This Saturday sees the end of a highly enjoyable summer surgery tour of my constituency. I have visited many towns and villages and have spoken to a large cross section of constituents on my travels. One of the main issues people have raised is the poor mobile phone signal and terrible broadband speeds we suffer in rural Banff and Buchan. This is an issue I have highlighted since I stood for election and will continue to champion until the Scottish Government fulfil their pledge to bring fibre broadband to all homes. Another concern many highlighted was poor maintenance of our roads and the failure of the SNP Government to provide funding for basic repairs.
GP surgeries closures were also an issue of great concern as were waiting lists for treatment in Aberdeen, with some of my constituents having to travel outside of the region for treatment.
Regeneration of our town centres, particularly around the coast, was a hot topic. Many want to see our town centres back in productive use with an end to the derelict, empty shops and to increase their appeal to shoppers and other visitors.
Another problem is the antisocial behaviour and drug use in some of the coastal towns.
On the positive side, attention to the stunning floral displays in many towns and villages, such as in my recent visit to Cuminestown, really makes a big difference.
The final date is in Peterhead in the Rescue Hall from 10.45-11.30am on Saturday 1 September. Please come along if you have any issue you would like to raise.
I will embark on another short tour at the end of September, this time I am hoping to meet with those of you who couldn’t make it along to my day time surgeries, due to work or other commitments, by arranging my surgeries for evenings and Saturdays where possible.