Welcome For Peterhead Street Drinking Ban

Local SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed confirmation from Justice Secretary Kenny Macaskill that the by-law prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places in Peterhead will take effect from 20 February.

Mr Stevenson has been a long-time campaigner for Aberdeenshire Council to introduce a by-law banning street drinking.

The MSP, who has been on several late-night patrols with Grampian Police on a Saturday night/Sunday morning shift, says that the introduction of the ban should lead to less anti-social behaviour.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“This has been a long-time coming and my mailbag and feedback from constituents indicates that this new by-law will be very welcome.

“People consuming alcohol in public in the town centre doesn’t create a very welcoming environment.  While it’s not a wide-spread problem, there are particular places where this is an issue.  I know from other towns which have introduced similar by-laws that this will very quickly get to the root of the problem.”

Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith added:

“While we’re fortunate in Peterhead in that we don’t have an extensive problem with street drinking, there are problems which need action to address them.

“The important thing is that we give the local police the tools to do the job so that if people are creating a nuisance in a public place as a result of alcohol, they can be dealt with. 

“I know from colleagues in Elgin and Lossiemouth where they have also introduced street drinking bans that these have been very successful so I’m sure it will be equally as effective in Peterhead.”

Stevenson Hails £2.21 Million Boost To Aberdeenshire Fishing Communities

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has described the fact that fishing communities in the North East will benefit from a £2,155,382 fund to improve the quality of life and boost economic diversification as “hugely significant” for Banffshire & Buchan Coast.

 

The funding through Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) is expected to open to funding applications in early spring this year. Eligible councils have previously been asked to establish Fisheries Local Access Groups (FLAGs) which will consider applications and decide how the funding will be allocated locally. If the full allocation of EFF money is co-funded by local authorities, there will be a total of £7.6 million available to fishing communities across Scotland.

 

Axis 4 of the EFF supports the sustainable development of fisheries areas. It includes measures to promote economic diversification in areas such as tourism and leisure, food and renewable energy that exploits local resources.  It also aims to improve the quality of life in areas affected by the decline in fishing activities, such as small scale infrastructural projects, environmental protection and training and capacity building for local communities.  

 

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

 

“I am delighted that swift progress is being made towards allocating this funding and it is particularly welcome news that fishing communities in the Aberdeenshire council area will potentially be able to access such a significant sum; more than in any other eligible local authority.

 

“Given the importance of the fishing industry to the area, this is a hugely significant development for Banffshire & Buchan Coast.

 

“Even relatively modest sums can help make real improvements to the quality of life in fishing communities and I am looking forward to seeing the projects that successfully secure funding in the near future.”

New Members Boost SNP Locally As Membership Soars By 800 Nationally

The unprecedented surge in membership of the Scottish National Party following Tory leader David Cameron’s intervention in the debate on Scotland’s future has been replicated locally with new members signing up in Banffshire & Buchan Coast Constituency.

Party chiefs confirmed at the weekend that 784 new members had joined the SNP across Scotland since the previous weekend, boosting party membership by 4% in just 5 days.

Following the revelation that the Tory government plan to dictate the terms of the independence referendum from London, new members have been joining the SNP at a rate of one new member every nine minutes.

Locally, SNP Branches in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff & Macduff and Buckie have all reported a number of new members joining.

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson welcomed the huge support from the public that the SNP has received this week.

Speaking at a gathering of SNP members in Banff on Friday night, which included several new members, Stewart Stevenson said:

“We have been overwhelmed with the support of the people of Scotland over the last few days.

“The numbers of people going online to sign up to the SNP is simply phenomenal, one new member every nine minutes.

“David Cameron should reflect on the fact that the SNP has 800 more activists just days after his blundering intervention into Scottish politics.

“Nobody cares more about Scotland's success than the people who live here. That's why they've responded in such huge numbers as they believe the decisions over our country's future should be taken by people in Scotland.”

Local MP Eilidh Whiteford was also in attendance to welcome the new applicants to SNP membership. She commented:

“The SNP set a target of doubling party membership by the time of the referendum and we are well on our way and I’m delighted that Banffshire & Buchan Coast Constituency is leading the way on this.

“From Selkirk to Shetland the SNP is Scotland’s party and we welcome anyone who wants to see the best for Scotland and who wants to play their part in taking Scotland forward."