Stevenson Urges BEAR Scotland And Scottish Executive To Stamp Out Ragwort

Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson is urging all Banff and Buchan constituents to be on the look out for a beautiful but deadly killer – ragwort. The toxic weed grows on the roadside verges and in open spaces, and is recognisable by its yellow daisy-like flowers. It can prove fatal to horses or cattle if they eat it. Mr Stevenson has received several complaints from constituents on the matter in recent weeks.

Commenting on the deadly plant and the serious problems it can cause, Mr Stevenson said:

“Ragwort really is a killer weed and it is this particular time of year that it flowers. Should an animal, especially horses and cattle, eat ragwort they will get liver poisoning, resulting in a slow and painful death. Furthermore, the seeds from ragwort plants can be spread onto neighbouring fields; therefore all must be done to keep this poisonous weed under control.

“The Weeds Act 1959 covers this deadly weed and states that failure to control ragwort is a notifiable offence. Given the high toxicity of ragwort, both the Scottish Executive and BEAR need to be doing more to eliminate this deadly weed to ensure the safety of all livestock. It is time that they really got their act together. If necessary, we need to see the Weeds Act being enforced and penalties issued to anyone who refuses to deal with the destruction of ragwort.

“All must be done to keep Banff & Buchan free from ragwort so should anyone spot the deadly weed, they should contact either the local council or BEAR as soon as possible so that the appropriate action can be taken.”

Health Service Reform

MEASURES 'LONG OVERDUE' SAYS STEVENSON

SNP Shadow Deputy Health Minister and local MSP Stewart Stevenson has today welcomed the Scottish Government announcement of reform in the NHS but has said that it is long overdue and has expressed concern that the public involvement measures will not be carried out by an independent body.

Mr Stevenson said:

"I welcome the reform and modernisation of the NHS which has been announced by Malcolm Chisholm today, however, these initiatives are long overdue.

"This Labour government has been promising that these measures would be taken for the last six years and I am pleased that they have finally taken action.

"I am however, concerned about the fact that the body set up to deal with public involvement is not independent from the NHS Boards as it may not be possible for them to be fully objective.

"The Executive must monitor these measures to ensure that they benefit both patients and staff and will work towards improving the NHS by reducing the amount of red tape."

Stevenson Welcomes Stuartfield Post Office Progress

In an e-mail to SNP Scottish Parliament candidate Stewart Stevenson, Royal Mail have advised that they are to advertise for a sub-postmaster to provide post office services in Stuartfield. Welcoming the news as progress towards restoration of the village Post Office, Mr Stevenson - who as MSP met with Post Office management in the Scottish Parliament on the issue - commented:

“People in Stuartfield have been left without a post office service for far too long and I welcome the fact that some progress is now being made towards re-establishing that service.

“However, Royal Mail have taken far too long to resolve this matter which has been deeply frustrating for the local community and those involved. Everyone’s preference would have been to see the service re-opened in the existing premises long before now.

“We must move on now and I would urge anyone in the village who may be interested in applying for this position to contact either myself or Royal Mail directly for further information.”

Local councillor Denis McHugh (SNP; Mintlaw-Old Deer) - who has also been pressing for the re-establishment of a post office counter service - added:

“My main concern has been the inconvenience suffered by those in the village who have to travel to Mintlaw to collect their pensions or benefits as a result of the closure.

“I hope that we are now nearing the end and I will be doing what I can to find someone willing to take on this very important position for the village. Indeed, I will be meeting next week with the Royal Mail relocation manager to discuss this and I have already been approached by interested individuals. More expressions of interest will be most welcome and people should feel free to contact me in this regard.”