Happy Christmas...

It hardly seems a year since my last Christmas message – it must be my age - and I think we can agree it has been an eventful and challenging 12 months for us all.

Despite the economic pressures, our prudence in setting a two year budget in 2008 enabled us to progress our programme of investment in Inverclyde, deliver on our political priorities and continue the modernisation of the Council.

2011 will bring further financial challenges as we face up to the difficult task of making budget savings due to funding cuts by the UK and Scottish Governments. There are no easy savings and there can be no escaping the fact that there will be reductions in the range of services we provide and the number of people we employ.

Despite this, 2011 should be another year of progress for Inverclyde.

In early 2011 we will celebrate the opening of Kilmacolm’s new community centre and public library.

In late spring we will see the completion of two fantastic new secondary schools in Greenock, Clydeview Academy and Notre Dame High School, as part of our £80m PPP project. In the autumn work will start on our exciting new shared campus in Port Glasgow and the new St Columba’s High School in Gourock.

2011 will see further significant progress with our Leisure Strategy. Work should start on the refurbishment of Ravenscraig Stadium; a new changing pavilion and community stadium at Parklea; and the upgrading of Gourock Pool.

Work will continue on our new £10m theatre at East India Harbour in Greenock and in July we will welcome back the Tall Ships Race: a major opportunity to showcase Inverclyde to the outside world.

2011 should see the completion of nearly 200 new homes by River Clyde Homes in Port Glasgow.

As you can see, there is much to look forward to.

Before closing, I would like to thank all Council staff for their efforts during the past year and in particular over the last few weeks dealing with the effects of an unprecedented cold snap. I would also like to offer my special thanks to those staff who will be keeping that effort going, working over the holiday period to maintain essential services.

I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and the very best for 2011.

Councillor Stephen McCabe
Leader of Inverclyde Council