Community empowerment at the heart of the Greens local manifesto
The strength of feeling in North Berwick following the temporary closure of the Edington Cottage Hospital has been evident in rallies, opinion polls, press coverage and political lobbying.
The decision by East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership has left the county without a Minor Injuries Unit and has left many feeling angry and helpless, due to the lack of community consultation and the suspicion that the hospital will ultimately be closed.
Brett Walker, a community councillor in North Berwick has backed the Green candidate, Jacq Cottrell. Brett commented:
This situation – and other ones like it – can be avoided if local communities are genuinely involved in local decision-making and genuinely empowered to influence outcomes.
I’d urge everyone to vote 1 for Jacq Cottrell and the Scottish Greens who will involve community councils in local decision-making wherever possible, including representation in East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
Image: Alistair M Stewart