http://www.youngpeoplescharter.org.uk/

The Charter which is made by Young people for Young people has an e-petition to encourage the Scottish Government to put the [...]]]> Paul Johnston spoke up for young people in supported accommodation at Aberdeenshire’s Education Committee today (26th August 2010) by asking the Chair to sign the Quarrier’s Charter for young people on behalf of the Council.

http://www.youngpeoplescharter.org.uk/

The Charter which is made by Young people for Young people has an e-petition to encourage the Scottish Government to put the resources into helping young people in supported accommodation into their own tenancies.  Paul highlighted that this group has a strikingly high number of Council cared young people and that Aberdeenshire Council should be at the front of supporting this campaign from Quarrier’s as a statement of Care for the Young and vulnerable in cared for Children.

“I was encouraged that the Council will consider this – but they have little or nothing that they cannot wholeheartedly support if they are to live up to their obligations in ‘corporate parenting’.  I urge them to sign the petition on the web pages.”  said Paul Johnston.

“The Council has acted with commendable responsibility in developing its corporate parenting plan.  It now has to publicly show its convictions – and I hope it will”

“The issue of National Governments tearing up stock management agreements to the long term detriment of fishermen of every nationality is one that concerns me.  Just because the current pattern of [...]]]> A leading Aberdeenshire Councillor, Paul Johnston has welcomed assurances from the Scottish Liberal Democrats fisheries spokesman, Liam MacArthur over the current mackerel crisis.  Paul Johnston said:

“The issue of National Governments tearing up stock management agreements to the long term detriment of fishermen of every nationality is one that concerns me.  Just because the current pattern of fish stock movements favour the Government of the Faeroe Islands and Iceland does not mean that they ‘own’ or have ‘national control’ over the stocks when we have international agreements that certify it as a sustainable well managed resource. This is the interference of nationalistic Governments into the sustainable future of the fishing Communities that depend on the stock.”

Councillor Johnston welcomed the stance taken by the Liberal Democrat fisheries spokesman, Liam McArthur MSP who said that the Liberal Democrats were backing EU efforts to find a sustainable solution that manages the stock rather than engage in a stand off with Government against Government.

“I particularly applaud the view that there is a  justified concern that this unilateral action by these two states has demonstrated the need for fishing stocks, which move across international boundaries, to be managed jointly by all relevant states and the dangers of a free for all.  Mr McArthur appears to have a common sense understanding and the interests of fishermen and sustainability at the fore” said Paul.

Councillor Paul Johnston had urged [...]]]> Aberdeenshire Councillor Paul Johnston has backed a move by Haddo Medical Group in applying for a Pharmacy licence for the Pitmedden (Udny) surgery. This follows a NHS National Appeals Panel decision which granted a new licence for a pharmacy in Tarves, putting at risk the existing dispensing provision by Haddo Medical Group.

Councillor Paul Johnston had urged meetings of the three Community Councils and has campaigned for the retention of the existing provision.

“The application by Haddo Medical Group, if approved, will maintain the excellent provision at the Pitmedden surgery. This is that there best option now that the NHS National Appeals Panel have ruled in favour of a pharmacy in Tarves. There Tarves pharmacy risked having to that situation where there would be no dispensing of medicines in Udny and Methlick which would be a severe reduction in service to patients.

“Haddo Medical Group’s pharmacist at their Pitmedden surgery will assist in maintaining existing provision. However I remain concerned at what might happen for patients around Methlick.”

Councillor Johnston has also backed the statement by Methlick Community Council and is also urging all Methlick residents to write to NHS Grampian asking them to retain the dispensing of medicines by the Haddo Medical Group at its Methlick branch surgery.

“Methlick is too small for its own commercial pharmacy and since it has had medicines dispensed at its surgery since the start of the National Health Service, there appears to be no logical reason to reduce the service to patients now. The proposed pharmacies at Tarves and Pitmedden do not cover the neighbourhood of Methlick and so dispensing by the doctors should continue for this small village and its rural community.”

