Paisley Daily Express Column

Paisley Daily Express Column - 21 Oct 2009

BIN THE “RUBBISH” PROPOSALS

On Saturday I was out talking to Paisley residents about Renfrewshire Council’s proposals to introduce fortnightly bin collections. Last week I, like many local residents, received a letter from the Council talking about the need to raise levels of recycling here in Renfrewshire. I fully agree with that ambition, and would support moves to improve the local recycling service.

Yet I don’t see how forcing local families to accept fortnightly bin collections is the way forward. The Buddies I talked to don’t want to see overflowing bins being picked at by rats and foxes. Let us hope that on this issue, the Council will think again. Certainly the local residents I spoke to this weekend think the Council’s plan to force through fortnightly bin collections is rubbish, and I’ll be campaigning with local people to urge the Council to think again.

FIREWORK FEARS

Last Friday I was holding one of my regular supermarket surgeries in Johnstone. A concern that was raised with me a couple of times was local residents fears about fireworks being thrown as we near Guy Fawkes Night. I’ve campaigned for years for a tightening of laws surrounding fireworks. The safest way to enjoy Bon Fire Night remains a properly planned and organised event. The sales of fireworks are now governed by strict legislation. It is against the law to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 or who looks like they are. So I welcome the commitment by Superintendent Donald McCallum, one of Paisley’s top cops, to have the local force working hard to ensure that everyone in Renfrewshire can enjoy themselves. That effort involves work from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, the Community Safety Partnership, Trading Standards Officers, and the local Police. So if you have concerns about how fireworks are being used to break the law contact the Police on 0141-532-5900.

CHEQUES FOR WRECKS PROVES A LOCAL AND NATIONAL HIT

Should you trade in your old banger? That’s the question a lot of people have been asking since last May when the Government launched a new vehicle discount scheme dubbed “Cheques for Wrecks”. The scheme was intended to run from May 2009 until March 2010, and offered a discount of £2000 off the price paid for a new vehicle.

But in recent weeks the Government has announced that the car scrappage scheme is to be extended with an additional £100m cash injection to enable 100,000 drivers to swap their own bangers for a discounted new vehicle.

That’s good new both for Renfrewshire drivers, and the significant number of car dealerships we have here in Renfrewshire, not just at the Phoenix but in Johnstone and Paisley and across the county.

When launched, the scheme allowed drivers who owned a car that was more than 10 years old for at least 12 months to trade it in for a new vehicle. In return they received £2000 discount on a new car. However, as part of the schemes extension the age qualification has changed by six months – meaning eligible cars must have been registered on or before 29 February 2000 (V Registration).

The scheme will also include van owners whose vehicles are eight years old rather than 10. This means that eligible vans must have been registered on or before 28 February 2002 (Y Registration). Originally, the cheques for wrecks scheme was expected to cost £300m, but already the Government has paid out £400m across 400,000 vehicles. As Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says; “the extension will help to stimulate demand, give consumers access to it, and create a bridge to a period when economic growth is strengthened and more sustainable”. DirectGov the Government consumer website, advises people interested in taking part to contact their local dealer to check it’s involved and whether you are eligible or not.

Once a sale has been agreed, the dealer will take care of the paperwork and arrange for your old car to be scrapped. The £2000 discount will be deducted from the cost of your new car and will be shown on your invoice. Why not check out DirectGov at www.direct.gov.uk