You have got to hand it to the Tories: they haven't taken long to show their true colours.
A regressive budget hitting the poor and hardworking families hardest; the unemployed being told to get on their bikes; talking tough on immigration; and offending the families of those who died at Hillsborough by claiming that hooliganism contributed to the disaster.
Just like the 1980s all over again!
Monday 28 June 2010
Sunday 27 June 2010
Lib Dem support in free fall
I see that the latest UK wide opinion polls are showing a sharp fall in support for the Lib Dems - down to 16% in one poll - as their supporters become increasingly disillusioned by the way in which they have abandoned many of their election pledges in return for sharing power with the Tories. Even the 'Blessed' Vince Cable seems to have sold out, with his attacks on Labour becoming increasingly vitriolic as he attempts to justify his change of heart on public expenditure cuts.
Curiously we have not heard a word from the Lib Dems' general election candidate since his party went into coalition with the Tories. He seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth.
If he is out there somewhere, I would like to hear from him.
Curiously we have not heard a word from the Lib Dems' general election candidate since his party went into coalition with the Tories. He seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth.
If he is out there somewhere, I would like to hear from him.
The week ahead...
Due to the summer recess I don't have any day time Council commitments this week, which will give me the chance to make up a few hours at work.
I do have some evening commitments:
Monday
7.00 I am due to attend the Connect Leadership Academy Graduation Ceremony at St Stephen's High School for pupils of St Stephen's and Port Glasgow High Schools.
Tuesday
7.30 I am due to attend a meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council in Kilmacolm Community Centre.
Thursday
6.30 I am due to attend a meeting to discuss the future management arrangements for the new Kilmacolm Community Centre when it opens later this year.
I do have some evening commitments:
Monday
7.00 I am due to attend the Connect Leadership Academy Graduation Ceremony at St Stephen's High School for pupils of St Stephen's and Port Glasgow High Schools.
Tuesday
7.30 I am due to attend a meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council in Kilmacolm Community Centre.
Thursday
6.30 I am due to attend a meeting to discuss the future management arrangements for the new Kilmacolm Community Centre when it opens later this year.
Saturday 26 June 2010
A busy Saturday...
This morning, along with Provost McCormick and his good lady, I attended a service in Paisley Abbey to mark Armed Forces Day. The Service was organised by Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Councils to show our support for service personnel, past and present, who have served our country so well.
This afternoon I paid a visit to the Comet Festival Gala Day in Port Glasgow where a large crowd was enjoying the various activities. A big thank you to the Comet Festival Committee, the Council's Events Team and everyone else who helped to make the gala day such a big success. My son Dylan certainly enjoyed himself.
This afternoon I paid a visit to the Comet Festival Gala Day in Port Glasgow where a large crowd was enjoying the various activities. A big thank you to the Comet Festival Committee, the Council's Events Team and everyone else who helped to make the gala day such a big success. My son Dylan certainly enjoyed himself.
Congratulations...
...to my colleague Iain McKenzie on his appointment as COSLA's Spokesperson on Resources and Capacity. The appointment was made at the COSLA Convention meeting in East Renfrewshire yesterday.
Iain was nominated by the COSLA Labour Group for this important position and he will have a key role to play as Councils across Scotland face an extremely difficult funding environment over the next few years and seek to negotiate a fair settlement from the Scottish Government. I am sure that he will do well in his new role.
At the COSLA Labour Group Annual General Meeting earlier in the morning I was appointed to the role of Group Secretary. Iain was appointed as Group Treasurer.
Iain was nominated by the COSLA Labour Group for this important position and he will have a key role to play as Councils across Scotland face an extremely difficult funding environment over the next few years and seek to negotiate a fair settlement from the Scottish Government. I am sure that he will do well in his new role.
At the COSLA Labour Group Annual General Meeting earlier in the morning I was appointed to the role of Group Secretary. Iain was appointed as Group Treasurer.
Wednesday 23 June 2010
Parent Power
I went along to the annual general meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council tonight and was delighted by the turnout of parents. The meeting was conducted in a very professional way and the various reports highlighted how parents are making a real contribution to the success of the school.
There cannot be many schools with a more active parent body than Newark, so well done to all those involved.
There cannot be many schools with a more active parent body than Newark, so well done to all those involved.
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Lib Dem VAT Bombshell
A matter of weeks after attacking secret Tory plans to increase VAT, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg sat beside Chancellor George Osborne this afternoon as he announced a rise in the basic rate to 20%, without a hint of embarrassment.
Remember Mr Clegg launching his party's national "Tory VAT Bombshell" poster campaign in Glasgow along with Charles Kennedy and Tavish Scott?
No wonder we politicians get such a bad name!
Remember Mr Clegg launching his party's national "Tory VAT Bombshell" poster campaign in Glasgow along with Charles Kennedy and Tavish Scott?
No wonder we politicians get such a bad name!
