New play facilities set for approval...

The Council's Environment & Regeneration Committee will be asked at its next meeting on 17 January to approve a new £175,000 skate park in Greenock's Battery Park on the site of the existing skate park. The proposal follows consultation with ward councillors, the local community council and park users. The park will be a multi-use facility catering for bmx riders and skateboarders.

The Committee previously approved a £50,000 outdoor gym in Battery Park. Members will hear that procurement of the gym is underway and it should be in place by the end of March.

The Committee will also be asked to approve a £75,000 replacement of the existing play park at Jacob's  Drive in Gourock.

These proposals are part of the Council's ongoing investment programme in new and improved outdoor play facilities and I am sure that they will be welcomed by the local communities.

Major boost for community facilities...

The Council's Environment & Regeneration Committee will be asked at its next meeting on 17 January to approve grants for community facilities totalling nearly £200,000. These are the latest awards from the Council's £1.2m Community Facilities Grant Fund.

Among the groups set to benefit are:

Glenpark Harriers Athletic Club - £10,156 for repairs to their clubhouse
Quarrier's Village Council - £41,000 to install a lift and disabled toilets in Sommerville Weir Hall
East End United Boys Club - £37,500 to convert a Council bothy at Lady Octavia Park into new changing rooms
REACH for Autism - £37,950 to refurbish premises for a new service for children with autism.

These are all worthwhile projects, which I am sure the Committee will be keen to support.

As a Councillor for Quarrier's Village I very much welcome the proposed grant to make Sommerville Weir Hall accessible to people with disabilities. This will compliment the recent refurbishment of the hall funded by Quarriers and a local benefactor, creating a community facility for the whole village.

Positive note to end year on...

The final Council meeting of 2012 received a very positive report from the Council's external auditors Grant Thornton on their annual audit for financial year 2011/12.

The auditors have reported that "Overall, the Council is in good financial health" and they have recognised that good progress has been made to deliver savings through the Council's programme of efficiency workstreams.  Like the Council itself, however, Grant Thornton acknowledge the significant challenges and difficult decisions ahead due to the pressures on public finances. They are satisfied that "the Council is taking appropriate action to manage its financial position in the medium term".

The auditors' report also concludes that "Overall, the Council performs well in delivering services" and that "The Council has well-developed arrangements to monitor and report on performance". The Council's governance arrangements are considered to be generally operating well and internal controls operating effectively, with the Internal Audit section performing well.

The Council is praised for the way it has worked well with its partners through the Inverclyde Alliance to agree a shared vision for the area.

Grant Thornton confirm in their report that "there are no significant concerns relating to Inverclyde Council" and that "the Council has the capacity to achieve further service improvements".

This is very positive note to end the year on and is recognition of the excellent work going on across the Council and the professional leadership of our Chief Executive John Mundell and his management team.

The week ahead...

On holiday from work on  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Back at work on Thursday and Friday.

No Council commitments other than thinking about how to close our £4.7m budget gap over the next 3 years.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have a meeting with officers followed by the Inverclyde Alliance Board. In the evening I will be chairing a budget briefing for Community Council representatives.
Tuesday
At work until mid afternoon then down to Greenock for a meeting with the local Chamber of Commerce. This is followed by a surgery then a meeting of St Stephen's High School Parent Council.
Wednesday
At work until lunchtime. In the afternoon I have a meeting of the Council's Leadership Board then the Labour Group.
Thursday
At work until early afternoon then down to Greenock for a special Council meeting to discuss the budget. In the evening I am planning to attend a meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
A full day at work.

The week ahead...

Monday
A full day at work. In the evening I am planning to attend the Kilmacolm Primary School Parent Partnership.
Tuesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I hope to catch my kids school show. I have meetings in the Council at 3.00 and 4.00 and a surgery at 6.00.
Wednesday
I have an early morning meeting with Labour Council Leaders before heading to work. I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and Labour Group in the afternoon.
Thursday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have a Riverside Inverclyde Board meeting before heading back to work for an evening meeting.
Friday
Through at the COSLA Convention in Edinburgh most of the day.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I am paying a visit to Texas Instruments in Greenock with my colleague Michael McCormick and the Council's Head of Regeneration and Planning. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group.
Tuesday
A full day at work.
Wednesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I have a meeting of the Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board.
Thursday
Another full day at work.
Friday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I will be at the Council's Pride of Inverclyde Awards at Notre Dame High School in Greenock.

The week ahead...

Monday
Full day at work. In the evening I am planning to attend a meeting of Port Glasgow High School Parent Council.
Tuesday
Another full day at work with a meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council in the evening.
Wednesday
At work until early afternoon then down to Greenock for meetings at 3.00 (Inverclyde Alliance Pre-agenda), 3.30 (Chief Executive) and 4.30 (Labour Group). Christmas lights switch on in Port Glasgow at 6.00.
Thursday
At work until lunch time then heading to Greenock for a meeting with officers at 2.00 and the full Council at 4.00. I will then be heading back to work in Glasgow for an evening meeting.
Friday
My third full day at work of the week. In the evening I will be attending the Christmas lights switch on at Kilmacolm (6.00) and then Quarrier's Village (7.00).

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until mid afternoon then down to Greenock for the Council pre-agenda at 4.00 and a meeting with Greenock Chamber of Commerce at 5.00. At 6.30 I will be chairing a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group.
Tuesday
At work until lunchtime. In the afternoon I have the Chief Executive's mid year appraisal review followed by River Clyde Homes meetings.
Wednesday
At work again until lunchtime before heading down to Greenock for meetings at 2.00 (Councillor David Wilson), 3.00 (Chief Executive) and 4.30 (Labour Group).
Thursday
A full day at work.
Friday
An early morning budget meeting at the Council before heading to work in Glasgow for the rest of the day.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until early afternoon then down to Greenock for a pre-meeting for the Chief Executive's mid-year appraisal review. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
At work until lunchtime. In the afternoon I will be attending a briefing by the Health Board followed by a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee.
Wednesday
At a conference through work all day.
Thursday
Second day of the conference. In the evening I hope to attend a meeting of the Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
Spending most of the day through at COSLA for the Labour Group Executive and Leaders' Meeting.

