Local MSP Emma Harper has today (Tuesday) reiterated her commitment to represent all of those across the South Scotland region – including those in the most rural communities.
Ms Harper made the statement after attending a meeting of the Municipal Chambers in Wigtown – where some constituents expressed concern that rural areas are not receiving an equal standard of public services.
Issues on the agenda for discussion included the merger of the Wigtown and Merrick GP Practices, which will mean some in Wigtown will face difficulties travelling the extra distance to a practice in Newton Stewart.
Ms Harper commented:
“The meeting last night was very informative and generally positive. It was useful to hear Dr Angus Cameron, Dr Stephen Gurling and Wigtown joint integration manager June Watters provide detail on the merging of the Wigtown and Merrick GP Practices but it is clear answers are still needed on key issues.
“For example, it is clear many people still have concerns about improving the bus service for the 27% of patients who don’t go buy car to the practice, and I intend to follow this up with Jeff Ace and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
“I think it would also be useful if NHS D&G would agree to hold a similar public meeting in Stranraer to hear from people there, and I will contact them to propose this.
“Concerns surrounding Digital connectivity and high speed broadband were also discussed. I have invited Digital Scotland – the government body charged with implementing the roll out of high speed broadband – to chair a summit in Dumfries next month – and following complaints from constituents in the North Rhinns my office is in the process of setting up a similar public meeting on the other side of the A75 – the date and location of which will be widely advertised as soon as possible.
“In the mean-time I urge anyone with concerns to write to me. My local office is now up and running on Dumfries High Street.
“It has been a relatively short time since my election and It will take time for me to engage with everybody – but that is my whole-hearted goal.”