An interesting day...
Early this afternoon I attended a consultation meeting for Councillors arranged by the consultants who are working on a parking strategy for Greenock Town Centre. The meeting was well attended with a mix of views being expressed by Members. There will be further consultation with a range of local stakeholders before the consultants draft up options for consideration by the Council.
Later in the afternoon I attended a Members' briefing by Bill Nicol, Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde, on the various projects that his organisation is working on in partnership with the Council and other agencies. It was heartening to hear that in these tough economic times progress is still being made, although perhaps not at the pace that we had hoped for.
In the evening I attended the annual general meeting of Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association. I feel it is important that, when I can, I go along to such meetings to show my support for the volunteers who run these groups. There was the added bonus this evening of a performance by clients of Jericho House of an extract from their latest play dealing with the challenges faced by people trying to come off drugs.
Later in the afternoon I attended a Members' briefing by Bill Nicol, Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde, on the various projects that his organisation is working on in partnership with the Council and other agencies. It was heartening to hear that in these tough economic times progress is still being made, although perhaps not at the pace that we had hoped for.
In the evening I attended the annual general meeting of Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association. I feel it is important that, when I can, I go along to such meetings to show my support for the volunteers who run these groups. There was the added bonus this evening of a performance by clients of Jericho House of an extract from their latest play dealing with the challenges faced by people trying to come off drugs.
Monday 21 June 2010
Praise for Council's Efforts
I was delighted to read the comments of Peter McVitie of Greenock and District Youth Football League in today's Greenock Telegraph where he praises the Council for the various ways in which we are supporting youth football across Inverclyde.
These comments come as we open the first phase - a new 3G all-weather pitch with floodlights - of a £6m project to turn Parklea into a centre of excellence for football.
This really is a milestone for the project and gives us an idea of what a magnificent asset we will eventually have in Parklea. We are committed to providing the best possible leisure facilities to improve the health and quality of life of our communities and the new pitch is a clear indication that we are delivering on that promise.
A second 3G pitch is planned for Parklea along with a new community stadium incorporating a changing pavilion. Drainage work will also be carried out on eight surrounding grass pitches.
Work on the second phase of the project, to widen the existing access road and to upgrade the existing car park is scheduled to begin this summer.
The area is designated a site of special interest because of the Common Red Shanks which feed at the nearby mud flats before they migrate. We can only carry out building between April and August so cannot go as fast as we would like. But rest assured – the result will be well worth the wait.
The full programme is as follows:
Phase 1: 3G pitch and associated floodlighting - £690K (Completed)
Phase 2: Road widening and car park improvements - £350K (Work imminent)
Phase 3 and 4: Drainage Pitch drainage - 520K (Phase 3 complete by September 2010, Phase 4 September 2011)
Phase 5: Community stadium - £4.5 million (Works will start April 2011)
Phase 6: Hard and soft landscaping – (Works will start January 2012)
These comments come as we open the first phase - a new 3G all-weather pitch with floodlights - of a £6m project to turn Parklea into a centre of excellence for football.
This really is a milestone for the project and gives us an idea of what a magnificent asset we will eventually have in Parklea. We are committed to providing the best possible leisure facilities to improve the health and quality of life of our communities and the new pitch is a clear indication that we are delivering on that promise.
A second 3G pitch is planned for Parklea along with a new community stadium incorporating a changing pavilion. Drainage work will also be carried out on eight surrounding grass pitches.
Work on the second phase of the project, to widen the existing access road and to upgrade the existing car park is scheduled to begin this summer.
The area is designated a site of special interest because of the Common Red Shanks which feed at the nearby mud flats before they migrate. We can only carry out building between April and August so cannot go as fast as we would like. But rest assured – the result will be well worth the wait.
The full programme is as follows:
Phase 1: 3G pitch and associated floodlighting - £690K (Completed)
Phase 2: Road widening and car park improvements - £350K (Work imminent)
Phase 3 and 4: Drainage Pitch drainage - 520K (Phase 3 complete by September 2010, Phase 4 September 2011)
Phase 5: Community stadium - £4.5 million (Works will start April 2011)
Phase 6: Hard and soft landscaping – (Works will start January 2012)
Sunday 20 June 2010
The week ahead...
As I mentioned last week, while the Council's summer recess has commenced I still have ongoing commitments:
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Demonstration of the Council's new Human Resources/Payroll system (postponed from last week)
3.30 Chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Members' consultation meeting on Greenock Town Centre parking strategy
4.00 Briefing for Members by Riverside Inverclyde
7.00 Annual General Meeting of Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association
Wednesday
At work all day. In the evening I hope to attend the Annual General Meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
At work all day again with no evening commitments.
Friday
9.00 CoSLA Labour Group meeting in Giffnock
10.15 CoSLA Leaders' Meeting with John Swinney MSP
11.30 CoSLA Convention Meeting
In the afternoon I will be going to work in Glasgow.
