Kilmacolm and Quarrier's monthly report...

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland recently consulted the Council on its proposals for new Council wards in Inverclyde on the back of its recommendation to increase the number of Councillors in Inverclyde from 20 to 22 to take account of the level of deprivation in the area. Although the Council previously argued against this increase on cost grounds the Commission decided to press ahead to the next stage of developing new ward proposals.

Under the Commission’s plans the number of wards would increase from 6 to 7 and there would be changes to a number of the existing wards. The current Ward 1 (Inverclyde East), which incorporates Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village, would be reduced from a four member ward to a three member ward with a significant area of Port Glasgow moving into Ward 2.

At a meeting of the Policy & Resources Executive Sub-Committee on 14 May Councillors decided to maintain the Council’s objection to the increase in the number of Councillors and to make comment on the new ward proposals.

Once it has considered the Council’s representations the Commission will put its proposals out to public consultation.

Following the withdrawal of two short-listed candidates the post of Kilmacolm Primary School Head Teacher was re-advertised to try to ensure that the selection panel had a number of candidates to choose from. Hopefully the new Head Teacher will be appointed before the end of this term.

I am pleased to have been invited by the Twinning Society to Kilmacolm’s French Day on Saturday 6 June, which kicks off at 10.30 a.m. in the Cargill Centre. There will be a pipe band, choirs and speeches from the Provost, Twinning Society Chair Gerry Boyle and pupils from St Columba's School and their French visitors. A French Waiters’ Race will then take place in Birkmyre Park and we return to the Cargill Centre for prize giving, wine, cheese, etc. Other French themed activities will be taking place throughout the village during that day. 

My surgeries this month are on Thursday 11 June, 6.00 - 7.00 p.m., in St Francis’ Primary School and Tuesday 23 June, 6.00 – 7.00 pm., in Kilmacolm Community Centre.

You can also contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern to you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) and 871368 (home) or by email to Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL.

You can keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting my blog: http://councillorstephenmccabe.blogspot.com/ and follow me on Twitter @CllrSMcCabe.