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It has been announced that CJ Lang intend to close 31 of their Post Office branches which includes the Woodburn branch.
CJ Lang have been offered support from the Post Office who will continue discussions with CJ Lang to keep local branches open. MSP Colin Beattie Commented: “I am disappointed at CJ Lang’s intention to close the Woodburn Post Office branch. I firmly believe post offices offer vital services which are important to preserving our communities and ensuring that those living here have the facilities that they need. “I have requested a meeting with both CJ Lang to discuss this decision and the Post Office to discuss possible alternatives. “In the meantime, I do hope CJ Lang accept the on-going support being given by the Post Office and review their decision to close this branch.”
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 SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie has expressed his delight as Midlothian is set to receive £252,000 from the Scottish Government and East Lothian Council is set to receive £277,000 in funding to encourage children to play and socialise as part of the recovery from the pandemic.
Councils across Scotland will receive a share of £15m to support summer activities that are already in place in certain areas. The support will specifically target those aged up to 25 from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays. £5m will also be distributed among prominent Scottish children’s charities such as Barnardo’s and Who Cares Scotland. Commenting, Colin Beattie said: “I am absolutely delighted at this investment in Midlothian and East Lothian’s children and young people, who have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic as they have not been able to meet up with friends or play the sports they love. “Coming out of the pandemic young people have told us that their mental health will be a priority and the SNP Scottish Government has listened to them and is investing in summer activities. “This will have a positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of our young people, which will be extremely important when coming out of lockdown and into recovery.”  Local residents have raised concerns regarding the current state of Easthouses Park with facilities not fit for public use and basic maintenance not being carried out.
In response to these concerns, Colin Beattie MSP and Councillor Stuart Mckenzie visited the park. Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh commented: “It is disappointing to see public spaces not being maintained and it is important that these facilities are kept to a standard to which the public can enjoy, especially with the nicer weather coming in for the summer. “Councillor Stuart Mckenzie has agreed to take this issue forward and will follow up with the Council.”  Colin Beattie is urging eligible families in Midlothian and East Lothian to apply for this year’s Best Start Grant School Age Payment, as applications open today.
The payment, which is only available in Scotland, is open to families who get tax credits or certain other benefits and have a child who was born between 1st March 2016 and 28th February 2017. It is part of five family payments delivered by Social Security Scotland that also include: Best Start Foods, Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Scottish Child Payment. Best Start Foods payments are set to increase to £4.50 per week on 1st August to support low income families to buy healthy food for children under the age of three. Commenting, Colin Beattie said: “The SNP Scottish Government is working to ensure that every child in Midlothian and East Lothian has the best start in life and these payments - which have been described as ‘game-changing’ - form part of that effort to build a fairer, more equal Scotland. “As part of that work the Scottish Government is set to increase Best Start Foods payments within its first 100 days in government – the SNP is also committed to doubling the Scottish Child Payment to £20 a week as soon as practicable. “The Best Start payments have been vital in ensuring children in Midlothian, East Lothian and across Scotland have the best start in life, with around £5,000 of support being provided by the time a child turns six. “I would urge all families who are eligible to apply to do so as soon as possible.” Eligible families can apply by visiting mygov.scot/beststart or calling 0800 182 2222 |
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