ELECTION NOTEBOOK by IAN MILLER
The hustings at the White Church in Balloch was a success…. each candidate was given three minutes to present their vision for the centre of the Vale.
Almost of all of the candidates from both Lomond and Leven attended and put their case. Three minutes is not a lot of time and so they were given an extra 30 seconds grace to allow them to draw to a close and almost all managed to do that.
The three main national parties were well represented… Jim Bollan and Drew McEoghainn from the community party also spoke…. Drew suggesting that he would not take his full three minutes because the people who really mattered were the audience and their views were paramount.
That was a recurring theme. Sian Wilkie, pictured left, as an independent put her case forward with passion regarding the refurbishment of the Main Street and indicated that the voice of the traders (she is one herself) will be heard if she is elected.
The audience then had time to pose questions and this they did with vigour.
The state of the Main Street is a huge concern to them as is the dereliction in Mitchell Way and of course the burnt out shell of the former Alexandria St Andrew’s Church.
Much mention was made of the ” development plan” and what it might bring to the community.
Many felt there was never enough consultation , the views of local people were not solicited.
The much denigrated garish flower pots in the Main Street and who approved them was questioned.
The traffic dislocation, which will ensue with work on and around the Fountain area (which is scheduled to run for six months from May to November) was also a big issue as was the traders’ concern that footfalll will be adversely affected.
Money is going to made available for the centre of Alexandria.
Certain improvements and plans were outlined, but I am not totally convinced that those listed would be the immediate priority for those who gathered for these hustings.
It might be interesting to get that group back again and have them vote on their order of priorities.
Now that would be interesting.