching up on the ground and, more importantly, in the minds of our residents and others.

 

Take a step back from the tittle-tattle of local politics and you will see a local authority investing £19 million in new offices that will regenerate and support Dumbarton town centre as well as save us taxpayers money; a Council set to provide the £15m key that will unlock the major redevelopment of the vital Queens Quay site; an area ready to boast every pupil taught in modern secondary school facilities that rival anything in Scotland; tenants provided housing that meets the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and neighbourhoods receiving support and investment; and two new care homes to support our most vulnerable residents in the most comfortable manner possible.

 

I could go on to talk about our positive impact on jobs, the improvement in our road infrastructure, the planned investment in sports facilities and public parks, sports and communities capital funding for the area and the improvements in Council services. I prefer however to concentrate on what the people who live in West Dunbartonshire think. In 2013 we surveyed 1,000 residents and just 58% of them believed the Council was efficient and well run. Halfway through 2014 and that figure has risen to 70%. Similarly in 2013, 63% of residents thought that Council services provided good value for money. Halfway through this year and that figure has now risen to 77%.

 

I believe this is the drip drip effect of gradual improvements that have been made over recent years in West Dunbartonshire. I like to think that residents are genuinely beginning to see the changes or the potential changes that are planned. They are being reassured about the present, and getting hopeful about the future. I’m very excited about the years ahead and a great case in point was the recent City Deal announcement. In case you missed it the UK Government and Scottish Government have promised to invest £1 billion pounds in the Clyde Valley area. We will hopefully benefit from a grant of nearly £30 million to develop the Exxon site at Bowling which includes a new £10m road linking Milton and Bowling. It was interesting though that this news caused barely a ripple in West Dunbartonshire, whereas in the past I think it would have been seen as a landmark investment that we would all be sat around waiting to happen in the hope that it would transform the area. Today, thanks to Labour’s ambitious programme of investing in capital projects, it is just another one of the many significant projects that will transform our area.

 

I’ll sign off by saying a big well done to everyone involved in the recent Queen’s Baton Relay which was a fantastic advert for the people of West Dunbartonshire. It was so great to see thousands of residents come out to cheer on the many amazing baton bearers running through our streets. The route took in all the best bits of our area and the sun thankfully shone so that our amazing scenery and iconic landmarks had real wow-factor for the national audiences that watched either live on the internet or that night on the evening news. What a fantastic day!

 

Thanks,

Martin Rooney, Leader West Dunbartonshire Council

Unemployment Rates Continue to Fall

West Dunbartonshire unemployment figures in June 2014 show a further drop in unemployment rates but still more to do.

Job Seekers Allowance: The latest figures for West Dunbartonshire, released on the 16th July 2014, show that in June 4.3% of the working age population were claiming JSA, compared to 2.8% for Scotland and 2.4% for the UK. In June, 2534 people in West Dunbartonshire were claiming JSA, a decrease of 204 people since May, 2014. The figures show a decrease of 7.5% since last month, and a drop in numbers of 30% for the same period last year.

Young People Claiming JSA in West Dunbartonshire: The number of young people unemployed has fallen to 6.9%* this month. In total there are 560 young people, a drop of 14% (or 90 people) on last month’s figures, claiming this benefit. Clackmannanshire has the highest rate at 9.3%, North Ayrshire is second at 8.6%, East Ayrshire is third with 7.9%, North Lanarkshire is 4th at 7.3% and West Dunbartonshire is fifth with 6.9%.

Employment, Unemployment and Inactivity: The overall employment rate in West Dunbartonshire has fallen again this quarter to 64.7%, very low in comparison to 71.5% for Scotland and 71.7% for the UK as a whole. With 2,575,000 people in employment Scotland has the highest level of employment ever recorded.

The unemployment rate, that is people claiming JSA and other unemployment related benefits, has fallen to 10.6% in West Dunbartonshire this quarter, compared to 7.3% for Scotland and 7.2% for the UK. The figure of 10.6% is a more accurate representation of the number of people actually out of work in West Dunbartonshire.