The week ahead...

Monday
A day's holiday from work. In the morning I am attending the opening of the new Whinhill Primary School and in the afternoon I am visiting IBM in Greenock with my colleague Michael McCormick, the first of a series of visits to local businesses.
Tuesday
At work until late afternoon before heading to Greenock for a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Audit Committee at 5.30. I hope to attend a meeting of Park Farm TARA at 7.00.
Wednesday
At work until lunchtime before heading to to Greenock for a budget meeting at 1.30, my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive at 3.30 and the weekly Labour Group meeting at 4.30. I hope to sit in on part of the Planning Board meeting at 3.00, where the application for a school campus in Milton Wood in Kilmacolm will be discussed. I hope to get along to the first public meeting of the new Port Glasgow East Community Council at 7.00.
Thursday
At work until 3.00 before heading to Greenock for an all Members' budget briefing at 4.00.
Friday
A full day at work.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until mid afternoon then down to the Council for the Policy & Resources Committee pre-agenda. In the evening I will be attending the Kilmacolm Primary School Parent Partnership.
Tuesday
At work until lunchtime. In the afternoon I have a briefing on educational attainment and a meeting of the Education & Communities Committee. In the evening I will be attending the St Stephen's High School Parent Council.
Wednesday
I have the day off work due to a personal commitment. In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
At work until noon then down to the Council for budget meetings until early evening.
Friday
At work all day.

The week ahead...

Back at work after a week off.
Monday
Full day at work. In the evening I have a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group.
Tuesday
Another full day at work followed by a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Board. Hoping it finishes in time for me to get home for the start of the Barcelona v Celtic tie in the Champions League.
Wednesday
At work in the morning and then down to the Council for meetings at 2.00 (weekly meeting with the Chief Executive), 3.00 (all Members' briefing) and 4.30 (Labour Group). No evening commitments.
Thursday
At work until lunch time then down to the Council for meetings at 2.00 (all Members' briefing) and 3.00 (Environment & Regeneration Committee). I then have to return to work for a Committee meeting at 6.00.
Friday
In the Council for a budget meeting in the morning before heading to work for the afternoon. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Inverclyde Constituency Labour Party.
Saturday
I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre at 10.00 a.m.

The week ahead...

Off work this week on holiday but still a few Council commitments to fit in:
Monday
No commitments.
Tuesday
Another day off!
Wednesday
Have a Members' Briefing at 3.00 and the Labour Group at 4.30.
Thursday
A Members' Briefing at 12.30; CHCP Sub-Committee at 1.00; and Health & Social Care Committee at 3.00.
Friday
Through at the COSLA Convention in Edinburgh for most of the day.

The week ahead...

Monday
A full day at work with no Council commitments.
Tuesday
Another full day at work. In the evening I have a surgery at Park Farm Community Hall.
Wednesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have my weekly meetings with the Chief Executive and Labour Group.
Thursday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I will be attending the official opening of the Binnie Street Children's Centre in Gourock. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Slaemuir TARA.
Friday
Another full day at work.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until noon before heading down to Greenock to join an Inverclyde Alliance tour of Inverclyde. The tour stops off at Kilmacolm Community Centre for an Alliance Board meeting before heading back to Greenock via Port Glasgow.
Tuesday
At work until lunch time. In the afternoon I have a dental appointment. In the evening I am planning to attend a meeting of Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Wednesday
I have work commitments until late afternoon before heading to Greenock for a Labour Group meeting. In the evening I will be attending the Garden Fest awards in Greenock Town Hall.
Thursday
At work until late morning. I have a lunch appointment with a number of former Councillors at 12.30, a Members' briefing on procurement at 3.00 and a full Council meeting at 4.00.In the evening I will be attending St Michael's Primary School Parent Council followed by Port Glasgow High School Awards Ceremony.
Friday
A full day at work.

The week ahead...

Monday
On holiday from work but a busy day of Council commitments. In the morning I am going on a walk round of Port Glasgow Industrial Estate with officers. In the afternoon I have the full Council pre-agenda followed by a visit from the COSLA Presidential Team. At 5.00 I am meeting with Port Glasgow Traders' Association.
Tuesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I am attending a seminar on mental health in Greenock Town Hall followed by a visit to the new Port Glasgow Shared Campus. in the evening I have a surgery in St Francis' Primary School and then hope to attend a meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council.
Wednesday
At work in the morning . In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and the weekly meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I hope to attend a meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
A full day at work with an evening meeting.
Friday
Most of the day I will be through at COSLA in Edinburgh for meetings.
Saturday
I have a surgery at 10.00 in Clune Park Resource Centre.

The week ahead...

Monday
A full day at work. In the evening I hope to attend a meeting of St Francis' Primary School Parent Council.
Tuesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Council's Policy & Resources Committee. In the early evening I have a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Board. Depending on when this finishes, I hope to catch at least part of a meeting of St Stephen's High School Parent Council.
Wednesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have meetings of the Council's Strategic Leadership Forum and Labour Group. No evening meetings due to child care responsibilities (and the Champions' League!).
Thursday
A full day at work and no evening commitments again due to child care responsibilities.
Friday
Off work due to the Glasgow September Weekend holiday. I have however arranged a visit to the Quarriers' ABC Project in Greenock along with my colleagues Joe McIlwee and Vaughan Jones.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have a meeting regarding River Clyde Homes. In the evening I will be chairing the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
At work until 11.00 then down to Greenock for an afternoon and evening of meetings with River Clyde Homes.
Wednesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive, the Inverclyde Alliance Pre-agenda and the weekly meeting of Labour Group before returning to Glasgow for the Association's Annual General Meeting.
Thursday
A full day at work.
Friday
Another full day at work.

The week ahead...

Monday
A full day at work with no evening commitments due to the local holiday.
Tuesday
At work until mid day and then down to Greenock for meetings at 1.00 (Policy & Resources Committee Pre-agenda), 3.00 (Education & Communities Committee) and 4.30 (with officers). I hope to attend the Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association meeting in the evening.
Wednesday
I have taken the day off work as I have a full day commitment with River Clyde Homes. I also have a Labour Group meeting at 4.30.
Thursday
A full day at work, including an evening meeting.
Friday
Another full day at work.

