LABOUR launched its latest leaflet in a bid to woo voters in the Bo’ness and Blackness By-Election.
The party’s candidate, Len Ainslie, also hit the streets to speak to voters and talk to local people about the issues that matter.
The by-election was called after the death of veteran SNP councillor Harry Constable. Voters go to the polls in the Falkirk Council ward on November 19.
Mr Ainslie, who has served on a variety of community groups over the past 20 years, is a former trader, who ran a shop in Bo’ness.
He’s currently the chair of the local Area Forum and the Licensing Forum.
The new leaflet says:
In 2007, Labour became the largest party in Falkirk Council, forming the new administration running the Council.
Voters in Bo’ness and Blackness also elected their first Labour councillor in a decade. Now you have the chance to elect a second Labour representative to serve on the Council.
Please give your support to Len Ainslie and Scottish Labour in the Bo’ness and Blackness By-Election on November 19.
BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES
● Two years ago, we pledged to work with local people to make this area a better place to live.
● We’ve invested extra money into local parks and play areas. The playpark in Blackness has been revamped and Kinneil Estate and Museum have been improved, with more improvements on the way.
● We’ve also announced plans to create a new, third generation synthetic pitch at Bo’ness Recreation Centre – on top of the ongoing revamp of the centre itself.
● We cut long-stay car parking charges in Falkirk – and maintained the free car parking in district town centres like Bo’ness. We also re-introduced cut-price weekend rail concessions for local pensioners – a boost welcomed by many residents.
● We got tough on anti-social behaviour, launching a new campaign, "Community Concerns Us" – to help local people report everything from litter and noise problems to neighbour nuisance and vandalism.
● And we’re revamping the housing allocations system to help those in greatest housing need.
SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY
● We became one of the first councils in Scotland to launch an economic action plan in late 2008 to help local businesses survive the worst effects of the current recession.
● We also took steps to keep the Bo’ness Harbour project alive – when similar projects were being cancelled.
● We revamped town centre working groups to provide better access for community representatives and local businesses.
● We’re continuing to deliver improvements to Bo’ness Town Centre – part funded by extra cash won by Labour in the Scottish Parliament.
As well as streetscape and building improvements, Falkirk Council is also replacing the worn out bus shelters in the town centre.
● We also helped bring the first Italian Market to the town in September.
● Bo’ness – and its revamped Hippodrome Cinema – will be at the centre of the district’s Homecoming Finale celebrations at the end of November.
WORKING WITH YOU
● Since May 2007, Labour Councillor Adrian Mahoney has worked on many initiatives with the local community – from litter clean-ups to helping organise this year’s Big Roman Week.
● Len Ainslie, our candidate for the forthcoming by-election, has a similar enthusiasm. A former town centre trader, he’s served on a variety of local groups over the past 20 years and isn’t scared to ask tough questions or speak up for Bo’ness and Blackness. He’s just the type of person to be an excellent Labour Councillor.You’ve seen what Labour can do. Please give us your support – and help us do more. Vote Labour on Thursday, November 19.
Mr Ainslie said:
“There are tough challenges facing local families just now and I’m keen to do all I can to help people in these difficult times.
“Over the past 20 years, I’ve served on a wide variety of community groups, from the Fair Executive Committee and Bo’ness Community Council – to my current roles chairing the Area Forum and Licensing Forum.
“I think I’ve shown my commitment to the area and I hope local people can give me their support on November 19.
“If elected, I would be proud to serve the people of Bo’ness and Blackness as their new Labour Councillor.”