Paul is urging concerned peopleto write to ask for the continuation of dispensing by Haddo Medical Group from their Methlick Surgery, to:

NHS Pharmacy Committee /Primary Care Contracts Team

Westholme , Woodend Hospital

Queens Road,

Aberdeen, AB15 6LS

“I would be interested to know if, provided we maintain biodiversity, we are able to add to local sustainable crops that can feed an AD electricity generator .  This [...]]]> Aberdeenshire Councillor for Udny, Paul Johnston has welcomed the news of crop trials for maize destined for energy use through AD (anaerobic digester) by local Farmer Alistair Sinclair.

“I would be interested to know if, provided we maintain biodiversity, we are able to add to local sustainable crops that can feed an AD electricity generator .  This could add viability to local farming, create sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.  The three year trial at Alehouse, near Udny seems a positive step and Alistair and Magnus should be encouraged.”

Paul believes a diversified and flexible farming system that can feed anaerobic digesters as well as produce valuable food, will create sustainable communities.

“I think I should also be clear that sustainability means it is Environmentally sustainable AND economic AND provides for a sustainable community.  All three, none without the other. “

Proposals for extra council tax levied to pay for the Western Peripheral route will have the consequence that council tax payers will be subsidising the [...]]]> Residents of Aberdeenshire may be asked to pay special extra taxes to allow Donald Trump to build and sell his property development at Menie Estate according to a leading Aberdeenshire Councillor.

Proposals for extra council tax levied to pay for the Western Peripheral route will have the consequence that council tax payers will be subsidising the roads that are needed to accommodate the American tycoons property development. Menie Estate only has permission for major housing if the Western peripheral route gets built – and Aberdeenshire tax payers are footing the large part of the bill according to Paul Johnston, the person at the head of the Democratic Independent Councillors on Aberdeenshire Council.

“The purpose of the Western peripheral route is now clearly no longer to provide reduction in traffic chaos, or environmental improvements within the urban heart of Aberdeen but is solely intended to unlock restrictions on property speculation to the north of Aberdeen by hijacking the Energetica concept simply as a ‘growth’ or property development corridor. Prime amongst these is the grossly speculative Menie Estate dubbed Trumpton on Sea by its critics”

“Millions of pounds could be made, but little will be contributed from some developers if it happens. The Western Peripheral Route was there to encourage business but now in reality only is encouraging property speculation by encouraging development from other areas to this northern corridor. Traffic congestion will not be reduced as traffic from this property development will grow to take up the capacity that the new road produces.

So there will be no congestion relief, just more traffic and because it’s all car and lorries – it will contribute nothing towards environmental improvements only increasing levels of poor air quality around Aberdeen.

The Aberdeenshire Councillor has been a vocal supporter of a Western peripheral route in the past where it was just a part of a larger integrated transport scheme for the City; it both produced better access, environmental improvements, reducing car usage overall. However, the proposed extra tax levy on households around Aberdeen is purely for the financial crisis the Council has found itself in for funding the road. The other elements of integrated transport policy have been abandoned as immediate proposals.

“Things like the CrossRail project have been pushed into the long grass” said Councillor Johnston.

“Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Council should seriously consider a major rethink on Aberdeen’s Transport Planning in the current financial climate. We risk building something that will create more problems that it solves and with greater long term environmental and financial consequences” said Paul.

“I was contacted by residents in March this year again and asked officials to visit the site.  Oily water seemed [...]]]> Aberdeenshire Councillor Paul Johnston is again raising concerns about the former Blackdog tip just to the North of Aberdeen and calling for new tests to let the public know what is leaking from the former landfill site.

“I was contacted by residents in March this year again and asked officials to visit the site.  Oily water seemed to be leaching from the side of he tip to add to the massive problem of beach contamination” said Paul.

Council officials had assured Councillors at the visit that the water’s oily sheen was due to iron contamination and was not uncommon or hazardous.

Now, following complaints to the Environmental Health service, notices warning people to keep away from the site’s contaminated springs, have been put up.

“On checking, it appears the chemical contents of the water were last tested in 2002 and only partially checked in 2005.  On both occasions it was not specifically tested for its hazardous nature, just its chemical contents.  Its time to re-test and tell local people what is in the water and if it is hazardous.”

