Democracy Matters

The community of Cranhill voiced that they would have more activities for young people. More co-operation with other local communities. They suggested creating a community council. They felt the exploration of those with disabilities within the community was vital in helping the community grow. With the powers devolved to Cranhill they wanted to preserve the greenery and take care of local parks and spare ground. They felt that the appearance of their local area would be a priority for Cranhill. The fixing of roads and the care of green spaces was integral to this. They felt an appropriate neighbourhood watch and uniting those of all ages in the name of safety. The community of Cranhill were keen on improving their local transport due to their only being two local bus routes. But these are not steadily available nor reliable. They also noted how beneficial it would be to have more power on providing skill development within the community and knowing their rights.

They community of Cranhill felt that they should have more of a direct voice in terms of political outreach. They felt they should have more opportunities to display talent and hopefully nurture these skills in order to help people to grow and become more useful to society. Any major changes to the area should ultimately be Cranhill’s decision.

Communication with other bodies, such as the NHS and Police Scotland should be left with MSPs and other bodies of authority, because that is what they are paid for. They are paid to represent the people.

One way mentioned during the consultation was by having people who are already participants in the community as part of these new decision-making bodies. That way their hearts always been in the right place, and they enjoy serving the community. They also wanted it to be someone who is from Cranhill, who has a good understanding as to what the communities’ attitudes are, what is fair and what is achievable. Someone who can give the advice to the community and is honest and transparent. Someone who is diverse and can be impartial. Someone who is working-class and relatable.

The people of Cranhill felt it should be the youth who were represented so they could grow up in a happy, safe and fun place. They also felt there should be more representation of Refugees and Asylum Seekers and their needs and struggles are not often understood. The people of Cranhill also noted that there should be someway for those with mental and physical problems should be well-represented. As each individuals needs are different and there is a lack of knowledge and acceptance of this. They felt that the selection methods should include a diverse group, in order to get a wide representation of the community. The representatives should look just like the community.

The people of Cranhill felt that a few voted in representatives, who represent different demographs within Cranhill would be a fair way to accurately gain insight of the needs of the people of Cranhill.

To make decisions about the environment and area of Cranhill, to start and carry through the change they want to see in the community. Make the role interactive with the community. The role would be Identifying the needs of Cranhill, Listening and taking on opinions and suggestions.

Make the role worthwhile and beneficial for the community. A paid wage for the representatives. Keep the role wholesome, and opportunities for the communities to show appreciation to the representatives.

The people of Cranhill felt that there should be Surgeries for the Representatives so members of the community can have their say. For important issues there should be community meetings and reports for the community to read should be published. The community also felt social media outreach and adverts should be helpful in Communicating to the community what they should do. They felt that the representatives should be contactable during working hours. The community also notes that the representatives should have an email. They could give radio interviews and that they could publish newsletters.

The community of Cranhill felt that this was a great way to constructively criticise the elected representatives. Only by working together can anything be achieved vie the community. They also felt that there could be a suggestion box and silent suggestions in the form of a letter, for those who want to stay private.

Ensuring people are heard by the representatives. There could be wider spread advertisement within the community and social media posts. Using hashtags and phrases for a more rememberable grip on the issues at hand. More support for those who are elderly and physically disabled to attend the meetings.