Saturday
10.00 Armed Forces Day Service in Paisley Abbey
12.00 Visit to Comet Festival Gala Day
Sunday
2.00 Port Glasgow and Kilmacolm Labour Party Branch Meeting
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Demonstration of the Council's new Human Resources/Payroll system (postponed from last week)
3.30 Chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Members' consultation meeting on Greenock Town Centre parking strategy
4.00 Briefing for Members by Riverside Inverclyde
7.00 Annual General Meeting of Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association
Wednesday
At work all day. In the evening I hope to attend the Annual General Meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
At work all day again with no evening commitments.
Friday
9.00 CoSLA Labour Group meeting in Giffnock
10.15 CoSLA Leaders' Meeting with John Swinney MSP
11.30 CoSLA Convention Meeting
In the afternoon I will be going to work in Glasgow.
Saturday
10.00 Armed Forces Day Service in Paisley Abbey
12.00 Visit to Comet Festival Gala Day
Sunday
2.00 Port Glasgow and Kilmacolm Labour Party Branch Meeting
Friday 18 June 2010
Fantastic new pitch opens at Parklea
I had my first walk on the new £690,000 3G pitch at Parklea this afternoon, which has just been handed over by the contractor.
What a fantastic new facility for Port Glasgow. I am sure that local teams are very much looking forward to playing on it.
What a fantastic new facility for Port Glasgow. I am sure that local teams are very much looking forward to playing on it.
Thursday 17 June 2010
Same old Lib Dems
The continuing attacks by the Lib Dems on Labour's stewardship of the UK's public finances - today by the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander - reminds me of what happened when the Lib Dems took control of Inverclyde Council in 2003.
Despite inheriting a reasonably sound financial position they set about trying to paint the previous Labour Administration as reckless with the Council's finances.
One of their first actions was to cancel the new Council care home for the elderly at the site of the former Hector McNeil Baths - despite not opposing this project when in opposition - after work had actually started, claiming that the Council could not afford this home.
In their first budget in February 2004 they set about slashing Council services - closing libraries and public toilets and cutting school clothing grants for the poorest families, among other things.
Today we saw the Lib Dem Chief Secretary stopping funding for a new hospital, the Future Jobs Fund and other employment initiatives, support for industry, modernisation of libraries, etc. Like his colleagues in Inverclyde, he will rue the day.
Despite inheriting a reasonably sound financial position they set about trying to paint the previous Labour Administration as reckless with the Council's finances.
One of their first actions was to cancel the new Council care home for the elderly at the site of the former Hector McNeil Baths - despite not opposing this project when in opposition - after work had actually started, claiming that the Council could not afford this home.
In their first budget in February 2004 they set about slashing Council services - closing libraries and public toilets and cutting school clothing grants for the poorest families, among other things.
Today we saw the Lib Dem Chief Secretary stopping funding for a new hospital, the Future Jobs Fund and other employment initiatives, support for industry, modernisation of libraries, etc. Like his colleagues in Inverclyde, he will rue the day.
Monday 14 June 2010
Nasty Nick
It is very interesting watching our new Deputy Prime Minister trying to out do the Tories in the ferocity of his attacks on Labour's handling of the UK economy, seeking to blame the current budget deficit solely on Gordon Brown and Alastair Darling, conveniently ignoring the impact of the world wide economic recession and the fact that the Labour Government had to borrow huge sums to bail out the banks.
Clegg obviously believes the more that you say something the more likely it is that people will start to believe it and the easier it will be to justify the Tory economic medicine that his coalition partners have in store for us.
I wonder what the bold Nick might have said today if he was Deputy Prime Minister in a Labour-Lib Dem coalition government: something quite different I would suggest.
Thank God the Labour Leadership came to their senses and told this chancer where to go.
My firm prediction is that he will end up in the Tory Party one day where he clearly belongs.
Clegg obviously believes the more that you say something the more likely it is that people will start to believe it and the easier it will be to justify the Tory economic medicine that his coalition partners have in store for us.
I wonder what the bold Nick might have said today if he was Deputy Prime Minister in a Labour-Lib Dem coalition government: something quite different I would suggest.
Thank God the Labour Leadership came to their senses and told this chancer where to go.
My firm prediction is that he will end up in the Tory Party one day where he clearly belongs.
Sunday 13 June 2010
The week ahead...
With official Council meetings now in recess until August, things are a bit quieter this week:
Monday
At work all day today. In the evening I am chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Regeneration Task Group. As a result I have had to submit my apologies for the Port Glasgow High School Parent Council meeting.
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Meeting between the Administration Group and the Corporate Management Team to discuss the budget challenges that face the Council over the next few years
6.00 Surgery at Clune Park Community Resource Centre
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Demonstration from officers of the Council's new Human Resources/Payroll system
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
7.00 Meeting at Woodhall Tenants' Hall to discuss issues concerning residents in Kelburn Terrace
Thursday
Another full day at work. In the evening I am attending the 6th Year Leavers' Mass at St Stephen's High School.