The week ahead...

Monday
Attending visit by John Swinney in the morning and a meeting with officers before heading to work in Glasgow for the afternoon. In the evening I have a choice of four meetings - I will be attending the Woodhall Task Group on this occasion.
Tuesday
At work in the morning before heading down to Greenock for an early afternoon meeting with the Local Government Minister, Derek MacKay MSP. This will be followed by a meeting of the Inverclyde CHCP Sub-Commitee. In the evening I am planning to attend a meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council.
Wednesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have a meeting with Scot Rail, my weekly meeting with the  Chief Executive and a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have a Members' briefing at 2.00, the Environment & Regeneration Committee at 3.00 and the Port Glasgow Town Centre Working Group at 5.00.
Friday
I am through at COSLA in Edinburgh for meetings most of the day. in the evening I will be attending the AGM of Inverclyde Labour Party.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work for a full day. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group.
Tuesday
At work until 4.00 before heading to Greenock for a meeting at River Clyde Homes.
Wednesday
At work until 12.00. In the afternoon I have meetings at 1.00 (Strathclyde Police), 2.00 (Members' training on treasury management), 3.30 (Members' budget briefing) and 4.30 (Labour Group). In the evening I hope to attend the AGM of Boglestone Community Association.
Thursday
At work all day including an evening meeting.
Friday
Another full day at work.
Saturday
I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre from 10.00 - 11.00 a.m.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work for a few hours in the morning before heading down to Greenock for a meeting at River Clyde Homes of the panel overseeing the recruitment of the new Chief Executive. Later in the afternoon I will be attending a meeting of the Board of Riverside Inverclyde.
Tuesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have a briefing for Members at 2.00 on the Council's employee survey followed by a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee. At 5.30 I have a surgery in Boglestone Community Centre and at 7.00 I am meeting with a group of residents in Quarrier's Village.
Wednesday
Again at work in the morning before heading down to the Council for meetings at 3.00 (weekly meeting with the Chief Executive) and 4.30 (Labour Group).
Thursday
A full day at work. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
Another full day at work. In the evening I will be attending The Recruit Awards Dinner.

A proud day...

Last week's opening of the new Parklea Community Sports Hub was a very proud day for me as we delivered on our promise to provide new top class facilities for our local clubs, including a new home for Port Glasgow Juniors. It was great to hear Scotland Manager Craig Levein pay tribute to the huge investment we have made in sports facilities across Inverclyde and the benefits this will bring to the local community.

The opening also brought back memories of my own, all too short lived, football career, much of it played at Parklea.

Indeed the new pitch opened last Friday lies partly on the scene of my greatest triumph in 1975 when I was part of the St Michael's Primary School team that won the 'Port-A-Go' Cup, beating heavy favourites Holy Family 4-3 in the Final. This was one of only two medals I ever one.

'Port-A-Go' was a festival organised to mark the end of Port Glasgow's separate Town Council with the formation of the new Inverclyde District Council. Not that I knew much about local politics in those days!

The week ahead...

Monday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have a Members' briefing at 2.00, a meeting with the Leader of the SNP Group at 3.30 and a meeting with Officers at 4.30. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
At work most of the day before heading to Greenock for a meeting of River Clyde Homes' Audit Committee at 5.30. Depending on what time it finishes I hope to attend the Park Farm TARA meeting later in the evening.
Wednesday
At work in the morning followed by a funeral. Late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I hope to attend an inspection at the local Sea Cadets.
Thursday
I have an early morning meeting with fellow Clyde Valley Council Leaders before heading to work for the rest of the day. In the evening I will be attending a dinner for former Council employees.
Friday
At work all day. In the evening I will be attending the re-opening of Sommerville Weir Hall in Quarrier's Village.

The week ahead

Monday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have meetings with the local Sea Cadets and one of my constituents, followed by the Policy & Resources Committee pre-agenda.
Tuesday
At work all day. In the evening I am meeting with some constituents in Quarrier's Village.
Wednesday
Similar to Tuesday with the evening meeting also involving officials from the Quarrier's organisation.
Thursday
Another full day at work.
Friday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I am attending the official opening of the new Parklea Community Sports Facility by the Scotland Football Manager Craig Levein

The week ahead...

Another relatively quiet week Council wise due to the summer recess. I am however very busy at work as I am covering the vacant Chief Executive's post.
Monday
A full day at work.
Tuesday
Another full day at work.
Wednesday
In the morning I will be attending the funeral of my friend and Labour Party colleague Martin Coyle. In the afternoon I have a meeting with the new Divisional Police Commander and my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive.
Thursday
At work in the morning before heading to Greenock for an all members' briefing on major planning applications. I will be returning to work in Glasgow for an evening meeting.
Friday
Another full day at work.

The week ahead....

A relatively quiet week due to the summer recess
Monday
Off on public holiday from work as it is the Glasgow Fair weekend. In the afternoon I am due to attend the launch of the new Alcohol and Drug Partnership Referral Project at Greenock Fire Station, followed by a meeting with a local businessman.
Tuesday
A full day at work followed by a meeting of River Clyde Homes' Board at 5.30.
Wednesday
Another full day at work although I have to fit in a telephone call with a Scottish Government Minister in the early afternoon.
Thursday
At work again all day with an evening meeting also at 6.00.
Friday
Attending the official opening of the new Boglestone Play Park in the morning before heading to work for the rest of the day.

The week ahead...

Back at work after a week off so a fair bit of catching up to do...
Monday
Full day at work with no evening commitments.
Tuesday
As Monday.
Wednesday
At work in the morning with my weekly meeting with the Council's Chief Executive in the afternoon. No evening commitments again.
Thursday
Another full day at work with no evening commitments.
Friday
Due to be off on public holiday for the Glasgow Fair weekend but will probably go into work in the morning. In the afternoon I am opening tenders in the Council at 2,00 and meeting with Duncan McNeill MSP and Iain McKenzie MP at 2.30.

The week ahead...

