I am delighted to see that following a request that I made, Transport Scotland have improved the crossing points at Coronation Park in Port Glasgow to make it easier for wheelchair users and parents with prams to cross the A8.
A few weeks ago one of my Labour Party colleagues contacted me on behalf of a disabled relative and asked for my assistance to have the crossing points upgraded. I then contacted Transport Scotland, who replied saying that the crossing points were not of a suitable standard and agreeing that they should be improved. This has now be done.
Thanks to Transport Scotland for a speedy response and to my Labour Party colleague for bring this matter to my attention.
Tuesday 28 June 2011
A busy day...
At work this morning from 7.45 to 12.45.
I then attended the St Michael's Primary School Awards Ceremony for P4-P7. A really enjoyable event. Congratulations to all the award winners. It is always a pleasure to go back to my old primary school.
The rest of the day was spent campaigning.
I was in Kilmacolm for an hour and a half knocking doors, followed by a leaflet drop in Port Glasgow. Following a campaign meeting in Greenock I finished the day off with putting up posters around the polling stations in Port Glasgow.
I will sleep well tonight!
I then attended the St Michael's Primary School Awards Ceremony for P4-P7. A really enjoyable event. Congratulations to all the award winners. It is always a pleasure to go back to my old primary school.
The rest of the day was spent campaigning.
I was in Kilmacolm for an hour and a half knocking doors, followed by a leaflet drop in Port Glasgow. Following a campaign meeting in Greenock I finished the day off with putting up posters around the polling stations in Port Glasgow.
I will sleep well tonight!
Sunday 26 June 2011
The week ahead...
A big week ahead:
Monday
At work until 2.00 before picking my kids up from school. Hope to fit in a bit of campaigning before my 6.00 surgery at Clune Park Resource Centre. Probably putting up final posters after that.
Tuesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I will be attending the St Michael's Primary School Awards Ceremony, followed by another evening of door knocking.
Wednesday
At work for a few hours before attending the Kilmacolm Primary School Summer Service at St Columba's Church in Kilmacolm. In the afternoon and evening I will be out knocking doors again.
Thursday
The big day! I have taken a day's leave from work. Will be on my feet from about 5.00 in the morning until 4.00 the next morning!
Friday
Should get to work at some point in the morning and will be there for the rest of the day, my last before a fortnight's holiday. I have a feeling I am going to need the rest!
Saturday
Going along to the Comet Festival Gala Day at Port Glasgow's Coronation Park.
Monday
At work until 2.00 before picking my kids up from school. Hope to fit in a bit of campaigning before my 6.00 surgery at Clune Park Resource Centre. Probably putting up final posters after that.
Tuesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I will be attending the St Michael's Primary School Awards Ceremony, followed by another evening of door knocking.
Wednesday
At work for a few hours before attending the Kilmacolm Primary School Summer Service at St Columba's Church in Kilmacolm. In the afternoon and evening I will be out knocking doors again.
Thursday
The big day! I have taken a day's leave from work. Will be on my feet from about 5.00 in the morning until 4.00 the next morning!
Friday
Should get to work at some point in the morning and will be there for the rest of the day, my last before a fortnight's holiday. I have a feeling I am going to need the rest!
Saturday
Going along to the Comet Festival Gala Day at Port Glasgow's Coronation Park.
Sunday 19 June 2011
The week ahead...
With the Council now in recess until August, the main focus this week will be campaigning for Labour Candidate Iain McKenzie in the by-election:
Monday
At work until 2.00 and then picking my kids up from school before going out campaigning in the late afternoon.
Tuesday
At work until late afternoon and then out campaigning.
Wednesday
At work until 2.00 and then picking my kids up from school.
At 4.00 I am attending at meeting in Woodhall where River Clyde Homes will be updating residents on phase 2 of their new build programme. Looks like being a difficult meeting due to the uncertainty over the availability of funding from the SNP government.
At 7.30 I will be attending a concert in Port Glasgow Town Hall to mark the 50th Anniversary of St Stephen's High School.
Thursday
At work until 6.00 and then out campaigning.
Friday
At work until 5.00 and then out campaigning.
Saturday
Having to take the day off campaigning as my work is having a Fun Day in Govan
Sunday
More campaigning!
Monday
At work until 2.00 and then picking my kids up from school before going out campaigning in the late afternoon.