Friday
Again spending the full day at work. In the evening I am attending the Kilmacolm Primary School Parent Partnership AGM and the school barbecue.
Monday
At work all day today. In the evening I am chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Regeneration Task Group. As a result I have had to submit my apologies for the Port Glasgow High School Parent Council meeting.
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Meeting between the Administration Group and the Corporate Management Team to discuss the budget challenges that face the Council over the next few years
6.00 Surgery at Clune Park Community Resource Centre
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Demonstration from officers of the Council's new Human Resources/Payroll system
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
7.00 Meeting at Woodhall Tenants' Hall to discuss issues concerning residents in Kelburn Terrace
Thursday
Another full day at work. In the evening I am attending the 6th Year Leavers' Mass at St Stephen's High School.
Friday
Again spending the full day at work. In the evening I am attending the Kilmacolm Primary School Parent Partnership AGM and the school barbecue.
Kirkin' of the Council
I attended the annual Kirkin' of the Council at Wellpark Mid Kirk this morning.
As usual, Reverend Sorensen treated us to a highly uplifting service, including the wonderful voices of the Inverclyde Voices adult choir and entertaining dancing by pupils of Greenock Academy, finishing off with a rousing rendition of 'Onward, Christian Soldiers'.
We now head off for the summer recess with an extra spring in our step.
As usual, Reverend Sorensen treated us to a highly uplifting service, including the wonderful voices of the Inverclyde Voices adult choir and entertaining dancing by pupils of Greenock Academy, finishing off with a rousing rendition of 'Onward, Christian Soldiers'.
We now head off for the summer recess with an extra spring in our step.
Friday 11 June 2010
Positive report from Audit Scotland
At yesterday's full Council meeting we considered a report by Audit Scotland that acknowledges the significant progress the Council has made over the last few years in delivering for the communities of Inverclyde.
The Council has come a long way as an organisation since the critical Best Value Audit report of 2005, with many significant achievements having been delivered for the communities of Inverclyde.
However, we are not complacent. Although the report does not contain any shocks or surprises for the Council, we are well aware of those areas where we need to make further progress over the next few years.
The report - the Assurance and Improvement Plan (AIP) for the Council - was prepared by Audit Scotland in conjunction with the Care Commission, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe), the Social Work Inspection Agency (SWIA) and The Scottish Housing Regulator.
I am particularly pleased that Audit Scotland have recognised that the Council has continued to make significant progress and is aware of those areas where further improvements are required. This is reflected in their recommendation to the Accounts Commission that the Council is not subject to a formal review until Year 3 of their current inspection programme.
Representatives of Audit Scotland were in attendance at the meeting of the Council to present the AIP to members and answer questions.
The Council has come a long way as an organisation since the critical Best Value Audit report of 2005, with many significant achievements having been delivered for the communities of Inverclyde.
However, we are not complacent. Although the report does not contain any shocks or surprises for the Council, we are well aware of those areas where we need to make further progress over the next few years.
The report - the Assurance and Improvement Plan (AIP) for the Council - was prepared by Audit Scotland in conjunction with the Care Commission, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe), the Social Work Inspection Agency (SWIA) and The Scottish Housing Regulator.
I am particularly pleased that Audit Scotland have recognised that the Council has continued to make significant progress and is aware of those areas where further improvements are required. This is reflected in their recommendation to the Accounts Commission that the Council is not subject to a formal review until Year 3 of their current inspection programme.
Representatives of Audit Scotland were in attendance at the meeting of the Council to present the AIP to members and answer questions.
Thursday 10 June 2010
Investing in the Library Service
The Council has just completed a £25,000 refurbishment of Port Glasgow Library. This is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the Library Service.
In our first budget in 2008 we allocated an additional £300,000 for the library book fund. Work is currently ongoing to fit out the former school board building in Kilmacolm for a new branch library, which will replace the current library in the community centre. We have set aside £100,000 to fit out the new library with the most up to date facilities.
Work is also ongoing to refurbish the Gourock Library and we have plans to incorporate a new South West Library in the new sports centre at Rankin Park.
Exciting times indeed for the Library Service in Inverclyde in stark contrast to the dark days under the Lib Dems when the book fund was slashed and two branch libraries closed.
In our first budget in 2008 we allocated an additional £300,000 for the library book fund. Work is currently ongoing to fit out the former school board building in Kilmacolm for a new branch library, which will replace the current library in the community centre. We have set aside £100,000 to fit out the new library with the most up to date facilities.
Work is also ongoing to refurbish the Gourock Library and we have plans to incorporate a new South West Library in the new sports centre at Rankin Park.
Exciting times indeed for the Library Service in Inverclyde in stark contrast to the dark days under the Lib Dems when the book fund was slashed and two branch libraries closed.
