'Scrooge' claim over free Hogmanay buses to Midlothian
Hogmanay revellers in Midlothian will have to fork out on travel because of a "scrooge" mentality, according to an MSP.
The SNP's Christine Grahame has urged the council to reinstate the free buses between Midlothian and Edinburgh which were withdrawn in 2002.
The move would bring the county in line with East Lothian Council and Edinburgh City Council, which both provide a free bus service for their residents.
Huge profits
Ms Grahame, whose south of Scotland ward takes in Penicuik, said: "The most recent figures I have obtained show that Labour-run Midlothian Council spent over 160,000 on corporate hospitality yet are denying local people in Penicuik and elsewhere in the region the chance to enjoy just one night of celebrations in Edinburgh and to return home safely."
But the claim was denied by Midlothian South Councilllor Wilma Chalmers (Lab), who said: "Bus companies are making huge profits each year and it is their responsibility to provide bus services, not local authorities.
"Consequently Christine Grahame would be better redirecting her efforts to her own administration in Holyrood and support the bill being introduced by Charlie Gordon, supported by Rhona Brankin, for the re-regulation of bus travel in Scotland and not taking cheap shots at Midlothian Council"
For full story, see The Advertiser, December 18, 2008
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