[ad_1]
Councilor Meghan Gallacher hit back at SNP claims that the Tories have made “political attitudes” regarding the offer of outdoor learning to young people in North Lanarkshire.
The Motherwell West neighborhood representative had brought forward a motion that criticized elements of an outdoor learning proposal at Strathclyde Park, the motion was subsequently withdrawn.
The SNP group claimed it was withdrawn after criticizing its content and submitting an amendment, which highlighted the conservative group’s support for the closure of the council-owned Kilbowie Outdoor Learning Center near Oban.
The Lanarkshire Live app is available for download now.
Get all the news for your area – plus features, entertainment, sport and the latest information on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – right at your fingertips, 24/7.
The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and lets you customize your page to the sections that interest you most.
Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire – iOS – Android
SNP spokesperson for education Councilor Agnes Magowan said: “The Conservatives have supported their coalition partners at every moment when it comes to shutting down and demolishing Kilbowie.
“They decided to put this motion to raise concerns about the future of outdoor learning too late as Kilbowie’s excellent facilities have now disappeared.
“The Tories should be ashamed of themselves and should apologize to the young people of North Lanarkshire who are missing a lasting memory because of the mistaken decision-making of the Tory advisers.”
(Image: wishaw press)
SNP adviser Kirsten Larson added: “Conservatives have still not supported SNP attempts to save Kilbowie from closure and demolition, including supporting an amendment at a special council meeting in March. 2020.
“Their cynical attempt to side with the youth of North Lanarkshire despite their previous actions was a blatant political posture, which they obviously realized would not be allowed to support the people of North Lanarkshire.”
But Cllr Gallacher – who also serves as MSP for central Scotland – accused the SNP of being “mean” and claimed his statement made them “stupid”.
She confirmed that a debate would take place at a council meeting in the New Year after the content of the motion – which concerns a £ 100 payment demanded from parents for children to participate in outdoor activities air at Strathclyde Park – has been reassessed.
She said: “We are stunned that the SNP is trying to play politics on an issue that has been brought to the attention of the Conservative group by concerned parents.
“After discussing the content of our motion with the minority administration, we were pleased to obtain a document on outdoor education which will be presented at the next meeting of the Education Committee.
“Instead of contacting the conservative group, the SNP made this rash statement which is now making them insane, given that the debate will take place at the start of the year.
“The conservative group has always been clear about the outdoor educational offer. We believe that young people should be able to enjoy an outdoor residential experience.
The councilor blamed the Kilbowie closing at the gates of Holyrood, adding: “Maybe if the Scottish SNP government was fairly funding local government, then Kilbowie shouldn’t have closed.
“The SNP Group should be ashamed of its own Scottish government and the devastating cuts it has inflicted on North Lanarkshire over the past 14 years.”
** Don’t miss the latest Lanarkshire titles. Subscribe to our newsletters here.
And do you have Do you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Go to our page to like and share.
[ad_2]
