Parties count down to by-election

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Political parties have been campaigning hard in the Glasgow East by-election with just over a week to go to voting.

The Conservatives focused on the rising cost of living while the Lib Dems took up the case of under-threat Parkhead fire station.

Labour highlighted the importance of community health facilities while youth issues occupied the SNP.

The vote takes place on 24 July and was sparked by the resignation of Labour MP David Marshall on health grounds.

Former Conservative leader, William Hague, was in the constituency to highlight his party's message on the cost of living and the scrapping of the 10p tax band.

He denied the Tories, who came fourth in the constituency in 2005, would be fighting for a third place.

"I don't think elections should be about speculation about the order in which the candidates come," he said.

Reducing fire services for such a densely populated area risks lives, it's that simple Ian RobertsonLib Dem candidate "We have had some very strong by-election performances for the Conservatives over the last few months, and all the evidence is that people are listening again to the Conservative Party and interested in what we have to say - even here, in an area which on paper at the last general election was Labour's safest seat in Scotland."

Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Robertson was joined by party leadership contender Tavish Scott at the launch of a campaign to save Parkhead fire station.

Plans proposed by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service would see a new "super-station" in Cambuslang provide services for the east end of Glasgow.

Collecting signatures against the closure today, Mr Robertson said: "Reducing fire services for such a densely populated area risks lives, it's that simple.

"The biggest single killer in fires is smoke, and the effects of smoke inhalation can take hold of you in minutes."

Community facilities

Labour's Margaret Curran visited a community health shop in the city's east end.

"The community health shop does essential work improving the health and well-being of local people, but we could do so much more if we could find and fund new locations for projects like this," she said.

"Working for this goes hand in hand with my campaign for real investment in local facilities - including giving young people places to go and things to do.

"The reality is that the east end needs more facilities and, to get them, needs an MP who will fight for the area."

The SNP campaign, which saw party leader Alex Salmond make his sixth appearance in the constituency, took in a visit to the Global Glasgow Youth Project at Cranhill Arts Centre.

The project receives funding under a Scottish Government scheme in which money confiscated from criminals is invested into communities hit by crime.

SNP candidate John Mason said: "Too often we talk down young people in Glasgow and across Scotland.

"The Global Glasgow project shows what can be achieved by young people in this constituency with the right support and encouragement."