Glasgow Greens campaign at 'Swim local, shop local'

Green MSP Patrick Harvie joined Green activists in delivering leaflets and canvassing in support of Glasgow South candidate Marie Campbell and Glasgow Central candidate Alastair Whitelaw. Greens were at Queens Park Farmers Market, where the candidates discussed Green ideas to improve the local economy and support small business with local people.

Local activists were on hand to survey the public on these issues to coincide with 'Swim Local, Shop Local', an event organised by Green Councillor Danny Alderslowe to promote local shops in Govanhill and encourage people to support independent businesses. In particular, activists aimed to raise awareness of plans for a 100,000 sq ft supermarket development on the site of Larkhill bus depot (1), which Greens contend will rob local shops of custom and increase traffic volumes in surrounding residential streets. The Green candidates pledged their support for local businesses and offered their alternative message to the voters - that local and independent businesses are the heart of Glasgow's communities and they need support in their fight for survival.

Glasgow South Candidate Marie Campbell said,

"All over Glasgow, small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open. Rather than standing up for these local entrepreneurs, the Council seems intent on undermining them and encouraging massive supermarkets to move in. Both the Scottish Government and the UK Government spend our money subsidising these big business behemoths.

"The proposed supermarket development at Larkhill bus depot is not a solution to our economic worries - it is part of the problem. The prices superstores charge at the checkout can seem good value for money - but the real cost of allowing megastore take-over can be seen in boarded up shop fronts and disappearing consumer choice. We need to stop subsidising big corporations and instead support the local entrepreneurs looking to provide a valuable service to their neighbours. People are tired of their communities being hollowed out by big business and we are offering them a genuine alternative."

Glasgow Central Candidate Alastair Whitelaw said,

"Powerful supermarket chains hurt farmers because they force down farm gate prices.  It's Scottish Green Party policy to improve the information available to shoppers to help them make their own ethical choices about what they're buying.  For example, farm price as well as retail price should be clearly displayed on goods, to encourage supermarkets to stop ripping off farmers."

Patrick Harvie MSP said,

"The Scottish Green Party's campaign in Glasgow South and Central is gathering pace. I think this is going to be a really interesting election. There's a lot of unhappiness with the political establishment, and a lot of people are considering changing their vote from the discredited parties they may have supported in previous elections.

"To all those who want change, the Scottish Green Party's message is: 'So do we - and if you find yourself agreeing with the policies we are putting forward during this election, please give us your support on 6th May'."

Notes:

(1) For additional details see http://southsidehappenings.blogspot.com/2010/03/stop-wrecking-our-city.html

Contact:

Marie Campbell

SGP Glasgow South candidate

mob: 07754400206

marie.campbell@scottishgreens.org.uk

Kirsten Robb

Scottish Green Party Press Officer

Mob: 07963273209