Martin Rooney Leaders Column The Lennox – June 2014

I’m writing this column as the World Cup match kicks off in Brazil and am really looking forward to the tournament. There is something special about summers when major sporting events like the football or Olympics are taking place and the whole country can sit down in front of the television and share the experience.

 

With that in mind we have a real treat in store this summer, first with the World Cup in June and then the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July. I think the Games represent a fantastic opportunity for this area and Scotland to shine under the gaze of millions of spectators and TV viewers.

 

I hope that our younger generations make the most of this opportunity because it may be 30 years or so before we see them return to these shores. I’m sure they will if the success of the recent school baton relay in West Dunbartonshire is anything to go by. This involved hundreds of pupils from high schools in Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria running to their associated primary schools holding aloft batons designed and created by the pupils. Like many thousands of residents, I have really enjoyed seeing all the photos on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages and judging by the comments so have you.

 

Before the Games we will also be welcoming the official Queen’s Baton Relay and I’m delighted to see that our Council has been one of the most positive and proactive with its plans for this occasion. Arriving on July 18 the relay will visit sixteen towns and villages and take in the junior highland games at Balloch, before ending in Clydebank for a family-friendly party in the evening. I know that there are a number of exciting activities taking place while the Baton makes its way round the area and full details will be announced next week. It is also great that, unlike at the Olympic Torch Relay, the baton bearers will include dozens of people from across West Dunbartonshire which should make it a real community day.

 

On top of all this it is also worth mentioning the other great summer events that this Council puts on. The Loch Lomond Highland Games takes place on Saturday 19 July at Moss O’ Balloch Park from 9.30am to 5pm. Last year an incredible 15,000 came out in the sun to enjoy the high-quality field of athletes compete for £15,000 in prize money and fingers crossed it will be the same this year. We also have the The 2014 Scottish Pipe Band Championships on Saturday 26 July 2014 which is the biggest event of the year for the Council with crowds of up to 25,000. Running from 10am – 6pm at Levengrove this really is a brilliant day out for the family with 140 pipe bands from across the world competing alongside a high-quality highland dance competition.

 

So the summer is looking action packed and whether you plan to spend it in West Dunbartonshire or further afield I hope you all have a great time.

 

Best wishes,

Martin Rooney Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council 

Martin Rooney Leaders Column The Lennox – June 2014

I’m writing this column as the World Cup match kicks off in Brazil and am really looking forward to the tournament. There is something special about summers when major sporting events like the football or Olympics are taking place and the whole country can sit down in front of the television and share the experience.

 

With that in mind we have a real treat in store this summer, first with the World Cup in June and then the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July. I think the Games represent a fantastic opportunity for this area and Scotland to shine under the gaze of millions of spectators and TV viewers.

 

I hope that our younger generations make the most of this opportunity because it may be 30 years or so before we see them return to these shores. I’m sure they will if the success of the recent school baton relay in West Dunbartonshire is anything to go by. This involved hundreds of pupils from high schools in Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria running to their associated primary schools holding aloft batons designed and created by the pupils. Like many thousands of residents, I have really enjoyed seeing all the photos on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages and judging by the comments so have you.

 

Before the Games we will also be welcoming the official Queen’s Baton Relay and I’m delighted to see that our Council has been one of the most positive and proactive with its plans for this occasion. Arriving on July 18 the relay will visit sixteen towns and villages and take in the junior highland games at Balloch, before ending in Clydebank for a family-friendly party in the evening. I know that there are a number of exciting activities taking place while the Baton makes its way round the area and full details will be announced next week. It is also great that, unlike at the Olympic Torch Relay, the baton bearers will include dozens of people from across West Dunbartonshire which should make it a real community day.

 

On top of all this it is also worth mentioning the other great summer events that this Council puts on. The Loch Lomond Highland Games takes place on Saturday 19 July at Moss O’ Balloch Park from 9.30am to 5pm. Last year an incredible 15,000 came out in the sun to enjoy the high-quality field of athletes compete for £15,000 in prize money and fingers crossed it will be the same this year. We also have the The 2014 Scottish Pipe Band Championships on Saturday 26 July 2014 which is the biggest event of the year for the Council with crowds of up to 25,000. Running from 10am – 6pm at Levengrove this really is a brilliant day out for the family with 140 pipe bands from across the world competing alongside a high-quality highland dance competition.

