MORAY POLITICIANS ARE "BACKING BINGO" IN BUCKIE
Posted on Thursday, August 9 2007
Member of Parliament for Moray Angus Robertson and Buckie SNP Councillor Gordon McDonald met with Carlton Bingo's Operations Director Brian King during a visit to Buckie's Carlton Bingo. The SNP's Mr Robertson & Cllr McDonald discussed concerns about current high levels of taxation on bingo playing and other industry issues before meeting with players at the busy Friday night session. Moray currently has three bingo venues which attract thousands of players on a regular basis. Following the smoking ban, bingo has suffered with the industry arguing that a cut in taxation would allow them to offer a great prize return to players and hopefully boost attendance. This would help secure the future for bingo for everyone in Moray. Commenting Mr Robertson said: " At present bingo pays the highest tax of any form of gambling in the UK and given that the players are generally more elderly and bingo for most is a very social night it seems very unfair that this should be the case. "Many people are unaware that playing bingo puts more in the Treasury's coffers for every pound spent than, for example, horse racing and casino betting. "Bingo is an important social night for many people where they can meet up with friends and have a bit of fun. "In the grand scheme of things Bingo Tax provides only a very small amount of revenue to the government but it has a big impact on bingo players and operators." Buckie SNP Councillor Gordon McDonald said: "Many of the folk living in Buckie enjoy a night at the Bingo and it is important that the smaller venues like Buckie remain viable. "The bingo also provides important employment in the area and further career opportunities throughout Carlton's business operations. "It is important that we support this business and that is why I am backing bingo in Buckie." Speaking on behalf of Carlton Bingo, its Operations Director, Brian King said: "The bingo industry is facing its toughest challenges in light of the implementation of the smoking ban and the taxation regulation. What is frustrating is that there is no parity across other sectors of the gaming industry. Bingo continues to be singled out and is subjected to a 15% tax of gross profits and VAT of 17.5%. "Mr Robertson's and Councillor McDonald's visit will help raise awareness of the issues facing the bingo industry. It's a popular pastime and attracts many loyal followers. However they are not, and can never be, taken for granted and at Carlton we're determined to see that our players get a fair deal and a fun night out." ENDS.
SNP SUPPORT MOTORCYCLE DEMO
Posted on Wednesday, August 8 2007
Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson and SNP Councillor for Elgin City South Graham Leadbitter have pledged their ongoing support at a motorcycle demonstration against the removal of Driving Standards Agency motorcycle testing in Moray.The plans, which are due to be implemented in 2008 would see an end to motorcycle testing in Elgin making learners travel to either Inverness or Aberdeen.The rally on Saturday was supported by 200 bikers and gave a massive boost to the campaign to retain motorcycle testing in Moray.Commenting Angus Robertson MP said:" The support shown for the campaign has been fantastic. The amazing sight of 200 bikers riding through Elgin and Forres in support of these facilities clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling on the issue. Equally the reaction from folk in the street who saw the demonstration was great and showed huge public support for the issue." I have recently brought the issue to the attention of the Transport Minister in a parliamentary debate and I will continue doing all that I can to keep the issue in the spotlight." As a next step I have written to the Driving Standards Agency inviting the Chief Executive to visit Moray and hear the views of the campaigners directly." In the meantime it is important that as many people as possible get behind this campaign to retain an important service in Moray. I would therefore urge readers to sign the petition, send letters to the DSA and to the Department of Transport and generally campaign hard as a community to keep services local.Councillor Graham Leadbitter, the Moray SNP Council Group's Spokesperson on Transport issues said:" The Driving Standards Agency's case for removing testing from Moray has got more holes than a golf course." On the one hand they have said that there isn't enough demand in Moray to justify a test centre while on the other hand they have accepted that they do not have enough test slots available in some weeks." They can't make a sensible case for removing a test facility using selective statistics like this and I support Angus Robertson's call for the DSA to visit Moray and answer these questions directly." It is also important to realise that while motorcycle testing is under threat today it could be any number of public services tomorrow. We cannot although service provision to be gradually eroded."ENDS.
MP GIVES SUPPORT TO FORRES IN BLOOM
Posted on Wednesday, August 8 2007
"Floral displays are a vivid display of design & ingenuity" – Angus Robertson Moray MP Angus Robertson has commented on the fantastic floral displays around Forres prior to attending this Friday's judges reception in Applegrove Primary School. The Scottish National Party MP commented: " The floral displays co-ordinated by the Forres in Bloom are an annual highlight in Moray providing a colourful spectacle for tourists and locals alike. " I am delighted to be able to give support to the committee at this year's judges reception and I must commend their hard work and the support of the Forres Community and Moray Council's Lands & Parks team in creating such a fantastic feature in Moray. " Forres in Bloom has secured some fantastic awards in recent years and I wish them every success again in the 2007 competition." Ends.
MORAY MP URGES SUPPORT FOR LOCAL PRODUCE
Posted on Wednesday, August 8 2007
"At a difficult time for the agricultural sector it is vital that we buy local" - Angus Robertson Moray MP Angus Robertson has called on shoppers to support local business and buy local. Mr Robertson made the call as he visited butchers in Moray communities to highlight the quality produce available and the problems being caused by current export restrictions. The Scottish National Party Member of Parliament has previously supported campaigns to encourage people to use local produce where possible and support local producers and retailers but the message is all the more important with the current Foot & Mouth outbreak putting severe pressure on the agricultural sector. Commenting Mr Robertson said: " In recent weeks the National Farmers Union has been running a 'What's On Your Plate' campaign that has been highlighting the fantastic quality of produce available on our doorstep and the need to reduce the number of miles that food travels to reach the dinner table. " Clearly with the current Foot and Mouth outbreak the message could not be more timely. " The outbreak has resulted in export restrictions which will be in place for some time and this puts tremendous pressure on the agricultural sector and associated businesses. Buying local helps ease some of this pressure and in the longer-term leads to a much more sustainable market. " The agricultural industry is facing a serious threat and needs as much support as people can give them. " I urge everyone in Moray to help as much as they possibily can by buying local and supporting local business." Ends.
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