Monday
Attending a meeting of Clyde Valley Community Planning Partnership in East Renfrewshire in the morning and at work in the afternoon. I have a joint surgery with my Labour colleague James McColgan at 6.00 in St Francis Primary School, Port Glasgow. I hope then to catch part of the Woodhall Task Group meeting.
Tuesday
At work in the morning, then attending a school awards ceremony at St Michael's Primary School in Port Glasgow. At a small business event in Greenock Town Hall in the late afternoon followed by an arts project in the early evening. I will be attending Kilmacolm Community Council at 7.30.
Wednesday
At work in the morning again. In the afternoon the Labour Administration is meeting with Senior Officers to discuss the implementation of our election manifesto. This will be followed by the weekly meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
At work until mid afternoon then down to Greenock for the last Council meeting before the summer recess. This will be followed by a briefing for Members on parking issues and a meeting with Rankin Park Bowling Club.
Friday
At the COSLA Labour Group and Convention in Edinburgh in the morning and at work late afternoon.

Completion of new play park delayed...

I am disappointed to report that completion of the Council's new £180,000 play park at Boglestone in Port Glasgow has been delayed due to poor weather. The contractor is now expected to hand the play park over to the Council on Monday 2 July, two weeks later than had been anticipated. The park will however be open for the start of the school holidays.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until around mid day and then down to Greenock for a meeting with officers at 1.30. I have the Council pre-agenda at 2.30, a meeting of Inverclyde Alliance Board at 3.30 and River Clyde Homes Board at 5.30.
Tuesday
At work until early afternoon with a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee at 3.00. I have a meeting with officers at 5.00.
Wednesday
At work again in the morning. In the afternoon I have a Members' briefing at 2.00, my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive at 3.00 and the Labour Group at 4.30. I hope to attend the Kilmacolm Primary School Show in the evening.
Thursday
At work until mid day then off to Edinburgh for a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Alex Neil MSP to discuss Riverside Inverclyde. In the evening I will be attending the monthly meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
Attending a 'Celebration of Learning' at the Rainbow Family Centre in Port Glasgow in the morning and at work in the afternoon.

The week ahead...

Monday
Full day at work. Have a joint evening surgery with my Labour Colleague James McColgan in Kilmacolm Community Centre. Hope then to get along to St Francis Primary School Parent Council.
Tuesday
At work until early afternoon then down to Greenock for a meeting of the new Education and Communities Committee. Have meetings of the Clune Park Task Group and Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association in the evening.
Wednesday
At work in the morning. Attending 'Tall Ships Tales' school show in Greenock Town Hall in the early afternoon. Have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive at 3.00 and the weekly meeting of the Labour Group at 4.30. Attending Port Glasgow High School show in the evening.
Thursday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have an induction meeting for new members of the River Clyde Homes Board. In the evening I hope to attend the 'Save the Coastguard' meeting in Gourock's Gamble Halls.
Friday
A full day at work.

Port Glasgow welcomes the Olympic Torch...

Great atmosphere in Port Glasgow this afternoon as the community came out to welcome the Olympic Torch relay.

The week ahead...

Monday
Public holiday
Tuesday
At work all day
Wednesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have the Policy & Resources Committee Pre-agenda followed by the weekly meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
At work in the morning with a meeting of the new Environment and Regeneration Committee in the afternoon.
Friday
At work in the morning. I have taken the afternoon off to see the Olympic Torch relay pass through Port Glasgow.

Boglestone Play Park nearing completion...

The Council's new £180,000 play park at Boglestone in Port Glasgow is nearing completion.

The new park - consisting of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and children's play area - is located next to Boglestone Community Centre. The contractor has indicated that the work should be completed by mid June, weather permitting.

I am delighted that these great new facilities will be available for use prior to the start of the school holidays.

Shared Campus update...

Good meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group tonight.

Members were shown photographs of progress on the new £44m campus on Kilmacolm Road and were pleased to hear that the contractor has made up most of the time lost during the poor winter weather and is on track to complete the project by summer next year. It was agreed to organise a site visit  for the group after the summer school recess so that members can see progress at first hand.

The next meeting of the working group will also take place after the recess.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until lunchtime then down to Greenock for a Members' training session on the role of the Audit Committee. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group. I hope also to catch part of a meeting of Port Glasgow West Community Council.
Tuesday
At work until mid afternoon then down to Greenock for a meeting of the Peter Stanton Memorial Trust. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council.
Wednesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have meetings at 3.00 (with the Chief Executive), 4.00 (Inverclyde Alliance Board pre-agenda) and 4.30 (Labour Group).
Thursday
Work in the morning with a meeting of Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership Sub-Committee at 3.00
Friday
Public Holiday

The week ahead...

Monday
At work all day. In the evening I am holding a joint surgery with my new Labour colleague James McColgan in Boglestone Community Centre from 6.00 to 7.00.
Tuesday
Breakfast meeting with other Labour Council Leaders in Glasgow before heading to work. In the afternoon I am attending Royal visits at Kilmacolm Community Centre and the new Beacon Arts Centre. In the evening I am attending a reception at the set of 'Waterloo Road' in Greenock.
Wednesday
At work in the morning. In the afternoon I have a meeting with the Chief Executive at 3.00 and then the Labour Group at 4.30. I hope to attend Newark Parent Council at 6.30.
Thursday
At work all day with an evening meeting as well.
Friday
At the first COSLA Leaders meeting in Edinburgh since the election before going into work for a couple of hours on my way home.

The week ahead...

Starting to get back to normal this week.

Monday
At work until 4.30 then down to Port Glasgow for meetings in Woodhall at 5.00 (presentation on community facility feasibility study) and 6.30 (Task Group).
Tuesday
At work until 1.00 then home to Kilmacolm for a personal appointment. Have meetings with the new SNP Group Leader and Lib Dem Councillors in the late afternoon. In the evening I have a meeting of the Kilmacolm New Community Centre Board.
Wednesday
Work again until 1.00 then down to Greeenock for a meeting with the Council's Head of Environmental Services, followed by a meeting of the Labour Group at 4.30.
Thursday
Work in the morning then down to Greenock for the Statutory meeting of the Council at 4.00. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
Working all day. Labour Party celebration in the evening.

Inverclyde Labour Group AGM...

I was confirmed as Labour Group Leader at our annual general meeting tonight with my colleague Jim Clocherty re-appointed as Depute Leader.