Paul has asked both the Council and approached WRG group that are responsible for the site to put clear permanent signs about the contaminated nature of the site and that it should not be used as a recreation ground until such times as the site has had remedial works.

“I indicated to officials in April, the need to have signs and better fencing and it disturbs me that we still have had no action other than the temporary signs put up yesterday.  I appreciate this is a major problem and that may cost WRG group millions to fix the landfill site – if they ever can.  However, they still have an obligation and duty to make sure that the place is safe or properly secured and signed. That needs to happen quickly.”

Further recent evidence has also been shown to Councillors of the lack of care of the test boreholes for monitoring the larger problem of seeping oils from the site onto the beach causing sand and water pollution.  Paul has asked that this be properly investigated and the monitoring figures double checked in light of any findings.

The monitoring program is due for reporting this summer on the speed and volume of seepage of oils from the site onto the beach.  These figures, according to officials are needed to know what action will be taken about the pollution, similar to making sure the tap is actually no longer running before deciding to mop up.

The village of Blackdog is surrounded on all sites by former or operating landfill sites.  Cllr Johnston has been campaigning for better environmental standards in both operations and care in support of local residents, to try to mitigate the problems.  He has been a strong opponent of extended operations locally at Wester Hatton and has raised concerns over Hill of Tremaud on several occasions along side residents.

The National Appeals Panel [NAP] grant a licence to Central belt based firm Semple and Semple to open at Tarves in [...]]]> A decision by a Government NHS appeals panel to allow a commercial Pharmacy in Tarves – and withdrawing rights for a local doctors surgery to dispense medicine was described by Aberdeenshire Councillor as ‘Just plain nuts’

The National Appeals Panel [NAP] grant a licence to Central belt based firm Semple and Semple to open at Tarves in the former butchers shop.  The company has now asked government’s NHS managers to prevent the medical practice for prescribing a their surgeries in Methlick, Tarves and Pitmedden, forcing patients to use the commercial pharmacy.

“The decision means that there will now be poorer health services in both Methlick and Udny.   There is no saving to the taxpayer and in the end here will be a review of GP provision by the practice, which is a cause for concern as the dispensing service run by the GPs was a cost sharing arrangement which kept surgeries open.  in the end of the day, this decision is just plain nuts and is taken simply because Semple and Semple have the right to demand this if they see it in their own commercial interests rather than the community’s interests”  said Paul Johnston.

Semple and Semple have suggested that patients are prevented from using them if the arrangement to allow doctors surgeries to dispense, continues.  However, Haddo Medical Group have previously acknowledged that there is no requirement or restriction on any patient to use the surgery’s own dispensing and local people do take prescriptions to Pharmacies where it is also convenient for them in nearby towns.

The concerns expressed by Local people to Councillor Paul Johnston was that those in Udny/Pitmedden and Methlick would now no longer have convenient dispensing and be forced to travel or make other arrangements instead of getting medicine from the local surgery which Semple and Semple want prevented from dispensing.

Next Tuesday, the 22 June, the Chancellor will announce the Budget. There is a [...]]]> Local Councillor and Drinks industry commentator Paul Johnston, has backed a CAMRA call for people to press their MPS to sign a House of Commons Motion urging the Chancellor to back local pubs in his tax decisions.

Next Tuesday, the 22 June, the Chancellor will announce the Budget. There is a risk that the Government will introduce a further tax rise which will hit pubs, even though tax on beer has already rocketed by 26% since the start of 2008.

We need to make sure that the Chancellor understands the value of well-run community pubs to consumers like you so he does not hit them with more tax rises – or even a double whammy with an increase in both excise duty and VAT which will increase the price of a pint in your local.

To highlight the social, economic and cultural importance of well-run community pubs, EDM 210 – an Early Day Motion (parliamentary petition) has been tabled by Greg Mulholland MP which calls on the Government to implement a package of policies which will help secure the future of viable and well-run community pubs.