 

So the summer is looking action packed and whether you plan to spend it in West Dunbartonshire or further afield I hope you all have a great time.

 

Best wishes,

Martin Rooney Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council 

Martin Rooney Dumbarton Reporter and Clydebank Post Column – June 2014

Firstly, well done to all the staff and volunteers involved in the recent European elections. It takes a lot of planning and preparation and everything seemed to go off very smoothly. I was also pleased to see that locally Labour topped the poll which contributed to the two main political parties in Scotland returning two MEPs each.

 

When I became Council Leader two years ago I made a commitment that our administration would explore every opportunity available to improve the lives of local residents.

 

I was confident about achieving this ambition. I knew that if we were open-minded, proactive and demanding of ourselves; Council officers and our partners that there were loads of ways that we could unlock the potential of West Dunbartonshire and start writing a new chapter in our history.

 

No one was going to come and wave a magic wand and do it for us. West Dunbartonshire is not in the fortunate situation of big cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh where commercial partners form a queue at the regeneration door. We also don’t have the natural resources that create prosperity in places like Aberdeen and the Orkney and Shetland islands.

 

This was about bringing everyone together, pulling in the same direction and being creative to find solutions to our challenges.

 

I’m delighted be able to update you that we are actually delivering change, and I would go so far as to say there is now a strong momentum behind these projects that is making further progress inevitable.

 

What sort of things am I talking about? Last month the Council moved closer to a partnership with Cube Housing Association that could lead to hundreds of new affordable homes being built in West Dunbartonshire. The sites in question include the former Bonhill Primary School, old school sites in Clydebank, land at Singer Street and Second Avenue in Clydebank, and at Croft Street and Raglan Street, Bonhill. As well as assisting the Council to meet local housing need, Cube’s proposal would also create up to 300 new jobs and training opportunities sustain up to 1,000 construction jobs and develop around 1,200 indirect jobs in the wider economy.

 

After lying derelict for 10 years, the Council is set to invest £15 million into Queens Quay, Clydebank, to finally make the site ready for long-awaited redevelopment. This will allow developers to push ahead with their master plan to build hundreds of new homes, a care home, health centre, supermarket, pub/diner and hotel, with pedestrian access to the town centre and transport interchange. This sort of investment could make an unbelievable difference to the area.

 

In Balloch we will soon welcome UK pub operator and independent brewer Marston’s which is building a 180-seat pub and 27-bed hotel near Lomond Shores on previously vacant land. This strengthens the tourism industry in the area and again offers much-needed new jobs for local people.

 

Elsewhere across the authority the coming years will see the construction of five new care homes – three of which are private bringing further employment to the area – and two Council-owned. There is also significant investment in a new flagship leisure centre, based in Clydebank, and the potential for new Council offices in both Clydebank and Dumbarton.

 

We all know about the history of this area and the great things that previous generations achieved in heavy industry. That was then though and for too long we’ve been looking for an answer to what the future holds. I’m delighted that our investment in people and infrastructure means that at last it looks like West Dunbartonshire’s potential is now being converted into a real success story.

 

Martin Rooney Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council 

Martin Rooney Dumbarton Reporter & Clydebank Post Council Leaders Column – May 2014

Last week West Dunbartonshire Council received its Assurance & Improvement Plan. The plan showed that the Council had made significant progress and a number of Key successes were identified by Audit Scotland. In terms of Leadership and Direction the auditors noted that following the election of the new Administration in 2012, the council set out its strategic vision for the five year period to 2017 underpinned by values and challenging targets and highlighted that effective leadership, has driven the delivery of the key priority to have robust structured corporate planning.

Audit Scotland also noted the Councils progress in Improving and transforming public services. In particular the continued to focus on performance improvement and the fact that we have been progressing a major transformation programme focused on achieving savings through delivery of efficient and effective services. Key areas of progress included:

• Introduction of a ten year capital plan
• Opening the new Dumbarton Academy
• Progression of the transformation programme including payroll modernisation
• Positive employee survey results
• Progressing plans for the provision of two new care homes.