Joe McIlwee was re-appointed as Chair and newcomer Vaughan Jones appointed Vice Chair.

The Secretary also goes to a newcomer, James McColgan, with Gerry Dorrian continuing as Group Whip.

Labour's nominee for the post of Provost, Robert Moran, will continue as Treasurer.

In his report the Chair, Joe McIlwee, reflected on what had been a successful year for the Group, culminating in last week's tremendous election results.

At a special meeting following the AGM the Group approved Labour's nominees for next week's statutory Council meeting, including:

Provost - Robert Moran
Leader - Stephen McCabe
Depute Leader - Jim Clocherty
Convener of Environment & Regeneration Committee - Michael McCormick
Convener of Education & Communities Committee - Terry Loughran
Convener of Health & Social Care Committee - Joe McIlwee.

The week ahead...

Things should start to get back to normal this week after the election.

Monday
Public holiday but no rest for the wicked as I have to finalise arrangements for the new Administration.
Tuesday
First day back at work after more than a week off, so a lot of catching up. Hope to get into the Council in the afternoon.
Wednesday
At work until early afternoon. I will then be meeting the Council's Chief Executive followed by the Labour Group Annual General Meeting.
Thursday
At work all day.
Friday
At work all day.

More evidence of SNP infighting...

Following on from attempts by SNP Councillors to have one of their colleagues removed as a candidate fresh evidence of turmoil within the ranks of Inverclyde SNP has surfaced.

This time the candidate in focus is the little known Professor Alex de Ruyter who is standing in Inverclyde North.

An anonymous press release has been issued, clearly by someone within the SNP, claiming that the "SNP candidate for Ward 3 Inverclyde North is actually an Ozzie who works in England."

Mr de Ruyter is described as an SNP apparatchik with no connection to Greenock. The press release claims that he only joined the SNP within the past year and has been parachuted into the constituency by friends in the party.

It says that Mr de Ruyter lives and works in Cantebury in England and only commutes north to establish visibility and campaign in Inverclyde North.

If - and I have no reason to doubt it - Mr de Ruyter does live and work in the South of England it would interesting to know how he intends to discharge his council duties if he is elected on 3 May.

Perhaps the answer lies in the SNP's manifesto where they talk about streaming Council meetings over the Internet?

The voters of Inverclyde North deserve to know the answer.

Inverclyde SNP breaking election law..

The Council's Returning Officer John Mundell has written to all election candidates in Inverclyde reminding them that posters on display must, by law, have an imprint. Mr Mundell has advised agents and candidates that they must remove any posters that do not not have an imprint by close of business tomorrow (27 April).

Inspection of the posters on display suggests that the SNP are the biggest sinners as they have hundreds of posters across  Inverclyde - including six in my street - that do not have an imprint. I am sure as law abiding citizens Inverclyde's SNP candidates will comply with the Returning Officer's instruction.

I expect to return home tomorrow night to find the posters in my street gone!

SNP at the wind up...

I woke this morning to SNP signs on the lamp posts on part of the street outside my house. Clearly a crack (pot) SNP squad  had been sent in the dead of night on a daring raid to wind me up. There were no signs in the rest of the street or in the surrounding streets.

Personally I thought it was quite funny. Not sure my neighbours will see it that way mind you.

Could it just be the case that the SNP are rattled if they are resorting to such childish pranks?

The week ahead...

Second last week of campaigning this week:
Monday
At work until 1.30 then down to Port Glasgow for some election visits and leafleting.
Tuesday
At work until 1.00 then down to Greenock for an Inverclyde Alliance community planning workshop at 2.00. I have a number of potential meetings in the evening but I might have to give these a miss to leaflet.
Wednesday
At work until 3.30 followed by a briefing by the Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde at 4.30. More campaigning in the evening.
Thursday
At work all day with an evening committee meeting, so a night off campaigning.
Friday
Another full day at work.

The man who shot Liberty Valance...

I was reminded of one of my favourite Westerns today when I read the Tory candidate's leaflet for Port Glasgow.

The big man is wanting to take all the credit for the new community stadium at Parklea and has enlisted the Secretary of Port Glasgow Juniors, Peter Loughlin, to vouch for him. Just like the movie however the real hero does not get the credit he deserves.

I know - and David knows - who did the most to bring Port Glasgow Juniors home. He might be able to pull the wool over the eyes of the likes of Peter Loughlin but the truth will win out in the end.

Port Glasgow 'Park and Ride' takes step forward...

I was delighted today to sign off my approval for tenders to be issued for the design and construction of the Council's new £740,000 'park and ride' facility at the site of the former Highholm Primary School site in Port Glasgow. The new facility is being funded by a grant from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until 2.00 then picking my kids up from school. Out campaigning in the evening.
Tuesday
A full day at work. Hope to attend St Stephen's High School Parent Council in the evening with some campaigning beforehand.
Wednesday
A full day at work. I will be attending the Port Glasgow High School Annual Musical Evening at night.
Thursday
Another full day at work. I am planning to attend the Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association meeting in the evening.
Friday
A full day at work. Campaigning in the evening.

SNP and Lib Dems must clarify position on Ardgowan...

Both Inverclyde SNP and Inverclyde Lib Dems have indicated that they are considering building a new primary school - presumably for Ardgowan Primary School - on the site of the former Greenock Academy once 'Waterloo Road' leaves.

Given that last month the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee approved a £4.5m refurbishment of Ardgowan, starting in July next year, the SNP and Lib Dems must clarify whether or not this refurbishment will go ahead if they take control of the Council next month.

If their preferred option is a new school they must tell us when they expect work to start on this new school and how they are going to fund it, since this will cost considerably more than refurbishment of the existing building.

They must also clarify their position in respect of 'Waterloo Road'.

Will they agree to extend the current 2 year lease when it expires in 2014 if Shed Productions wish to continue making 'Waterloo Road' in Greenock or should Shed start looking for a new home?

We deserve answers to these questions now.

Lib Dems playing politics with education again...

At the full Council on Thursday my Labour colleague Jim Clocherty highlighted the fact that the local Liberal Democrats are playing politics with our children's education just like they did at the 2003 and 2007 elections.

