Following last week's Scottish General Election, I sent a link to this petition to my new MSP Martyn Day in an email highlighting the significant challenges facing people trying to access Acute Healthcare facilities from the Braes. As previously mentioned, we can't take any chances because if a bus runs late or gets cancelled then we end up being late for work or appointments through no fault of our own. 

Concerns have also been raised about the complete lack of a Sunday service in some areas where some people have had to give up working on Sundays because of a lack of transport meaning that they are earning less money than they would if they could but there is no point in doing it if you have to use private taxis to get there & back because they cost a lot of money. Many of these households have a tight enough budget as it is (not helped by the cost of living crisis) and these are precisely the kind of issues which are not only pushing these people into poverty and leaving them increasingly reliant on foodbanks, but also forcing those who can afford it back into cars which is making it increasingly difficult to reach carbon-neutral targets. Also, most elderly and vulnerable residents who don't have access to a car are essentially becoming isolated as they are unable to leave their homes to socialise, attend medical appointments or go shopping.

The only way to access some areas without a car on Sundays or in the evenings is to walk along dangerous and unlit roads in all weathers which again is a significant safety concern, especially for the most vulnerable people such as the elderly, disabled & women. 

I won't be able to attend the next meeting of Polmont Community Council on Monday 25th May so my next one will be 29th June which is the last one before the summer break (there is no meeting in July).

I am now only 20 signatures away from 500 so please keep signing and sharing in the meantime.