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Another Education Day...
Monday of this week was another education day for me.
In the afternoon I paid a visit to the new Autism Base at Notre Dame High School to find out how things having been going since the base was established last year. I was delighted to hear that the young people who are supported by the staff in the base are all very doing well.
The secondary base was established after parents of pupils in the primary base in St Lawrence's contacted me a couple of years ago asking for a similar provision to be provided in the secondary sector.
On Monday evening I chaired a meeting of the shared campus working group, where we received an update from officers and the design team on how the consultation is going with stakeholders and their developing thinking on the design of the campus. The engagement so far with staff, pupils, parents and others has been very positive and helpful to the design team.
I am pleased with the good progress we are making with this exciting project.
In the afternoon I paid a visit to the new Autism Base at Notre Dame High School to find out how things having been going since the base was established last year. I was delighted to hear that the young people who are supported by the staff in the base are all very doing well.
The secondary base was established after parents of pupils in the primary base in St Lawrence's contacted me a couple of years ago asking for a similar provision to be provided in the secondary sector.
On Monday evening I chaired a meeting of the shared campus working group, where we received an update from officers and the design team on how the consultation is going with stakeholders and their developing thinking on the design of the campus. The engagement so far with staff, pupils, parents and others has been very positive and helpful to the design team.
I am pleased with the good progress we are making with this exciting project.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Surge in support for Labour
I see that following on from our excellent performance in the General Election in Scotland the latest opinion poll of voting intentions for next year's Scottish Parliament Elections is showing a surge in support for Labour at the expense of the nationalists.
If the poll was reflected in the actual result Labour would once again be the biggest party in the parliament but short of an over all majority.
Given the love in that has been going on between the Nats and the new Lib Dem Con coalition at Westminster, I would put my money on a rainbow coalition being formed to keep Labour from power.
The poll result of course places a huge question mark over the political future of our Inverclyde based SNP list MSP. It would appear unlikely that he will retain his list seat never mind win the Greenock and Inverclyde Constituency (now incorporating Port Glasgow) from Labour's Duncan McNeil.
From what I hear, there won't be many of his local SNP colleagues shedding tears over his demise!
If the poll was reflected in the actual result Labour would once again be the biggest party in the parliament but short of an over all majority.
Given the love in that has been going on between the Nats and the new Lib Dem Con coalition at Westminster, I would put my money on a rainbow coalition being formed to keep Labour from power.
The poll result of course places a huge question mark over the political future of our Inverclyde based SNP list MSP. It would appear unlikely that he will retain his list seat never mind win the Greenock and Inverclyde Constituency (now incorporating Port Glasgow) from Labour's Duncan McNeil.
From what I hear, there won't be many of his local SNP colleagues shedding tears over his demise!
Sunday 6 June 2010
The week ahead...
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Visit to the Autism Base at Notre Dame High School
6.30 Chairing a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
3.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
4.00 All Members' briefing on the Council's updated Financial Strategy
7.00 Meeting of the Three Wards Community Council
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Kilmacolm
1.15 Kilmacolm Primary School Sports Day at Birkmyre Park
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.45 Attending a tender opening
4.00 Meeting of the Full Council
5.00 Meeting to discuss progress in setting up the new Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership
Friday
No Council duties to perform, although I will have on Sunday morning when I attend the annual 'Kirkin of the Council'
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Visit to the Autism Base at Notre Dame High School
6.30 Chairing a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
3.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
4.00 All Members' briefing on the Council's updated Financial Strategy
7.00 Meeting of the Three Wards Community Council
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Kilmacolm
1.15 Kilmacolm Primary School Sports Day at Birkmyre Park
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.45 Attending a tender opening
4.00 Meeting of the Full Council
5.00 Meeting to discuss progress in setting up the new Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership
Friday
No Council duties to perform, although I will have on Sunday morning when I attend the annual 'Kirkin of the Council'
Saturday 5 June 2010
Supporting Youth Football
As Leader of the Council and a Ward Member, I was delighted to attend Quarriers United Football Club's Awards tonight to show the Council’s support for the club’s work in the local community and to celebrate their achievements in the past year.
I have followed the growth and development of the club with great interest since it was founded in 2004.
Quarriers is an example of all that is good in youth football, as recognised by the award of the SFA’s Quality Mark.
The charity and community work they do is also to be commended.
Like other successful youth football clubs in Inverclyde, Quarriers provides the opportunity for young people – boys and girls – to learn and play the game that many of us love.
This simply would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who run the club and give so freely of their time.
Having followed my own son’s football career for the last 6 years I know how much we as parents owe to the coaches and officials.
I also know how important it is that we as parents support the clubs in whatever practical ways we can – be that through transporting the players to matches, fundraising, sponsorship or turning up to support them.
The Council is very keen to support and promote the development of youth football in Inverclyde.
We do this in a number of ways.