Their candidate for Ward 3 (Inverclyde North), which covers Central and West Greenock, has been claiming in his election leaflets that the West End's two primary schools - St Mary's and Ardgowan - are at the end of the queue for refurbishment. This of course is just a downright lie as Jim pointed out at the Council meeting.


Only last month the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee UNANIMOUSLY approved a proposal that Ardgowan would be the next primary school to undergo major refurbishment, starting in July 2013, at a budgeted cost of £4.5m. At the same meeting the Committee endorsed Labour’s budget proposal – which Liberal Democrat and SNP Councillors voted against - to spend £2.6m on a number of other primary schools over the next two years, including £604,000 on St Mary’s for electrical rewiring, toilet refurbishment, new floor finishes, decoration and new external doors.

Since May 2007 the Labour-led Council has invested £581,000 in improvements at St Mary’s and a further £426,000 on Ardgowan. This is significantly more than the previous Liberal Democrat Administration spent on these schools between 2003 and 2007.


While the Lib Dems successfully played politics with their campaign to keep Wellington Academy open at the 2003 election, only to vote to close it shortly after the election, they were hammered at the 2007 election for the arrogant way they handled the school estates programme. 


They clearly have not learnt any lessons.


I was speaking to a Lib Dem activist today who told me that the local leadership had been warned against using these tactics again but the warnings were ignored.


I suspect that parents in Greenock's West End will be far from pleased that their children are being used in this way by a discredited party who are on the verge of electoral wipe out.


There are some good people in Inverclyde Liberal Democrats.


When are they going to stop listening to Alan Blair, who has led them so disastrously since 2003?


He is yesterday's man.


If there is ever to be a way back for the Lib Dems - remember they had 13 out of 20 Councillors before the 2007 election and now have just 3 - they must learn a bit of humility and quickly!

A warm Inverclyde welcome...not!

I see that hot on the heels of West of Scotland SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, Inverclyde's Liberal Democrats are suggesting that the former Greenock Academy site could be used for a new primary school or schools when the current two-year lease to Shed Media comes to an end.

I find this so bizarre.

For the first time in our history a prime time national television show - 'Waterloo Road - is being filmed in Inverclyde and rather working towards retaining this excellent opportunity for our local area for as long as possible, all the SNP and Lib Dems want to talk about is what we will do with the site when Shed Media move out! So much for giving the cast and crew of 'Waterloo Road' a warm Inverclyde welcome.

Even more strange is the suggestion from both Mr McMillan and the Lib Dems that the site could be used for a new building for Ardgowan Primary School, less than a month after the Council's Education and Lifelong Learning Committee UNANIMOUSLY approved plans for a multi-million pound refurbishment of the existing Ardgowan Primary School, with work due to start in July 2013.

It seems that again the Lib Dems and now also their friends in the SNP are playing politics with our children's education. This is nothing short of disgraceful.

When are these people going to learn?

The week ahead...

Monday
A public holiday but not if you are standing for election on 3 May.
Tuesday
At work until 1.30 then have meetings at 2.00 (Monton Place Residents' Committee) 3.00 (Port Glasgow Traders' Association), 4.00 (All Members' briefing by the Chief Executive on his proposed new management and committee structures), 5.00 (weekly meeting with the Chief Executive) and 7.00 (Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association).
Wednesday
At work until mid afternoon and then down to Greenock for meetings of the Administration Group at 4.30 and Labour Group at 5.30, followed by some campaign work.
Thursday
At work until 2.00 and then down to Greenock for the last full Council meeting before the election. More campaign work in the evening.
Friday
Full day at work.

Visit to Sangamo...

I was delighted to visit the Sangamo factory in Port Glasgow this morning along with my Labour colleagues Duncan McNeil MSP and Iain McKenzie MP, and a number of other invited guests, for the formal launch of the company's new website.

We heard from Managing Director Mark Robinson on how the company has developed over the last few years and their plans for future growth through a new product range. I was pleased to hear that they have received invaluable support from Scottish Enterprise in developing their new business strategy.

Sangamo currently employ 20 people - 18 of whom live in Inverclyde. They are keen to take on more staff over the next few years as the business grows. I was particularly pleased that Mark indicated a willingness to work with the Council, Job Centre Plus and other agencies to create apprenticeship and employment experience placements for local people.

The new website address is www.sangamo.co.uk

It contains a lot of tips on how to save energy, so is well worth a visit.

 

Who is delivering the SNP's leaflets?

I spent this morning in the beautiful and tranquil setting of Quarrier's Village delivering my election leaflets. I arrived about 8.30 to find that the SNP has been there first, or so I thought!

A number of copies of Inverclyde SNP's 8 page election newspaper 'The Inverclyde Independent' (note to SNP: the vast majority of people won't read an 8 page election paper) were lying around one property I went into. One of the residents drew my attention to the the fact that wrapped in the middle of the newspaper were two promotional leaflets for Greenock based businesses. He concluded that the professional distributor who was being paid to deliver the promotional leaflets was at the same time delivering the SNP's newspaper - killing two birds with one stone as the saying goes.

Fair enough some people might say. Well perhaps not.

If the SNP are paying the distributor to deliver their newspaper because they do not have enough activists on the ground then as long these payments are recorded as part of their election expenses that would probably be OK.

If on the other the other hand the distributor is being paid to deliver promotional flyers for local businesses looking for work in these hard pressed times, if I was one of these companies I would not be happy about my flyers being stuck inside a political newspaper, most likely to end up in the blue bin without anyone reading them. I would also not be happy that my business was being associated with a political party without my agreement.

This shoddy practise also exposes the fact that Inverclyde SNP clearly do not have the activists they claim to have.

While some of us are taking holidays from work and relying on friends, family and party members to deliver our leaflets the SNP in Inverclyde are either paying someone to deliver theirs, or even worse using a service that has been paid for by hard pressed local businesses without their knowledge.

They should come clean on what they are doing.

SNP MSP misleads Parliament....

In the Scottish Parliament on 29 March SNP MSP for the West of Scotland Region Stuart McMillan falsely and maliciously claimed that Labour-led Inverclyde Council was planning to cut the number of Council welfare rights workers. Mr McMillan should apologise for misleading Parliament over this matter and for the false accusation he has levelled at Councillors in the current Administration.