Tuesday
At work until late afternoon and then out campaigning.
Wednesday
At work until 2.00 and then picking my kids up from school.
At 4.00 I am attending at meeting in Woodhall where River Clyde Homes will be updating residents on phase 2 of their new build programme. Looks like being a difficult meeting due to the uncertainty over the availability of funding from the SNP government.
At 7.30 I will be attending a concert in Port Glasgow Town Hall to mark the 50th Anniversary of St Stephen's High School.
Thursday
At work until 6.00 and then out campaigning.
Friday
At work until 5.00 and then out campaigning.
Saturday
Having to take the day off campaigning as my work is having a Fun Day in Govan
Sunday
More campaigning!
Monday 13 June 2011
Don't miss your vote...
People in Inverclyde have until midnight on Wednesday 15th June to make sure they are registered to vote in the forthcoming by-election.
Applications for a postal vote or an application to amend an existing postal or proxy vote must be in the hands of the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on 16th June.
Extra staff are on hand to deal with last minute electoral registration applications and the office at 63, Cathcart Street, Greenock will stay open until midnight on the 15th.
Electors have until 5pm on Wednesday 22nd June to submit a proxy vote application.
Further information can be found on 01475 790 135 or visit www.renfrewshire-vjb.gov.uk
Cash boost for voluntary groups...
More than £96,000 has been awarded in the latest round of payments from Inverclyde Council’s Grants to Voluntary Organisations Budget in 2011/12.
The discretionary element of the fund is paid to groups to cover the cost of a variety of expenses from running costs and training courses to equipment and computers and ongoing staff costs.
Nearly £600,000 has already been allocated from the Grants to Voluntary Organisations Fund over the next three years to commissioned projects.
Successful Round 1 Applications:
Hillend Art Club £500
Inverclyde Megawatt Festival £5000
Greenock Light Opera Club £500
Inverclyde Piping Project £1000
Inverclyde Voices £500
Rankin Park Bowling Club £2000
Grosvenor Bowling Club £2000
Wellington Park Bowling Club £2000
Inverkip Bowling Club £2000
Gourock Park Bowling Club £2000
Hillend Bowling Club £2000
Gourock Bowling Club £2000
The Macular Disease Society – Inverclyde Group £500
Inverclyde Out of School Care Network £2000
Auchmountain Community Resource Centre £5000
RIG Arts Ltd £500
Chapelton Tenants & Residents Association £2000
Prospecthill Community Focus £2000
Upper Larkfield Community Hall £2000
Overton Tenants & Residents Association £2000
Inverclyde Breast Feeding Mums £500
Inverkip Community Enterprise £5000
Strone & Maukinhill Tenants Association £1000
Weir Street Residents Group £500
Larkfield Fun Day Group £2000
Playstation Management Committee £2000
Park Farm Community Centre £2000
Park Farm Over 55’s Group £500
Wemyss Bay Community Association £2000
Inverclyde Youth for Christ £1000
Inverclyde Women’s Aid £5000
St Andrew’s Ambulance Association £5000
Inverkip Gala Day £2000
Wellington Pre 5 Nursery £2000
Tennis Inverclyde £1000
Inverclyde Phoenix American £500
Inverclyde Breakers £500
Inverclyde Athletics Club £1500
Greenock Amateur Boxing Club £3000
Ardgowan Football Development £1000
Inverclyde District Netball Coaching Schools £500
Inverclyde Globetrotters £450
Royal Gourock Yacht Club £500
Belleaire Football Club £500
Sporting Larkfield £400
Ardgowan Tennis Club £500
Inverclyde Amateur Swimming Club £1000
Newark Angling Club £500
Craigend Summer Programme £5000
The Tuesday Club £1000
Gourock Horticultural Society £1000
Kilmacolm Horticultural Society £250
Inverclyde Elderly Forum £2000
Inverclyde Pipes and Drums £500
Kidston Kids £1500
Port Glasgow Old Peoples Welfare Council £3000
Inverclyde Youth Theatre £2000
Sunday 12 June 2011
The week ahead...
Monday
At work until 2.00 before picking my kids up from school. Hope to fit in some leafleting before my surgery at Kilmacolm's New Community Centre at 6.30. Following this I am meeting members of Woodhall Community Association, who are concerned that funding might not be available from the Scottish Government for phase 2 of their new build housing project.
