Constituency
Coatbridge
My constituency constitutes three quite distinctive localities Coatbridge Chryston and Bellshill. The one common feature that connects all three was their historical contribution to heavy industry. Iron works, Steel making and Coal mining was the main source of employment for men. I want to pay tribute to the men who worked hard to look after their families as many of them died far too prematurely because of the associated illness and diseases often linked with heavy industry. A very special tribute is due to all the women who as a consequence were widowed and then left to raise a family single handed.
At the turn of the last century Coatbridge was the eighth largest town in Scotland. It was formed by the amalgamation of a number of local villages: Old Monkland Kirkshaws, Coatdyke, Dundyvan, Gartsherrie, Langloan and Whifflet. Heavy industry transformed Coatbridge and the town became known as the Iron Burgh.
Today the older, heavy industries have almost disappeared and newer light industries are taking their place. Coatbridge has a number of attractions, including Summerlee Heritage Park - and the Time Capsule leisure complex. It has five railway stations - Coatdyke, Sunnyside, Blairhill, Kirkwood & Whifflet. It has many public parks including the very popular Drumpellier Country Park with its Peace Garden. There are two golf courses, one cricket club, an indoor and outdoor sports centre, an indoor bowling centre, a ten pin bowling club, six industrial estates and a modern shopping centre. All the agencies associated with the town’s regeneration from North Lanarkshire Council to Scottish Enterprise - Lanarkshire should be roundly applauded for their vision and for the transformation that has taken place.
Chryston
Chryston comprises several clearly identifiable communities such as Moodiesburn, Muirhead Millerston, Stepps, Auchinloch and Gartcosh. In the days of dirt track roads Chryston was located on a crossroads between the Stirling - Glasgow road and from Kirkintilloch.
One of the darkest days ever suffered by a community occurred on the 18th September 1959 as an inferno raged deep below in the coal mine. At midnight a silent crowd of 1200 people gathered at the pit-head, many of them women with their children wrapped in shawls. It became known as the ‘Auchengeich Disaster’, in which 47 men lost their lives. The people in this community will never forget that horrific day when so many men were killed, women became widows and mothers lost their sons.
Amongst the many improvements in Chryston is the former Gartcosh Steelworks which is being redeveloped as part of a multi-million pound regeneration programme. The local railway link – which closed in the 1960s – has been re-opened. Gartcosh partners believe their work will stimulate further social and economic regeneration in North Lanarkshire. All the foundations have been laid so that Gartcosh will be completely transformed socially and economically.
Bellshill
Historically the town's principal industry was agriculture though it also boasted a modest weaving industry, a pickle factory and 4 clay tile works. In the mid 1800's it resources of iron and coal were developed. Bellshill Hospital started around the 1870's with two wards. It dealt with infectious diseases during World War 1. In 1917 it became Lanarkshire's first Maternity Hospital. This role increased and in 1962 a new maternity building was officially opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth. The Hospital has since closed.
The Bellshill part of my constituency takes in Hattonrigg, the town centre and moves west towards Fallside Viewpark and Birkenshaw. Employment opportunities in this area are the highest per square mile in my constituency. This is due to the investment in both Birkenshaw Industrial Estate Uddingston and Strathclyde Business Park. A new £2 million project, which will improve road access in Bellshill, has been granted planning permission. Major improvements will be carried out to the diamond interchange off the A725 Bellshill bypass and the main access route to the Business Park.