Over the past number of months officers within the Council and Health Board have been working with voluntary sector partners to review the provision of advice services in Inverclyde to identify areas of overlap and gaps in provision. The purpose if this review - which was supported by all groups in the Council, including the SNP - is to ensure that agencies use their combined resources more effectively for the benefit of local residents.


As part of the over all review there has been an ongoing internal review of services provided by the Council and Health Board through the Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP). This internal review has not yet been reported to elected members and therefore no political decisions have been taken. 


As Leader of the Council and Chair of the Inverclyde Alliance Board I have sought - and received - assurances from the Director of Inverclyde CHCP, Robert Murphy, that no reductions are proposed in the level of staffing across his services.


Mr Murphy has stated:  “The proposed redesign will see no reduction in the number of permanent core service staff and the proposals which are still being developed will have no adverse effect on the quality or capacity of the service provided.  To be absolutely clear, the CHCP have not and will not be considering any proposals to reduce Welfare Rights Officers.  There is currently 15 core welfare advice staff and there will be at least 15 core welfare advice staff in the future.  It is regrettable that some of the reported misinformation has been unnecessarily alarmist.”

"At no time has there been any attempt to use the review to reduce the level of service. In fact the main reason behind the redesign was to ensure the service is fit for purpose in providing the best possible service required by those who use it. The outcome of the redesign has been generally acceptable to all concerned including the trade unions."

"Contrary to what has been reported, core services will be maintained at least at their current level and indeed staff positions are secure. A number of posts have been funded externally, which is always subject to review, and every effort has been made by the management team to continue these posts. Indeed we have been very grateful to McMillan Cancer who have been a strong supporter of the service within Inverclyde and we are working with them to ensure that they will be for years to come. I can confirm their investment will be supplemented by the CHCP to continue their excellent work."

"Perhaps most importantly, the redesign of service is still underway and no decisions have yet been made. This process will continue with the co-operation and involvement of all partners including the trade unions, to ensure the quality and excellent service provided in Inverclyde is maintained. The finalised proposals have not yet been discussed with Elected Members and when finalised they will be submitted for their consideration, scrutiny and approval.

"In addition to the above, the issues relating to the Welfare Reform Bill will also be progressed.  Inverclyde Council is not complacent about the possible impact of the Welfare Reform Bill. It is clear that the Council and the Alliance Board are aware of the issues and acknowledge the need for all agencies and partners to plan ahead. This will allow us to meet the challenge and to make the best possible use of the resources available, across the partnership."

I hope that Mr McMillan will be big enough now to apologise for misleading Parliament and for the unfounded accusation he has levelled as members of my Administration.

Council Tax collection at record level...

I was delighted to hear today that the Council collected 94.2% of Council Tax income due for the financial year 2011/12, which ended on 31 March. This is a 0.2% increase on the previous year and is the highest ever in-year collection rate achieved by the Council.

This record performance is all the more pleasing given that we are in the middle of the worst economic recession in our lifetime.

 I would like to thank Council staff who have worked hard to achieve this level of performance and all the Council Tax payers who are making a vital contribution to the funding of important local services.

SNP must clarify position on Waterloo Road...

I am delighted to see that filming has started on the next series of school drama 'Waterloo Road' at its new set in the former Greenock Academy building. The relocation of 'Waterloo Road' to Inverclyde is a major boost for the area.

I am concerned to hear however that SNP MSP Stuart McMillan is actively canvassing residents in the west end of Greenock over the future of the site once the Council's initial lease with Shed Productions expires in two years time. Unlike Mr McMillan, I and my Labour colleagues would like to see 'Waterloo Road' remain in Inverclyde for a long number of years to come.

Given that Mr McMillan's SNP colleagues are bidding to win control of the Council in May it is important that they clarify their position in relation to 'Waterloo Road'. They should tell us if they do succeed in forming the next Administration will they actively work to retain production of 'Waterloo Road' in Inverclyde or are they looking to use the site for other purposes.

I await their response.

Who are the Lib Dems trying to kid?

I see that Port Glasgow's two Lib Dem candidates have come up with a grand plan to improve Port Glasgow Town Centre.

Point 1 - abandon the proposed park and ride at Highholm and build houses instead on the site with the park and ride at Bogston or Woodhall.

Comment: Bogston is less suitable for a park and ride as it is on the Gourock line; the only sites at Woodhall are owned by River Clyde Homes and earmarked for housing; Woodhall is a limited stop halt. The Council already has plans for further new housing near to the town centre at Lower Mary Street.

Point 2 - provide a new shoppers car park off Princes Street.

Comment: This has already been agreed as part of the Labour-led Administration's £1m investment in the town centre, which Liberal Democrat Councillors voted against. Work on the car park should commence within the next few months.

Point 3 - cuts rents for Council owned shops.

Comment: The Council is willing to negotiate with prospective tenants over rents and can offer rent free periods in certain circumstances.

Point 4 - keep Council jobs in Port Glasgow.

Comment: The Council is planning to establish a customer service centre in Port Glasgow in one of the vacant shop units.

Labour's plan for Port Glasgow Town Centre is a bit more ambitious:

• £1m investment to improve shop fronts; provide a new car park; environmental improvements; and create a new entrance way at the eastern end of the town centre, complementing major works completed over the last few years;
• Work with owners to develop plans for empty and derelict properties, including potential redevelopment for housing;
• Utilise funding from SPT to give a major facelift to the bus station and create a park and ride facility, which should free up parking spaces within the town centre for shoppers;
• Upgrade Coronation Park, with an extension to the children's play park already completed.

Lib Dem Councillor hoping to pass on the baton...

I see from the latest issue of 'The Advertizer' free magazine that outgoing Ward 1 Lib Dem Councillor Tom Fyfe is hoping to 'pass the baton' to his friend and Lib Dem colleague John Watson.

I wonder if that means that John is planning to hold the same number of advice surgeries in the next 5 years as Tom has in the last 5? Tom of course has the unenviable record of being the Councillor who held the fewest surgeries in this Council term. Even an SNP Councillor who was off sick for nearly 2 years held more.

