It’s 12 months since Craig Hoy beat the odds to win the Haddington and Lammermuir By-Election. Here we explore what he has delivered for East Lothian residents
In last May's By-Election campaign Craig made 12 main pledges to voters in Haddington and the Lammermuirs. And over the last year he has delivered for local people.
1. Tough on Anti-Social Behaviour: Craig has worked closely with East Lothian Police and local wardens to take on the mindless minority who make lives a misery for others. He's pushed hard for tough justice for drug dealers, anti-social tenants, fly-tippers and the irresponsible few who allow their dogs to foul our public places.
2. Protecting Our Environment: Craig voted to declare a Climate Change Emergency in East Lothian. But words are easy, actions are far harder. That's why he has taken on the role of Climate Change Champion to ensure East Lothian Council protects the environment in every policy position it takes.
3. Standing up for our High Streets: With Covid-19 challenging the future of our High Streets, now more than ever we need a strong local representative who will defend and promote their interests. Craig engages daily with local retailers and small businesses and 'walks the walk' with our hardworking High Street businesses.
4. Let’s Fix the Bridge: Nungate Bridge is the heart of Haddington. By pushing hard, Craig ensured the lights on the bridge were fixed and the bridge is once again a brightly lit focal point of our town.
5. On the Side of Business: Over the last 12 months Craig has met with many SMEs, local employers and maintains regular contact with the Federation of Small Businesses to find out what support they need. During the Covid-19 meltdown he's been there 24/7 for local firms, helping them navigate the complex support streams available.
6. Connecting Rural Communities: Many rural communities suffer poor digital and physical connectivity. Craig has worked with bus companies and utility providers, including OpenReach and BT, to explore and enhance connectivity. He will continue to press the case to make sure our villages and rural communities are not disadvantaged, especially when more and more people will have to work from home.
7. Standing up for Pupils and Parents: Craig has been appointed to the Council’s Education Committee and wants it to have teeth so it really does its job properly. He is pushing hard on issues including pupil attainment and school catchment areas. He publicly support moves to give parents the opportunity to offer some children more time before starting primary school.
8. Putting Infrastructure First: East Lothian is the 2nd fastest growing area of Scotland. Craig has worked hard to put East Lothian’s infrastructure first. He is campaigning on long-term issues including A1 upgrading and a new railway line for Haddington. He wants to see restrictions on future housing development. Craig responds quickly to constituents’ complaints on urgent issues including road signage and repairs and believes local people must be central to decision making on planning issues.
9. Promoting Better Healthcare: Craig has spoken up for enhanced frontline GP provision as our local population grows. He has visited the new East Lothian Community Hospital and pressed for a minor injuries clinic and more parking provision on site. Craig tabled a motion which will save lives locally through the adoption of Lorraine Kelly's "Change and Check" breast cancer campaign.
10. Improving Local Transport Links: Craig has been appointed to the Board of the South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTRAN). Through this he is working hard to deliver active travel while securing enhanced bus, road and rail networks to make sure East Lothian isn’t left in the slow lane.
11. A Fair Funding Deal for East Lothian: Since being elected, Craig has taken a good look at the Council’s books. He has repeatedly called on the SNP Government to halt its unfair austerity offensive against Scottish councils. He also stood firm by not supporting the Labour Administration’s reckless inflation-busting increase in Council Tax, backing the Conservative Group’s call for for efficiency savings.
12. Standing up for the Most Vulnerable: Craig is working hard for those who work hard. But, every day, he is working twice as hard for our most vulnerable residents and communities. Whether it’s securing better housing for young families, providing enhanced dementia care or delivering expanded provision for children with special needs, Craig is on your side.
Craig says:
Twelve months ago I pledged to be a strong, local voice for residents across Haddington and the Lammermuirs.
Since then I hope I’ve lived up to the promises I made.
I am keen to engage and I am happy to help everyone in Haddington and the Lammermuirs: and, of course, residents across East Lothian.
You can contact me on [email protected].
Thank you for your support.