Football Development Officer
Since 1991, in partnership with the SFA, we have employed a Football Development Officer who has a vital role in the strategic development of schools and community football.
Free Pitch Hire and Subsidised Training Facilities
In April 2008 we introduced free pitch hire for under 16 teams as a practical demonstration of our support for youth football and we followed this up in April 2010 by reducing letting charges for indoor training facilities by introducing a 75% waiver.
Grant Funding
Youth football clubs have regularly benefited from the Council’s Grants to Voluntary Organisations Fund over the years.
In 2009 we encouraged Riverside Inverclyde to establish a Youth Sports Fund and youth football clubs have been the main beneficiaries.
Investment in Facilities
Recognising that our facilities were simply not good enough in this day and age, the Council embarked on a major programme of investment.
Since 2007 we have delivered new 3G synthetic pitches at Battery Park, Lady Octavia Park, Gourock Park, Inverclyde Academy, Broomhill Park and Wemyss Bay Primary School, and a new 3G pitch is nearing completion at Parklea.
We have plans for a second 3G pitch at Parklea, a new community stadium, incorporating modern changing accommodation, and the upgrade of 8 grass pitches.
We will shortly be upgrading changing accommodation at Broomhill and Ravenscraig Stadium, having already carried out similar work at Gourock Park.
Indoor facilities for football will be significantly improved through the provision of a new sports centre at Rankin Park in Greenock.
Our schools programme will also deliver improved facilities across the district, including at the new campus in Port Glasgow.
I recognise that there are particular challenges in Kilmacolm and Quarriers when it comes to the provision of pitches and training facilities, and I would like to work with Quarriers' club officials to see how we can best address these.
As we look forward to the festival of football that is the World Cup, I am proud that the Council I lead is doing so much to promote the beautiful game.
I have followed the growth and development of the club with great interest since it was founded in 2004.
Quarriers is an example of all that is good in youth football, as recognised by the award of the SFA’s Quality Mark.
The charity and community work they do is also to be commended.
Like other successful youth football clubs in Inverclyde, Quarriers provides the opportunity for young people – boys and girls – to learn and play the game that many of us love.
This simply would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who run the club and give so freely of their time.
Having followed my own son’s football career for the last 6 years I know how much we as parents owe to the coaches and officials.
I also know how important it is that we as parents support the clubs in whatever practical ways we can – be that through transporting the players to matches, fundraising, sponsorship or turning up to support them.
The Council is very keen to support and promote the development of youth football in Inverclyde.
We do this in a number of ways.
Football Development Officer
Since 1991, in partnership with the SFA, we have employed a Football Development Officer who has a vital role in the strategic development of schools and community football.
Free Pitch Hire and Subsidised Training Facilities
In April 2008 we introduced free pitch hire for under 16 teams as a practical demonstration of our support for youth football and we followed this up in April 2010 by reducing letting charges for indoor training facilities by introducing a 75% waiver.
Grant Funding
Youth football clubs have regularly benefited from the Council’s Grants to Voluntary Organisations Fund over the years.
In 2009 we encouraged Riverside Inverclyde to establish a Youth Sports Fund and youth football clubs have been the main beneficiaries.
Investment in Facilities
Recognising that our facilities were simply not good enough in this day and age, the Council embarked on a major programme of investment.
Since 2007 we have delivered new 3G synthetic pitches at Battery Park, Lady Octavia Park, Gourock Park, Inverclyde Academy, Broomhill Park and Wemyss Bay Primary School, and a new 3G pitch is nearing completion at Parklea.
We have plans for a second 3G pitch at Parklea, a new community stadium, incorporating modern changing accommodation, and the upgrade of 8 grass pitches.
We will shortly be upgrading changing accommodation at Broomhill and Ravenscraig Stadium, having already carried out similar work at Gourock Park.
Indoor facilities for football will be significantly improved through the provision of a new sports centre at Rankin Park in Greenock.
Our schools programme will also deliver improved facilities across the district, including at the new campus in Port Glasgow.
I recognise that there are particular challenges in Kilmacolm and Quarriers when it comes to the provision of pitches and training facilities, and I would like to work with Quarriers' club officials to see how we can best address these.
As we look forward to the festival of football that is the World Cup, I am proud that the Council I lead is doing so much to promote the beautiful game.
Friday 4 June 2010
Funding for New School
The Council has just been advised that we will receive up to £5.5 million from the Scottish Government to help fund our new all-through Special Needs School on the site of the proposed Shared Campus in Port Glasgow, bringing together the existing Lilybank and Glenburn Schools. The funding is from the ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future’ programme.
Whilst any funding is welcome the figure falls short of what we had hoped to receive from the Scottish Government. When we submitted our bid we estimated that the new school will cost around £12.8 million. Given that the funding allocation was on a 50/50 basis we had hoped to receive £6.4m.
We will now have to look to meet the additional costs from within our overall school estates funding provision, which could mean other projects being delayed.
