Labour ride roughshod over wishes of community

SNP candidate in the Glasgow North East by-election, David Kerr, today (Monday) joined SNP Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP and SNP MSP for Glasgow Sandra White to meet with Still Game actress Elaine Ellis who led a community campaign to stop the GHA demolishing her tower block.

The Pinkston Residents opposed plans to tear down their high rise blocks on the basis that, despite needing some repairs, the accommodation still formed the heart of a thriving community.

Commenting, Mr Kerr said: "The Pinkston Residents Association is a testament to what community groups can achieve with committed political support.

"When the GHA tried to rip the heart out of their community, Pinkston residents rightly objected and fought for the investment to sustain and improve the buildings. They were backed to the hilt by SNP MSPs and councillors.

"The GHA's approach was symptomatic of Labour's treatment of the North East over the past 74 years - taking local people for granted and riding roughshod over their wishes.

"A vote for Labour on November 12 is a vote for 74 more years of the same neglect. A vote for the SNP is a vote for an MP who will stand up for this community."

SNP Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP added: "The SNP Scottish Government is investing record amounts in Scotland's communities.  In Glasgow  alone more houses have been started by housing associations in the last two years than in any other two year period – a record 3451 homes.

"And by abolishing the right to buy policy, we are ensuring that this investment in affordable housing benefits the people who need it most.

"The SMID figures out last week - which use housing as a measure of deprivation - show that since the SNP came to government, Glasgow is becoming less deprived.

"After 74 years of neglecting Glasgow North East only a vote for David Kerr and the SNP will guarantee progress.

"Together, David Kerr and the SNP have what it takes to see Glasgow flourish."