SOUTH OF SCOTLAND FACING MAJOR CHALLENGES AS A RESULT OF EXTREME COLD (Jim Hume)

SOUTH OF SCOTLAND FACING MAJOR CHALLENGES AS A RESULT OF EXTREME COLD

January 7, 2010 4:20 PM

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland and Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, together with Libdem Borders colleague, Michael Moore MP, has highlighted the difficulties facing farmers and people living in the rural South of Scotland as a result of the extreme cold weather and blocked rural roads.

The MSP raised these concerns during a Parliamentary statement on the impact of severe weather conditions in Scotland and was successful in securing support from the Finance Secretary to look at using cooperative Machinery Rings to help clear Scotland's blocked roads, easing the difficulties facing people in getting about.

Jim Hume said:

"Many of the B, C and unclassified roads across South Scotland remain blocked or inaccessible as a result of heavy snowfall.

"This means that farmers are struggling to move their animals, transport feed and tend their land. The extreme cold is also endangering the lives of livestock herds. It is also preventing people getting out and about, and there are obvious concerns for vulnerable people and those in need of emergency services.

"In these exceptional circumstances, councils must use every resource at their disposal to help get our roads clear.

"Machinery Rings exist across Scotland and are an excellent pool of man power and machinery, such as ploughs, that could be used to help clear our roads. This will not only help farmers in the more rural parts, but it will also benefit towns and villages.

"John Swinney must do everything in his power to assist our local authorities in tapping into this often unused resource to help ease the pressure on our people across the South of Scotland."

Michael Moore, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk also commented on the impact particularly for those in the farming sector:

"Although the current period of cold weather has affected people around the Borders from all walks of life, it is clear that our farmers have been amongst those hit worst.

"For those struggling to move their stock or get feed to those animals remaining on the hills, the snow is not simply an inconvenience but is a direct threat to their livelihoods. It is essential that Borders farmers receive all the support they need to keep working at this difficult time."