Latest news with #JoeFagan
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Council leader asks for local views on year-round express bus from East Kilbride to Glasgow
East Kilbride currently has no express bus service to the city centre while other near-by towns such as Hamilton and Strathaven do. There's a case for an all-year-round express bus from East Kilbride to Glasgow – says Lanarkshire Labour's Joe Fagan and he wants to know your views. The East Kilbride councillor and Scottish Parliamentary candidate is asking the community to get in touch to let him know their views after mixed reports about the express service provided as a rail replacement service during electrification works. Road works and rush hour traffic meant some passengers paid expensive fares for a slow service but outwith peak times other passengers reported speedy, comfortable services right into the city centre. East Kilbride currently has no express bus service to the city centre while other near-by towns such as Hamilton and Strathaven do. Fagan, council leader for South Lanarkshire, said: 'There is a compelling case for a more appropriately priced express bus service between East Kilbride and Glasgow City Centre, if an operator is prepared to take it up. "The rail replacement service isn't perfect – it takes too long at rush hour and it is pricier than normal bus services – but outwith peak times it delivered people into the city centre quickly. Other nearby towns have express services into the city centre but East Kilbride, the largest town in the area, does not. There could be real demand for a more affordable express service. 'There are benefits to having an electrified rail line but the Scottish Government dropped the ball when they declined to double-track the whole line. What East Kilbride is getting out of the upgrade is an improvement – but not a transformation. We have already lost out on Crossrail and on double-tracking. "The rail line will get better but it will still just be an end-to-end service. If we want more people taking public transport into the city, instead of the car, then we need to give them more options. Let's test the case for an express bus service." He added: 'This isn't just about connecting East Kilbride to Glasgow but also making it easier for people to come here from Glasgow to enjoy our town's restaurants, bars, conservation village and, in time, a new town centre. 'I want to see bus services across the whole town improved, with London or Manchester-style regulation of the bus network, but I also want us to explore specific changes deliverable in a much shorter timeframe. An express service from the bus station to George Square or Ingram Street could be just what we need to supplement the newly upgraded rail line and move us closer to metro-level transport for the town.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Current East Kilbride MSP confirmed as SNP's candidate for 2026 Holyrood election
Collette Stevenson, who won the seat in 2021 with a majority of over 8,500, will be taking on current South Lanarkshire Council Leader Joe Fagan who is standing for Labour in the constituency. Current East Kilbride MSP Collette Stevenson has been confirmed as the SNP's candidate for the 2026 Holyrood election. Collette, who won the seat in 2021 with a majority of over 8,500, will be taking on current South Lanarkshire Council Leader Joe Fagan who is standing for Labour in the constituency. Collette said: 'It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent the constituency where I was born, and still live in, in our national Parliament. 'I am pleased to have the backing of local party members, and I will endeavour to continue working to help the people of East Kilbride, if re-elected next year. 'My office has helped thousands of constituents, but I am committed to continuing that hard work if re-elected next year. 'From Tory years of austerity, a global pandemic and now a Labour Government in Westminster committed to making people poorer, we've seen a lot of changes over the last few years. People need a representative on their side. 'Locally, I have welcomed the £140 million in improvements to our EK rail line, bringing with it two new stations, as well as additional parking spaces. I have made the case for peak rail fares to be scrapped – and I am glad to see that will become a reality in September. 'Elsewhere, I was the only elected representative to speak out against the FCDO's plans to move out of East Kilbride. I engaged with the PCS and local workers, listening to them and acting in their interests. 'Prescriptions, eye examinations and bus travel for over 2.3 million people will remain free. Students will pay no tuition fees, and families with young children will continue to receive a package of early learning and childcare support worth more than £6,000 for each eligible child each year. 'I am glad to see GPs and other community health services will receive a bigger share of new NHS funding which will build capacity. This will allow an additional 100,000 extra appointments in GP surgeries focused on addressing the root causes of ill health.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Over £470 raised at Guide Dogs fundraiser hosted by South Lanarkshire Council in East Kilbride
Councillor Joe Fagan arranged the Make Every Cuppa Count event on behalf of the council's Touch a Life, Make a Difference appeal. Over £470 was raised at a Guide Dogs fundraiser hosted by South Lanarkshire Council at East Kilbride United, as the charity called for EK locals to join their pack. Councillor Joe Fagan arranged the Make Every Cuppa Count event on behalf of the council's Touch a Life, Make a Difference appeal. The event, supported by Guide Dogs' Hamilton Fundraising Group volunteers, consisted of a bake sale, information stands, Guess the Name of the Dog, and a raffle – and of course an opportunity to meet life-changing guide dogs. Community fundraising manager at Guide Dogs Sandi Johnson, said: 'We'd like to thank East Kilbride United for hosting us at their venue, and donating a number of raffle prizes on the day, which helped us reach our total. 'We're grateful to be a nominated charity for the Provost Margaret Cooper's Touch a Life, Make a Difference appeal, and thank Joe for promoting the event and also arranging raffle prizes for it. A big thank you to everyone who attended the event on the day.' Councillor Fagan added: 'The coming together of these charitable initiatives has helped us raise funds for a good cause and raise awareness about the difference a guide dog can make. 'As ever, the generosity of East Kilbride shone through and the Touch a Life, Make a Difference appeal will continue throughout the year. I want to thank everyone who gave generously and volunteered and East Kilbride United for letting us use their superb facilities.' If you missed the event, Guide Dogs will be back in East Kilbride on Tuesday, May 20, hosting an open puppy class for locals interested in volunteering with Guide Dogs. The event, including watching part of the class, and the opportunity for tea and to hear about the Puppy Raising role, takes place at The Dug and Bone, 55 Nasmyth Avenue, East Kilbride, from 11.30am to 1.30pm. Booking is essential so email Please note, pet dogs are not permitted. Erin McArthur, Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs, said: 'We're really looking forward to welcoming new volunteer puppy raisers to our guide dog family. 'This is an opportunity to find out more about what's involved with raising a guide dog puppy. Please come along and meet our fantastic local team of staff and volunteers to find out first-hand how you can change people's lives.' Staff will be on hand to chat to locals about becoming part of the pack, as well as an opportunity to meet the pups and their volunteer puppy raisers. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
