Brian Leishman MP: Communities still have the power to influence local decisions

I believe that is one of the important takeaways from this year’s Falkirk Council budget, in which proposals to cut maintenance at Zetland Park in Grangemouth were rejected by Councillors.

I was pleased to campaign on this alongside the community, and to raise the issue in the House of Commons, and I would like to say thanks to every single resident who signed petitions and objection letters, making their voices heard.

There was an immediate and heartfelt response from across the Grangemouth community when the proposals first emerged, and rightly so.

Zetland Park is more than just a green space, it is a living and breathing part of a community which has suffered so many blows.

From the volunteers pouring their heart and soul into its care, through the people looking to find some solace at the end of a tough day, to the families enjoying a sunny fun experience, almost everyone in the area is connected to it.

The proposed cuts struck a nerve because it fed into the sense that Grangemouth is all too often left behind and asked to accept less than we deserve.

Grangemouth incl. Skinflats Community Council, alongside groups such as Friends of Zetland Park, were absolutely phenomenal in representing local residents and unifying their voices in protest.

That is why I had written to every Falkirk Councillor, asking them to do right by Grangemouth in the lead up to the budget and why I took the campaign to Westminster.

It is a Council issue but being a Scottish MP is about using one’s platform to amplify the voices of one’s constituents. During my time as your MP I have always thought that I will use my position to benefit you, my constituents and our communities.

But the real story here, the one which should be shouted from the rooftops, is the power local people still hold.

The decision to drop the cuts to maintenance was a result of Grangemouth people standing up, being organised and refusing to be ignored.

That’s why enormous credit should go to the community leaders, those local residents putting in extraordinary effort.

Those who were able to bring people together, sharing information, gathering signatures and making sure voices were heard loudly, proudly and clearly.

Victories like this remind us that politics is not something that just happens far away in Westminster, Holyrood or in council chambers. Politics happens when a community decides it will not accept decisions being made about them and without them.

The campaign was a worthwhile exercise in democracy and residents in Grangemouth should know that they have shown just how powerful that exercise can be.

When local people get involved, when they organise and speak up, they can influence decisions. They can protect what matters to them and they can shape the future of their community.

That is democracy in action and it is definitely something worth celebrating.

And the task ahead is clear, we continue to fight tooth and nail to protect and enhance this invaluable green space. Together we can improve our communities.