“I agree wit CAMRA when they point out that pubs are still closing at the rate of almost 6 every day – we need the Government to take action now to prevent more pub closures and preserve our culture and heritage.” said Paul Johnston

“CAMRA will be working to make this the most popular EDM in Parliament, so Government is compelled to take action – this means we need over 300 MPs to sign it.”

CAMRA is asking members to take 2 minutes to email your MP and ask them to sign the EDM. They need MPs to feel pressure from their constituents in order to understand how important well-run pubs are to their community.

To email your MP asking them to sign EDM 210, please go to http://bit.ly/edm210, select ‘email your MP’ and send the email that CAMRA have drafted for you.

Alternatively, you can write to your MP at:

Malcolm Bruce MP
House of Commons,
London,
SW1A 0AA

Aberdeenshire Councillor Paul Johnston has told local people that tomorrow’s meeting of the National Appeals Panel (NAP) is critical for the future of health services in the parishes of Methlick, Tarves and Udny.

“I have had many representations from local people and it has been frustrating not being able to make local views [...]]]>

Aberdeenshire Councillor Paul Johnston has told local people that tomorrow’s meeting of the National Appeals Panel (NAP) is critical for the future of health services in the parishes of Methlick, Tarves and Udny.

“I have had many representations from local people and it has been frustrating not being able to make local views known to the Appeals Panel who will be taking the decision. However, I am grateful for all the united support from the Community Councils locally who have been excellent in organising local opinion to be properly represented to the NAP through the local GP practice sub committee.”

Councillor Johnston has passed on petitions and letters to the appropriate people.

The meeting of the National Appeals Panel takes place at Meldrum House hotel locally, tomorrow, 15th June.

“Having heard all the argument I am convinced that the granting of a licence for a pharmacy at Tarves is neither wanted nor necessary and could have severe consequences in provision over the wider area. My view is alongside those of my communities which oppose this licence and I hope that the National Appeals Panel will take into account the strong and thoughtful view that has been expressed. Evidence of the strength of local opinion and an independent assessment of local needs has been compiled by the Community Councils and submitted in evidence. My hope is that those who are taking that decision, do so on the basis of the clear evidence provided and reject the licence appeal.”

It is understood a decision would be published within two weeks.

Councillor Paul Johnston said: “A person has breached confidentiality by spreading stories in the press to [...]]]> In a statement this evening an Independent Councillor and Liberal Democrat Paul Johnston has asked for the Scottish Liberal Democrats to investigate a breach of trust by an anonymous member of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in Aberdeenshire.

Councillor Paul Johnston said: “A person has breached confidentiality by spreading stories in the press to disrupt the proper internal process of trying to resolve differences over the Trump affair  I have been scrupulous about staying within both the rules of the Liberal Democrats and within its principles.  This damage comes as a huge disappointment for those interested in resolution”.

Paul is a Councillor falsely accused of misconduct by Aberdeenshire Councillor colleagues and sits as an Independent on Aberdeenshire Council. He became an Independent following the failure of Council Leader Ann Robertson to acknowledge that her accusation was false, having been told he had no case to answer after an investigation by the Governments Standards Commission.

Paul has been a Liberal Democrat member since 1974 when he stood for his school mock election in Elgin Academy as a Liberal Candidate.

“I had first delivered leaflets for the Liberals when I was twelve in the 1970 general election and was later convinced by Russell Johnston, MP for Inverness at the time, that being a Liberal was about fairness, justice and democracy with individual rights and liberties in politics.  Everything I believed in then, I still be believe in now.

Since joining in 1974 Paul Johnston has served on the National Executive of the Young Liberals , served as Secretary and Convener of Local Parties (Constituencies) and was first elected as a Liberal Councillor when still a student in Aberdeen in 1982 to Grampian Regional Council, alongside the equally young Nicol Stephen. He has been on Aberdeenshire Council since re-organisation in 1995

Paul has served for many years as a member and treasurer of the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors, also on the Federal UK Committee representing several thousand Councillors in the UK.  He is an approved Parliamentary Candidate and has been both a member of the Scottish Party Executive, the Party’s Policy Committee and Conference Committee.

During the recent General Election Paul Johnston was working in several key Liberal Democrat seats for the Party.