Another area that was highlighted by Audit Scotland was the improvements made in Absence Management. Audit Scotland reported that the council has a major project in place to improve attendance levels and early indications are that the action being taken is having a positive impact and that year-end evaluation of the Working Well Together show that there has been a reduction of 2693 days equalling a 5% reduction in total days lost absenteeism across the Council. This is a great improvement but we still have some way to go to reach the Scottish average.

Audit Scotland also recognised the councils strong focus on economic development to increase employment and new businesses and noted that the council was investing significantly in major regeneration sites, job creation initiatives and supporting local businesses. This is having a positive impact with job opportunities and modern apprenticeships being created. Achieving 1000 jobs in 1000 ahead of target is the result of this commitment. Just 650 days into the campaign, the original target has been reached.

At the Council meeting last week we also agreed the creation of two new Council committees to focus on further improving our housing management and to support our massive capital investment programme. The new committees are Housing and Communities which will be chaired by Councillor David McBride; and the Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee chaired by Councillor Patrick McGlinchey. I believe that the restructure will drive further improvements across the council.

Finally, I know that all our young people have started taking their exams this week and I am sure that like me, readers of this column would like to wish them all the best and I look forward to hearing of their achievements later in the year.

Martin Rooney Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council 

Martin Rooney Leaders Column Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter – March 2014

This year is looking like it will be a very good year for Dumbarton & the Vale in terms of regeneration. Over the past few months we have seen our housing improvements exceed our targets and millions more investment committed for further improvements in the budget. We have also seen the construction of new council houses and hundreds of new houses at the Strathleven Regeneration site and new private 60 bed Care Homes are beginning construction in Rosshead and Garshake. We are also seeing new developments in other areas such as the new hotel in Balloch. In Dumbarton around £30m is already committed to building new schools; £1.7m is planned for improvements to Levengrove Park; and a new Youth Jobs Hub was recently opened in the town. While in Alexandria a preferred developer is now committed to building new houses and a new superstore to help regenerate the town. Our proposal for a new £19m office in Dumbarton is gathering momentum and reflects our ambitions for the town and further down the line we will bring forward proposals for a new £18m Council Depot . Council officers are also working on a £1BN infrastructure project for the Clyde Valley which includes a £10m A82 relief road for our area. We could be a key partner if the conditions are right for us. All the hard work and strategic planning is beginning to pay off.

Moving on it is lovely to see the first signs of Spring with temperatures milder and daffodils emerging in the garden. It makes me realise how fortunate we have been during the recent winter compared to our neighbours in England where hundreds of homes have been devastated by the conditions. In West Dunbartonshire we had little snow, ice or flooding to contend with and that was a relief to many of us I’m sure. As a Council we have good plans in place to respond to such weather over the winter but it is much better not to have to call upon them.

It was also a real highlight for me to see recently that the Council pledge to create 1,000 Jobs in 1,000 Days has been achieved a year ahead of target. Our ambitious £3m project was launched to improve local employment figures by creating jobs and apprenticeships for residents. Among the 930 full-time roles are quality jobs such as engineers, electricians, joiners, nurses, teachers, construction workers, chefs, hairdressers as well as a trainee solicitor, mechanic and plumber. This is great news for these individuals, for the area and for this Council.

I’d like to finish by paying my own tribute to my Labour colleague Tony Benn who died earlier this month. Tony was a prominent and charismatic figure throughout much of my life and certainly the period where I developed an interest in politics. Whether you agreed with him or not, Tony Benn was always interesting and entertaining with unshakeable beliefs that he argued passionately for. I respected him as a man and pass on my thoughts to his family who will be feeling his loss the most at this time.

Martin Rooney Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council 

Martin Rooney Leaders Column Clydebank Post – March 2014

This year is looking like it will be a very good year for Clydebank in terms of regeneration. Over the past few months we have seen our housing improvements exceed our targets and millions more investment committed towards further improvements in the budget. We have also seen the construction of new council houses and the new houses at the Scholars development on the old Clydebank College site and a new 60 bed private care home is planned for Clydebank. In addition we have committed £9.5m for a new Kilpatrick School.