Our disappointment is compounded by the fact that we were not even permitted to make a bid for secondary school funding - where the Government promised to meet 67% of the costs - and that the special needs school - being an all-through primary and secondary - is being treated as if it was a primary and only receiving 50% of what The Scottish Futures Trust believes it should cost to build.
It is worth remembering that the new Shared Campus will cost in the region of £50m, with the Scottish Government's grant meeting around 11% of this and the Council funding the remaining 89%.
This puts things into a bit of perspective, doesn't it?
Whilst any funding is welcome the figure falls short of what we had hoped to receive from the Scottish Government. When we submitted our bid we estimated that the new school will cost around £12.8 million. Given that the funding allocation was on a 50/50 basis we had hoped to receive £6.4m.
We will now have to look to meet the additional costs from within our overall school estates funding provision, which could mean other projects being delayed.
Our disappointment is compounded by the fact that we were not even permitted to make a bid for secondary school funding - where the Government promised to meet 67% of the costs - and that the special needs school - being an all-through primary and secondary - is being treated as if it was a primary and only receiving 50% of what The Scottish Futures Trust believes it should cost to build.
It is worth remembering that the new Shared Campus will cost in the region of £50m, with the Scottish Government's grant meeting around 11% of this and the Council funding the remaining 89%.
This puts things into a bit of perspective, doesn't it?
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Progress Report
It is hard to believe that it is now 3 years since we won back control of the Council from the Lib Dems (it feels much longer!), initially operating as a minority Administration and then, since late 2008, as a formal coalition with Councillors Ahlfeld and Wilson.
It is a good time therefore to reflect on the progress that has been made against some of the key priorities we set ourselves.
We will continue the economic regeneration of Inverclyde, working in partnership through the Inverclyde Alliance with the public, private and voluntary sectors, building on the success of Riverside Inverclyde and delivering the redevelopment of Central Gourock
Partnership working is continuing to develop and improve via the Inverclyde Alliance as evidenced by the successful development of the single outcome agreement and the review and allocation of Fairer Scotland Funding. Discussions are ongoing with partners on the development of a public sector asset strategy.
The Council has been particularly successful in creating employment opportunities through the Future Jobs Fund, where it is the second highest performing authority in the UK. It is a pity that the new Lib Dem Con coalition at Westminster has announced that the Future Jobs Fund is to end in 2011.
Further significant progress has been made by Riverside Inverclyde in the redevelopment of our waterfront. Progress on the redevelopment of Central Gourock has moved on considerably with the start of work on the new railway station, investment through the town centre regeneration fund and the engagement of consultants via Riverside Inverclyde to develop a new and more realistic master plan.
We will renew the town centres of Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow and work to expand the boundaries of Riverside Inverclyde to include Gourock
Significant funding was secured through the Town Centre Regeneration Fund in 2009/10 (with match funding from the Council and Riverside Inverclyde) and the implementation of proposals for Greenock, Port Glasgow and Gourock town centres is now underway in partnership with Riverside Inverclyde. The boundaries of Riverside Inverclyde have been expanded to include Gourock.
We will deliver significant investment in new and enhanced leisure facilities in communities across Inverclyde, including Gourock Park, Gourock Pool, Parklea, Ravenscraig Stadium and Rankin Park
A near £23m investment programme was agreed as part of 2009/11 Budget.
3G pitches have been completed at Lady Octavia (East Greenock), George Road (Gourock), Broomhill (Central Greenock), Inverclyde Academy (South West Greenock) and Wemyss Bay Primary (Wemyss Bay). A new 3G pitch is currently under construction at Parklea (Port Glasgow). The grass pitch at Ravenscraig (South West Greenock) has been upgraded.
Work has been completed on the amphitheatre and pavilion at Gourock Park. Design work is underway for the upgrading of Gourock Pool with tenders due to be issued in August 2010.
The upgrading of 4 grass pitches at Parklea and infrastructure works are due to start in summer 2010.
Tenders for the refurbishment of Ravenscraig Stadium were issued in April 2010.
Design work is underway on the new sports centre at Rankin Park (Central/South Greenock), with tenders due to be issued in September 2010.
We will deliver new or refurbished schools fit for the 21st Century across Inverclyde to ensure all of our children have the best possible start in life, including new secondary schools in Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow in accordance with the approved Schools Estate Management Plan
New PPP primary schools have been completed for All Saints (East Greenock) and Aileymill (South West Greenock) and new PPP secondary schools for Notre Dame (Central Greenock) and Clydeview (Central/West Greenock and Gourock) are underway.
A design team appointed for new shared campus in Port Glasgow, incorporating new Port Glasgow High School, St Stephen’s High School and a new Special Needs School to replace Glenburn and Lilybank schools.
Design work is underway on refurbished schools for the mergers of Highlanders Academy and Overton Primary School (Central Greenock) and St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools (South West Greenock).