Tuesday
Will be at work most of the day then planning to go out campaigning for the by-election.
Wednesday
At work until 2.00 before picking my kids up from school. Have a Labour Group meeting at 4.30 and then hope to attend the Port Glasgow High's School Show in the evening.
Thursday
At work all day. More campaigning for the by-election in the evening.
Friday
At work all day. In the evening the choice is between Kilmacolm Primary's Summer Barbecue or more campaigning!
Saturday
Likely to be another full day of campaigning just like yesterday.
Sunday
More campaigning!
At work until 2.00 before picking my kids up from school. Hope to fit in some leafleting before my surgery at Kilmacolm's New Community Centre at 6.30. Following this I am meeting members of Woodhall Community Association, who are concerned that funding might not be available from the Scottish Government for phase 2 of their new build housing project.
Tuesday
Will be at work most of the day then planning to go out campaigning for the by-election.
Wednesday
At work until 2.00 before picking my kids up from school. Have a Labour Group meeting at 4.30 and then hope to attend the Port Glasgow High's School Show in the evening.
Thursday
At work all day. More campaigning for the by-election in the evening.
Friday
At work all day. In the evening the choice is between Kilmacolm Primary's Summer Barbecue or more campaigning!
Saturday
Likely to be another full day of campaigning just like yesterday.
Sunday
More campaigning!
Saturday 11 June 2011
Friday 10 June 2011
Keep the faith...
I recently celebrated 28 years as a member of the Labour Party.
I joined just before the 1983 General Election after finishing my first year at university and was immediately thrown in at the deep end by our then election agent, the legendary Mary McEwan (now Thomas), knocking doors in my home town of Port Glasgow. 28 years on we are back knocking doors in Port Glasgow in support of our candidate Iain McKenzie following the untimely death of our colleague David Cairns.
The years have not diminished my passion for politics or my belief that the Labour Party is a force for good in our society. I still retain the same Christian Socialist values and the desire to serve my community that brought me into politics in the first place.
As was the case in 1983, this is not an easy time to be a member of the Labour Party. It is important however that we keep the faith. Our time will come again. We can win the battle of ideas if we remember the founding principles of our great Party.
"The Labour Party is a democratic socialist party. It believes that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create for each of us the means to realise our true potential and for all of us a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many not the few, where the rights we enjoy reflect the duties we owe, and where we live together, freely, in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect."
I joined just before the 1983 General Election after finishing my first year at university and was immediately thrown in at the deep end by our then election agent, the legendary Mary McEwan (now Thomas), knocking doors in my home town of Port Glasgow. 28 years on we are back knocking doors in Port Glasgow in support of our candidate Iain McKenzie following the untimely death of our colleague David Cairns.
The years have not diminished my passion for politics or my belief that the Labour Party is a force for good in our society. I still retain the same Christian Socialist values and the desire to serve my community that brought me into politics in the first place.
As was the case in 1983, this is not an easy time to be a member of the Labour Party. It is important however that we keep the faith. Our time will come again. We can win the battle of ideas if we remember the founding principles of our great Party.
"The Labour Party is a democratic socialist party. It believes that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create for each of us the means to realise our true potential and for all of us a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many not the few, where the rights we enjoy reflect the duties we owe, and where we live together, freely, in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect."
Great news...
Great news that the Inverclyde Indoor Bowling Club is going to re-open.
Much of the credit must go to my Labour colleague Jim Clocherty, who worked so hard when Convener of the Regeneration Committee to find a way of ensuring the continuation of indoor bowling in Inverclyde. As often happens, the work that some of us do behind the scenes is seldom known.
Well done Jim!
Much of the credit must go to my Labour colleague Jim Clocherty, who worked so hard when Convener of the Regeneration Committee to find a way of ensuring the continuation of indoor bowling in Inverclyde. As often happens, the work that some of us do behind the scenes is seldom known.
Well done Jim!
Thursday 9 June 2011
Successful launch of Kilmacolm's new Library...
I spoke at the official launch of Kilmacolm's new Library tonight. There was a fantastic turnout of local residents and invited guests. It was standing room only.
Crime Writer Alex Gray was the guest of honour, reading from her novel "Five Ways to Kill a Man", which is set in Kilmacolm, and answering questions.
The new Library certainly has the wow factor and everyone was most impressed.
Developing and improving the Library service has been a priority for the Labour-led Administration since we took control of the Council in 2007.
