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Andy Kerr confirmed his commitment to the imminent creation of a new town centre facility at a recent visit to the existing centre.

In addition to current GP services, the new-state-of-the-art health centre will provide: minor surgery, podiatry, physiotherapy, nurse led clinics, home care and social work and community nursing.

I’m sure many Renfrew residents, including the 1500 who signed my petition calling for a new centre, will be delighted with this outcome. Our efforts have paid off.

CRIMINAL COURTS OVERHAUL

Crime and justice are always high up the political agenda. Although crime is falling in Renfrewshire and the rest of the country, it’s an issue that still concerns many in our communities.

That’s why I’m delighted the Labour-led Scottish Executive recently proposed new legislation to improve our court system. The Criminal Proceedings (Reform) (Scotland) Bill will:

• Speed up the court proceedings
• Hasten the dispensation of justice
• Increase Sheriffs’ sentencing powers
• Allow victims of minor offences to receive compensation without having to go to court
• Reduce the numbers of offenders who end up in prison – at public expense – for failing to pay fines
• Strengthen the system of bail and remand, with conditions tightened and penalties for breaches increased.

These measures will improve public safety and the efficiency of the justice system, while giving taxpayers better value for money.

ENVIRONMENTAL VIEWING FOR SECONDARY PUPILS

Climate change and the environment is becoming an increasingly important issue everywhere.The Executive recently pledged £23 million to improve recycling in Renfrewshire over the next decade – and this money has helped provide the separate collections for more and more local households.

But we still have a long way to go. All local secondary school pupils are being given the opportunity to see a powerful climate change film by former US Vice President Al Gore.

An Inconvenient Truth is being screened to encourage youngsters to be more environmentally conscious. By educating young people in Renfrewshire about climate change, we increase the likelihood of future generations’ protecting our planet.

STARS IN OUR EYES

And finally, Renfrewshire stargazers are in for a treat with the recent launch of Scotland’s first nationwide programme of public and educational astronomy events. Dark Sky Scotland aims to encourage the public to take an interest in astronomy and space science. The initiative, which runs until spring 2008, will feature 35 events, including:·

• Stargazing sessions
• Planetarium shows
• Workshops for teachers, tourist operators and community groups

So look out for local Dark Sky events over the coming months.

Health Minister Andy Kerr has visited Renfrew Health Centre to confirm the Executive’s £7 million direct support for the facility.

Mr Kerr made the visit following an invitation from Paisley North MSP Wendy Alexander.

The state-of-the-art facility will replace the current Health Centre. In addition to existing GP services, it will provide: minor surgery; physiotherapy; podiatry; home care and social work and community and practice nursing.

Ms Alexander said: “After a series of meetings with Andy Kerr, I’m delighted that the Health Minister has committed an additional £7 million to securing a new Health Centre for Renfrew.

“Continued lobbying means plans will be finalised today, allowing construction to begin in late 2007 with completion scheduled for 2009.

“I’m delighted that the 1500 Renfrew residents who signed my petition calling for a new facility will soon have access to a state-of-the-art health centre.”

Wendy Alexander is supporting a festive campaign by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPOS) targeting drink and drug drivers and urging them to think twice before getting behind the wheel this Christmas.

The television and poster campaign has the strapline “The consequences of drink driving just start with being arrested. Don’t Risk it”, and comes at a time when celebrations and partying are at a peak. Ms Alexander said:

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs can have very serious implications, not just to the victims and their families but to the criminals who flaunt the law.

“The ACPOS advertising campaign aims to make people stop and think about the consequences of drink or drug driving. Being arrested is only the beginning of the process – criminals could face jail, a fine and lose their job or there could be much more tragic consequences.”