SURVEY RESULTS 🗣️
Thank you to those constituents who took the time to complete my Central Scotland Community Survey. I received hundreds of responses and appreciate the time it took respondents to provide their invaluable feedback. I hope by publishing a brief overview of the report, that some of the issues raised will be addressed by the relevant councils and elected representatives.
Below, you will find a snapshot of the report. Set out by towns, these responses outline a sampling of areas residents in Central Scotland would like to see strengthened. Following the pandemic, and all the difficulties which have come with it, it is vital we prioritise our communities and protect what matters most.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns or additional feedback that you’d like to provide, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
- Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland
East Kilbride
Key Points –
- Waiting times for patients at local healthcare services
- A lack of access to green spaces
- Issues with connectivity and public transport links
In general, respondents from East Kilbride feel that their local area is safe, with a good sense of community and relatively affordable house prices. It was expressed that neighbours and community groups are happy to help others where they can.
A number of respondents did raise concerns about access to healthcare services in East Kilbride. Even before COVID-19, residents felt that waiting times for an appointment were a major problem. This issue has been heightened due to the additional pressure on GPs and hospitals due to the pandemic. There is also a lack of transport for elderly residents to and from surgeries.
Connectivity and public transport issues were expressed by many. Several respondents felt it was difficult for people to get around the community due to poor bus services. This is also a problem for those who travel to and from Glasgow – due to infrequent bus routes such as the 31.
The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of green spaces. Residents feel, as EK continues to grow and the number of young families increases, that more parks and cycle paths should be built. Similarly, they feel current green spaces should be properly maintained by the council as the amount of litter and waste has increased significantly. Respondents want the council to do more to tackle litter and fly-tipping; such as installing temporary cameras in hot-spots.
Falkirk
Key points –
- Rise of anti-social behaviour
- Pressure on services
- Falkirk High Street in a poor state
Residents in Falkirk feel that there is a strong sense of community, affordability and that the council are doing a relatively good job at maintaining the area. Very little was mentioned about transport links and the amount of green spaces.
However, a number of respondents discussed the rise in anti-social behaviour in the town. Respondents said that over lockdown, more groups of young people have been congregating and causing problems. Many are drinking in public places. Residents would like the police to be more visible as a deterrent.
There are also concerns about Falkirk High Street. Respondents are disappointed that the number of shops and amenities has slowly decreased. Many no longer walk into town as the area has become run down and retailers have been priced out.
Similarly to East Kilbride, there are additional pressures on local health services in the area. The rise of several new housing developments appears to be causing surgeries and the local hospital issues due to an influx of new residents. Other services, including schools, are also likely to be affected.
Motherwell
Key points –
- Mixed response to transport links and connectivity
- Maintenance of public areas is poor
- Strong sense of community
Respondents from Motherwell all felt that there is a strong sense of community in the town. Many mentioned community groups that they have been involved with and that local residents are very friendly. The benefit of local affordability was also raised by residents. There was no mention of locals being priced out or new housing developments charging extortionate prices to new tenants or buyers.
When it comes to transport and connectivity, the responses were mixed. A number of respondents mentioned how easy it is to travel between the different local transport hubs; this is likely to increase once the development of Motherwell station has been completed. However, many still feel it is difficult for the elderly and disabled to get about and that there aren’t enough cycle paths.
The maintenance of public areas and highways was mentioned on a number of occasions. Several residents complained about the state of the pavements and roads and felt the council should be doing more to repair them. As well as this, the high street was also heavily criticised for being untidy.
Coatbridge
Key points –
- Issues with the sense of community
- Lack of green spaces
- Unimpressed with services provided by the council
First, residents on the whole feel that Coatbridge is an affordable place to live. They also suggest that the town is safe and don’t believe that anti-social behaviour or crime is too much of an issue. There is common demand for the Union to be protected in the town.
Unlike most areas in Central Scotland, the respondents to the survey found that Coatbridge doesn’t have a strong sense of community. Some respondents suggest this is due to the fact that there are very few community amenities in the area. They would like to see more cafes, pubs and meeting places once restrictions are lifted.
Respondents are also concerned about the lack of green spaces in the town. Residents would like to see additional cycle lanes installed. One respondent suggested that large housing developers should be obligated to provide additional green spaces before they can build.
Finally, respondents are not happy with the services being provided by the council. They feel that services are being cut, the streets are not being cleaned sufficiently and that public spaces are becoming dirty.
Bellshill
Key points –
- A stronger police presence needed
- Difficultly for the elderly and disabled to get around
- A strong sense of community
A strong sense of community features highly in the responses given from those in Bellshill. Many mentioned how helpful neighbours have been during this difficult year. However, nearly all respondents would like to see an increased police presence in the area.
Specific references were also made to Hattonrig Road, where a new football stadium was due to be built. Instead it has become a waste land, taken over by kids. Residents also feel that there are too few cycle paths and it is difficult for the elderly and disabled to get around.
Larkhall
Key points –
- A stronger police presence needed
- Difficulty for the elderly and disabled to get around
- A strong sense of community and affordability
Very similar responses to those given by residents in Bellshill. Residents feel there should be more for young people to do in the area in order to avoid anti-social behaviour.
Cambuslang
Key points –
- Hold SNP to account over education
- Poor maintenance of public areas
- A stronger police presence needed
Like Larkhall and Bellshill, safety remains an issue for residents in Cambuslang. Respondents feel there should be more police on the street to discourage young people from meeting. Residents report seeing over 50 people meeting in parks during the pandemic.
Litter and fly-tipped are also particularly prevalent in this part of the region. As well as this, other maintenance fulfilled by the council is high on residents’ agenda. Locals are also concerned with the lack of gritting which is taking place – especially in parks and other green spaces.
Finally, a couple of respondents also mention the problems within our education system following the SNP’s shocking record. One resident, who is a teacher, was particularly concerned that schools are no longer placing any importance on core subjects – especially science.