SNP Leader, Alex Salmond MP, and candidate Maire Whitehead, will today visit the closure threatened Castlemilk youth complex and will be holding a public meeting in Castlemilk this evening. Mr Salmond and Ms Whitehead will be focusing on crime and health as the campaign comes to a head before voting tomorrow.

Commenting on the visit of Communities minister Malcolm Chisholm to the Castlemilk youth complex yesterday, Mr Salmond said:

"It is amazing what a by-election can do to concentrate Labour minds. They have been forced into action after seeing press reports on the threat to the complex and reading about Maire Whitehead's visit last week.

"The Castlemilk youth complex is just the sort of facility we need. I am delighted the pressure is now on the Executive to save the centre.

"If this is what can be achieved even before the by-election, just think what we can do for the Victoria Infirmary and other threatened services after Thursday with an effective, campaigning SNP MSP.

"It is possible to make a difference and make Labour think again - and the key on Thursday is a vote for the SNP."

Speaking before the visit SNP candidate Maire Whitehead published new figures showing an increase in possession of drugs in Strathclyde since Labour came to power. Since 1997 there has been an increase of 67% in the number of reported offences of possession of drugs. Commenting Ms Whitehead said:

"These shocking figures show the growing threat of drugs in communities across our city. They also tell us a great deal about Labour's poor crime record.

"The police are to be congratulated for their efforts in tackling this scourge, but having more police on the streets and in our communities would help them track down the dealers.

"We also need to encourage facilities like the Castlemilk youth complex, which offer an alternative for young people. I am delighted the Executive has finally got that message.

"There is a powerful lesson here for all of us campaigning to protect local services, including the A&E at the Victoria Infirmary ­ political pressure works. An SNP victory on Thursday will make a difference and pile even more pressure onto this discredited Labour government."