In our first budget in 2008 we increased the book fund by £100,000 a year. We have funded the refurbishments of Port Glasgow and Gourock Libraries and now a new Library for Kilmacolm and Quarrier's Village. Funding has been allocated for a major refurbishment of Greenock's South West Library and new homes for Greenock's Central Library and Inverkip Library.
I know that Library users and staff greatly appreciate our commitment to the Library Service, particularly given the challenging financial environment that we operate in.
Crime Writer Alex Gray was the guest of honour, reading from her novel "Five Ways to Kill a Man", which is set in Kilmacolm, and answering questions.
The new Library certainly has the wow factor and everyone was most impressed.
Developing and improving the Library service has been a priority for the Labour-led Administration since we took control of the Council in 2007.
In our first budget in 2008 we increased the book fund by £100,000 a year. We have funded the refurbishments of Port Glasgow and Gourock Libraries and now a new Library for Kilmacolm and Quarrier's Village. Funding has been allocated for a major refurbishment of Greenock's South West Library and new homes for Greenock's Central Library and Inverkip Library.
I know that Library users and staff greatly appreciate our commitment to the Library Service, particularly given the challenging financial environment that we operate in.
Monday 6 June 2011
Shared Campus update...
I chaired a well-attended meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group tonight.
The main item on the agenda was a presentation by Archial Architects on the latest designs for the new shared campus for Port Glasgow High, St Stephen's and the new ASN school to replace Glenburn and Lilybank. Those present were delighted by what they saw. The new campus certainly will have the wow factor.
Following planning approval being granted last week things are on track for the contractor to be appointed by July with a site start in August. The new campus should be completed by Spring 2013 with the schools moving in during June 2013.
The Working Group also received an update on the works at St Stephen's to accommodate Port Glasgow High from August this year and the travel plan that is being developed for the temporary shared campus.
Over all it was a very positive meeting.
The main item on the agenda was a presentation by Archial Architects on the latest designs for the new shared campus for Port Glasgow High, St Stephen's and the new ASN school to replace Glenburn and Lilybank. Those present were delighted by what they saw. The new campus certainly will have the wow factor.
Following planning approval being granted last week things are on track for the contractor to be appointed by July with a site start in August. The new campus should be completed by Spring 2013 with the schools moving in during June 2013.
The Working Group also received an update on the works at St Stephen's to accommodate Port Glasgow High from August this year and the travel plan that is being developed for the temporary shared campus.
Over all it was a very positive meeting.
Sunday 5 June 2011
The week ahead...
Monday
At work all day. In the evening I am due to chair a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group. The design team will be giving a presentation on the latest plans, which have just received planning permission.
Tuesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have an appointment with my optician, followed by a meeting at the Council with officers. In the evening I hope to attend a meeting of the Whitecroft Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Wednesday
At work again in the morning. In the early afternoon I will be going along to the Kilmacolm Primary Sports Day at Birkmyre Park to cheer on my children, Phoebe and Dylan. In the late afternoon I have meetings of the Administration and Labour Groups. In the evening I will most likely be campaigning for the by-election.
Thursday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I am paying a visit to Port Glasgow Industrial Estate to see the environmental improvements that have been carried out as part of a training project, followed by the last scheduled meeting of the Council before the summer recess. In the evening I am attending the official opening of the new Kilmacolm Library.
Friday
At work all day. In the evening I will be back on the campaign trail.
Saturday
Looking like more campaigning.
Sunday
Attending the annual Kirkin' of the Council at Wellpark Mid Kirk in the morning and more campaigning in the afternoon.
At work all day. In the evening I am due to chair a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group. The design team will be giving a presentation on the latest plans, which have just received planning permission.
Tuesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have an appointment with my optician, followed by a meeting at the Council with officers. In the evening I hope to attend a meeting of the Whitecroft Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Wednesday
At work again in the morning. In the early afternoon I will be going along to the Kilmacolm Primary Sports Day at Birkmyre Park to cheer on my children, Phoebe and Dylan. In the late afternoon I have meetings of the Administration and Labour Groups. In the evening I will most likely be campaigning for the by-election.
Thursday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I am paying a visit to Port Glasgow Industrial Estate to see the environmental improvements that have been carried out as part of a training project, followed by the last scheduled meeting of the Council before the summer recess. In the evening I am attending the official opening of the new Kilmacolm Library.
