Cathcart By-election: Charles Gordon 'A Danger to Public Health'
Thu., September 22, 2005. 21:36.
Greens highlight appalling labour record on air pollution and transport
Marking the European Mobility Week which is being promoted by Glasgow City Council, Green candidate for Cathcart Chloe Stewart branded the Labour Party's stewardship of transport, congestion and air pollution issues in Glasgow as appalling and hypocritical. She had sharp words for Charles Gordon the former leader of Glasgow City Council and a proponent of the M74 motorway extension which is set to add to the city's traffic and air pollution levels.
On today's 'In Town Without My Car' day Stewart said: "It is a shame that Glasgow City Council and Charles Gordon don't take alternatives to the car as seriously all year round. Many areas of Glasgow including Cathcart suffer from excessive road traffic, contributing to the 100,000 asthma cases in city, and making walking difficult and unpleasant especially for the elderly, those with young children, or with physical impairments.
"While much concern is rightly focussed on the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow's health is also impaired by polluted air, lack of safe walking and cycling routes and play spaces, and dangerous roads. An article in the British Medical Journal this week highlighted the link between a green, pleasant living environment, and lower levels of obesity and higher levels of exercise taken."
Green MSP for Glasgow Patrick Harvie added: "As we have been campaigning in the area, Cathcart residents have expressed concern at pollution levels by major roads, the increase in asthma among their children, and the dangers in crossing busy roads, especially in view of proposed school mergers. Air and noise pollution and other dangers from traffic has been a constant theme from local residents speaking to myself and other Scottish Green Party activists in our street campaigning."
For more information contact 0790 99 33 074
(1) For information about European Mobility Week go to: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/News/euromobilityweek2005.htm
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.