Our plans for Queens Quay are gathering momentum with our new £19m Leisure Centre is developing at pace; plans for the new £10m care home and day care facility are now well developed; and our proposals for a new £30m Health Centre for Clydebank reflect our ambitions for the town. I expect the public investment to become the catalyst for further regeneration in the town. Queens Quay also has the capacity for around 1,000 new houses with around £80m – £100m of additional investment and providing opportunities for construction jobs and apprenticeships. Council officers are also working on a £1BN infrastructure project for the Clyde Valley which includes a £10m A82 relief road for our area. We could be a key partner if the conditions are right for us. All the hard work and strategic planning is beginning to pay off.

Moving on it is lovely to see the first signs of Spring with temperatures milder and daffodils emerging in the garden. It makes me realise how fortunate we have been during the recent winter compared to our neighbours in England where hundreds of homes have been devastated by the conditions. In West Dunbartonshire we had little snow, ice or flooding to contend with and that was a relief to many of us I’m sure. As a Council we have good plans in place to respond to such weather over the winter but it is much better not to have to call upon them.

It was also a real highlight for me to see recently that the Council pledge to create 1,000 Jobs in 1,000 Days has been achieved a year ahead of target. Our ambitious £3m project was launched to improve local employment figures by creating jobs and apprenticeships for residents. Among the 930 full-time roles are quality jobs such as engineers, electricians, joiners, nurses, teachers, construction workers, chefs, hairdressers as well as a trainee solicitor, mechanic and plumber. This is great news for these individuals, for the area and for this Council.

I’d like to finish by paying my own tribute to my Labour colleague Tony Benn who died earlier this month. Tony was a prominent and charismatic figure throughout much of my life and certainly the period where I developed an interest in politics. Whether you agreed with him or not, Tony Benn was always interesting and entertaining with unshakeable beliefs that he argued passionately for. I respected him as a man and pass on my thoughts to his family who will be feeling his loss the most at this time.

 

Martin Rooney Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council 

Martin Rooney Leaders Column The Lennox – February 2014

February is one of my favourite months as a Councillor because it is at this time of year we get to agree the Council budget and set out where we want extra money invested to improve West Dunbartonshire.

 

My Administration’s budget was bold and ambitious and was agreed by the majority of local Councilors because it will make a positive difference on the issues that matter most to local people.

 

That’s why it includes an extra £1m investment to upgrade the area’s roads, a £1m fund for local community sports and leisure facilities, and an investment of £404,000 in local cemeteries.

 

In addition, over the next year an extra £250,000 will be invested to help create jobs and assist residents into work, £250,000 has been earmarked to improve the support for vulnerable local young people and £55,000 will help fund more than 100 extra free school meal places and clothing grants. A new £10,000 project will also see the Council open £10 accounts with a Credit Union for every single Primary 7 pupil to help them improve their financial understanding.

 

The investment in improving the employment chances of local people is particularly close to my heart. I’ve always made it clear in this column, and in many other platforms, how I believe having a job is the most transformational thing for an individual. It is also why this area will only really begin to prosper if we can continue to reduce unemployment. It is for this reason that I’m particularly proud to see that we have helped more than 980 people into work since 2012. I was also really pleased that the Administrations capital investment programme received unanimous support from the Council.

 

Moving on from the budget I am also delighted with the progress the Council is making to improve its social housing and committing to a housing investment programme of £85 million. No Council tenant should have to live in cold, damp or poor quality homes and we have invested unprecedented levels to make sure that situation ends. Back in 2011/12 only around 35% of the Council’s homes met the Government’s recommended standard, but we have now improved that figure to 79%. What does that mean in real terms? Well it means hundreds of new bathrooms, kitchens, new roofs, windows, doors and re-wiring upgrades. We still have more work to do but I think tenants will be able to see clearly the difference by this time next year.

 

I’d also like to welcome the recent Council decision to provide an extra £25,000 of funding to key organisations like Age Concern, local gardening and bowling clubs, and senior citizen groups. This money was left over from the £15 payments we make to every resident over the age of 60, and will now help make a real difference to the lifeline activities that these groups provide to so many elderly people in our communities.

 

I am excited about the year ahead and can assure you that we will be continuing to do everything in our power to make West Dunbartonshire a better place to live, work and visit.

 

Martin Rooney Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council