Friday
At work all day. In the evening I will be back on the campaign trail.
Saturday
Looking like more campaigning.
Sunday
Attending the annual Kirkin' of the Council at Wellpark Mid Kirk in the morning and more campaigning in the afternoon.
Saturday 4 June 2011
A bit rich...
Just had a quick look (call me sad!) at the Inverclyde Lib Dems website www.inverclydelibdems.org.uk (ignore the link to Ross Finnie MSP - it doesn't work anymore).
I was interested to read the press release from their Chairman Simon Hutton (wonder if he will be standing in the by-election?) calling for action from the Council on the vacant site adjacent to Tesco Extra in Port Glasgow.
For Simon's information, the Council is in regular contact with the developers (the site is not owned by the Council) and we are hopeful that there will be a positive announcement in the near future. Simon might not have noticed that there has been a world wide recession and his party, in coalition with a right-wing Tory Party, are determined to prolong this for as long as possible.
It is also a bit rich of the Lib Dems to call for action by the Council in Port Glasgow Town Centre when they voted against our budget proposal in February to spend another £1m on regenerating the town centre, in addition to the significant sums already invested there since we took control of the Council in 2007 from the Lib Dems.
I was interested to read the press release from their Chairman Simon Hutton (wonder if he will be standing in the by-election?) calling for action from the Council on the vacant site adjacent to Tesco Extra in Port Glasgow.
For Simon's information, the Council is in regular contact with the developers (the site is not owned by the Council) and we are hopeful that there will be a positive announcement in the near future. Simon might not have noticed that there has been a world wide recession and his party, in coalition with a right-wing Tory Party, are determined to prolong this for as long as possible.
It is also a bit rich of the Lib Dems to call for action by the Council in Port Glasgow Town Centre when they voted against our budget proposal in February to spend another £1m on regenerating the town centre, in addition to the significant sums already invested there since we took control of the Council in 2007 from the Lib Dems.
Congratulations...
Congratulations to my colleague Iain McKenzie on his selection as Labour's candidate for the forthcoming Inverclyde Westminster By-election.
Now the real hard work begins!
Now the real hard work begins!
Friday 3 June 2011
Opening of new Kilmacolm Library...
Crime writer Alex Gray will be guest of honour at the official launch of the new Kilmacolm Library on Thursday 9th June 2011.
The Library is part of the new £2 million community centre development and is situated directly opposite the previous library in the old School Board building next to Kilmacolm Cross.
The new library opened its doors for the first time at the end of last month and has been doing roaring business and there as been some very positive feedback from people. The building has been converted to a very high standard and the added space has allowed us to increase the number of books and audiovisual items. This is a fantastic facility for Kilmacolm at the heart of the community and I am delighted it is already proving a success.
The Library has eleven public access PC’s which will allow a wide range of computer based classes to be taught and it also offers free Wi-Fi access – a first in Inverclyde.
Disabled library users are well catered for with the addition of an easy access height-adjustable computer workstation, adapted WC and induction loop system for the hard of hearing.
The dedicated children’s area provides a larger stock of children’s and young adult title and plenty of space to play and take part in organised events and activities such as weekly Bookbug sessions for 0-4’s and their parents or carers.
To mark the official launch, former Kilmacolm teacher Alex Gray will read from her novel ‘Five Ways to Kill a Man’, a murder mystery set in and around Kilmacolm before hosting a question and answer session.
Comet comes home...
Port Glasgow’s iconic replica of the Steam Vessel Comet will set course for home on Sunday after completion of a year-long £180,000 renovation.
Comet Rebuilt saw 17 local people employed as part of an employment and training project run in partnership with Inverclyde Council, The Trust at 7 ½ John Wood Street and Fergusons Shipbuilders.
The restoration work at Fergusons was carried out on the site of the yard where John Wood’s original Comet was built in 1812. As part of the project local school children visited the yard and over 200 people saw the boat during ‘Doors Open Day’ last September.
The original paddle steamer was built by Henry Bell and began a passenger service in 1812 on the Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock, the first commercially successful steamboat service in Europe. The vessel was shipwrecked in strong currents near Oban on 13th December 1820.
This project has breathed new life into a historically significant boat which will be a draw for the Tall Ships crowds in July and may become the focal point for bicentennial celebrations of the original Comet in 2012.
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