As you can see, much has been achieved in the last 3 years. We are not complacent however and we intend to make further progress in the remaining two years of this Council as we strive to deliver our vision of
“A confident, inclusive Inverclyde with safe, sustainable, healthy communities, a thriving prosperous economy, where everyone is encouraged to achieve their potential and can make a positive contribution to the area.”
It is a good time therefore to reflect on the progress that has been made against some of the key priorities we set ourselves.
We will continue the economic regeneration of Inverclyde, working in partnership through the Inverclyde Alliance with the public, private and voluntary sectors, building on the success of Riverside Inverclyde and delivering the redevelopment of Central Gourock
Partnership working is continuing to develop and improve via the Inverclyde Alliance as evidenced by the successful development of the single outcome agreement and the review and allocation of Fairer Scotland Funding. Discussions are ongoing with partners on the development of a public sector asset strategy.
The Council has been particularly successful in creating employment opportunities through the Future Jobs Fund, where it is the second highest performing authority in the UK. It is a pity that the new Lib Dem Con coalition at Westminster has announced that the Future Jobs Fund is to end in 2011.
Further significant progress has been made by Riverside Inverclyde in the redevelopment of our waterfront. Progress on the redevelopment of Central Gourock has moved on considerably with the start of work on the new railway station, investment through the town centre regeneration fund and the engagement of consultants via Riverside Inverclyde to develop a new and more realistic master plan.
We will renew the town centres of Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow and work to expand the boundaries of Riverside Inverclyde to include Gourock
Significant funding was secured through the Town Centre Regeneration Fund in 2009/10 (with match funding from the Council and Riverside Inverclyde) and the implementation of proposals for Greenock, Port Glasgow and Gourock town centres is now underway in partnership with Riverside Inverclyde. The boundaries of Riverside Inverclyde have been expanded to include Gourock.
We will deliver significant investment in new and enhanced leisure facilities in communities across Inverclyde, including Gourock Park, Gourock Pool, Parklea, Ravenscraig Stadium and Rankin Park
A near £23m investment programme was agreed as part of 2009/11 Budget.
3G pitches have been completed at Lady Octavia (East Greenock), George Road (Gourock), Broomhill (Central Greenock), Inverclyde Academy (South West Greenock) and Wemyss Bay Primary (Wemyss Bay). A new 3G pitch is currently under construction at Parklea (Port Glasgow). The grass pitch at Ravenscraig (South West Greenock) has been upgraded.
Work has been completed on the amphitheatre and pavilion at Gourock Park. Design work is underway for the upgrading of Gourock Pool with tenders due to be issued in August 2010.
The upgrading of 4 grass pitches at Parklea and infrastructure works are due to start in summer 2010.
Tenders for the refurbishment of Ravenscraig Stadium were issued in April 2010.
Design work is underway on the new sports centre at Rankin Park (Central/South Greenock), with tenders due to be issued in September 2010.
We will deliver new or refurbished schools fit for the 21st Century across Inverclyde to ensure all of our children have the best possible start in life, including new secondary schools in Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow in accordance with the approved Schools Estate Management Plan
New PPP primary schools have been completed for All Saints (East Greenock) and Aileymill (South West Greenock) and new PPP secondary schools for Notre Dame (Central Greenock) and Clydeview (Central/West Greenock and Gourock) are underway.
A design team appointed for new shared campus in Port Glasgow, incorporating new Port Glasgow High School, St Stephen’s High School and a new Special Needs School to replace Glenburn and Lilybank schools.
Design work is underway on refurbished schools for the mergers of Highlanders Academy and Overton Primary School (Central Greenock) and St Gabriel’s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools (South West Greenock).
As you can see, much has been achieved in the last 3 years. We are not complacent however and we intend to make further progress in the remaining two years of this Council as we strive to deliver our vision of
“A confident, inclusive Inverclyde with safe, sustainable, healthy communities, a thriving prosperous economy, where everyone is encouraged to achieve their potential and can make a positive contribution to the area.”
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Congratulations...
...to the sixteen pupils from Port Glasgow and St Stephen’s High Schools, members of the Connect Leadership Group, who were presented with Princess Diana’s Certificate of Excellence Awards at the Scottish Parliament today, recognising their work delivering confidence and respect workshops for first year pupils and senior members of staff at both schools. 22 other members of the Group were given Awards in December last year.
The Diana Award celebrates the best in young people and recognises those who act for good for their schools, families and communities. Many young adults who are award holders continue to use their inspirational and entrepreneurial skills for the benefit of others.
These young people are a credit to their schools and families and richly deserve their recognition.
The Diana Award celebrates the best in young people and recognises those who act for good for their schools, families and communities. Many young adults who are award holders continue to use their inspirational and entrepreneurial skills for the benefit of others.
These young people are a credit to their schools and families and richly deserve their recognition.
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