I wonder if, like Tom, John is planning not to attend parent council meetings in the next 5 years?

Of course it is not just parent council meetings that he did not attend. His attendance record at community councils and tenants' and residents' associations was not much better.

Such is Tom's lack of profile in the Ward that I and the other two Ward 1 Councillors regularly get emails from people who think there are only three councillors for the Ward.

Mind you one has to ask what the local Liberal Democrat Association and local party members - including John Watson - were doing when Tom was short changing his constituents - to the tune of £18,00 a year - for the past 5 years? Turning a blind eye it would appear.

Why then would we trust them with the baton for another 5 years?

The week ahead...

I have taken the week off work to deliver election leaflets.
Monday
Leafleting early a.m. before a trip to the dentist for a check up. I will be leafleting again after that for another few hours. I have the pre-agenda for the next meeting of Inverclyde Council at 3.30 and will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group at 6.45.
Tuesday
A full day campaigning.
Wednesday
Leafleting until mid afternoon with meetings of the Administration Group at 4.30 and Labour Group at 5.30.
Thursday
Campaigning most of the day apart from a visit to the Sangamo Factory in the morning and Parklea Bowling Club at lunchtime.
Friday
Another full day's campaigning.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until 2.00 then down to Greenock to chair the Inverlcyde Alliance Board at 3.30. I have a surgery in Clune Park Resource Centre at 6.00 followed by a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group at 7.00 in the same venue. The Kelburn meeting clashes with meetings of St Francis Primary School Parent Council and Port Glasgow West Community Council. Unfortunately even I can't be in three places at once!
Tuesday
At work until 1.00 then down to Greenock for my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive at 2.00. I will be chairing - possibly for the last time - a meeting of the Council's Policy & Resources Committee at 3.00. I have a meeting with Rankin Park Bowling Club at 5.00 and will be attending Kilmacolm Community Council at 7.30.
Wednesday
At work until 2.00 with meetings at 3.30 (with Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde), 4.30 (Administration Group) and 5.30 (Labour Group).
Thursday
A day off work as I am involved in interviews for the new Director of Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership. In the evening I have a meeting of Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board.
Friday
Ar work all day.

Welcome for Housing Investment Plan...

The Council's Policy & Resources Committee is being asked to approve the Inverclyde Strategic Housing Investment Plan for 2012-2015 on Tuesday.

I am pleased to see that the plan makes the Clune Park area of Port Glasgow Inverclyde's number one housing priority. The plan also gives a high priority to Phase 2 of the redevelopment of the Woodhall Estate - which will be good news to residents waiting on a new house - and other housing developments in Port Glasgow which could provide new housing for residents from Clune Park, which the Council plans to demolish.

How much of the plan can be delivered over the next 3 years will be dependent on the amount of housing grant awarded to Inverclyde by the Scottish Government. This is not known at present but we are told that an announcement will be made in mid April.

Hopefully the Government will allocate this funding on the basis of need and not, like other recent funding announcements, on the basis of the greatest political advantage to the SNP two weeks before the Council elections!

I won't hold my breath however.

Labour to stand 11 candidates in Council election...

Inverclyde Labour Party has lodged nomination papers for 11 candidates for the Council elections on 3 May. It is believed that Labour will be the only party to stand sufficient candidates to win outright control of the 20 member council.  

Labour Election Agent Joe McIlwee commented: “I am delighted to be acting as agent for this election. We are putting forward a very strong team of candidates who will be going all out to secure a Labour victory on 3 May. We have a good mix of sitting councillors and new candidates in Martin Brennan, Vaughan Jones and Colin Jackson who bring with them a wealth of experience from the worlds of education,  social care and business respectively.  We also have a fine new young candidate in James McColgan, who would be an excellent addition to the Council and at the same time significantly reduce the average age of members. ”

Labour’s candidates are:

Ward 1 (Inverclyde East): Stephen McCabe and James McColgan

Ward 2 (Inverclyde East Central):  Michael McCormick and Robert Moran

Ward 3 (Inverclyde North): Martin Brennan and Jim Clocherty

Ward 4 (Inverclyde South): Vaughan Jones and Joe McIlwee

Ward 5 (Inverclyde West): Terry Loughran

Ward 6 (Inverclyde South West): Gerry Dorrian and Colin Jackson

Labour's Team for Inverclyde 2012

Start date agreed for new £180,000 Boglestone play park...

I am delighted to report that a start date has been agreed for the Council's new play park at Boglestone in Port Glasgow. Work will start on the £180,000 project on 16 April and take around 9 weeks to complete.

The play park will include a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), similar to the one in Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm; a children's play area; and a large aerial swing.


I am sure that young people in upper Port Glasgow will be delighted with the new facilities when they are ready.

A plan of the new play park to be provided at Boglestone

Letter to Minister on Youth Employment Strategy Funding...

Ms. Angela Constance, MSP Minister for Youth Employment T3.25 The Scottish Parliament EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Dear Minister Youth Employment Strategy Funding I wish to raise several concerns with the methodology, transparency and outcome of the current allocation of additional funding to support Local Authorities in tackling youth unemployment. I understand that the available £9m is the balance from an initial allocation of £30m originally announced for this activity.  It is worrying that this allocation has been diluted over recent months, particularly since I have learnt that funding has been diverted to Further Education and the Community Jobs Fund. I am sure that you are aware that Inverclyde remains one of the most employment deprived areas of Scotland with a significant jobs gap.  Indeed, from your own labour market information, it is recognised that the claimant count rate for Inverclyde is the 6th highest in Scotland.  This anomaly is not unique to Inverclyde, with other areas having equally high claimant count rates and being excluded from additional funding.  Accordingly, the methodology for allocation of award between authorities seems arbitrary and discretionary on the one hand, whilst there is a perceived lack of fairness and transparency on the other hand.  Please clarify who agreed the Local Authority allocations, as it appears there has been no consultation through SLAED, which is the primary economic development engagement forum for all Local Authorities below COSLA. Please clarify the justification for additional funds for the Community Jobs Fund which has underperformed, both in participation and outcome rates since the allocation of funds to SCVO.  I think it is worthwhile to note that Inverclyde currently has 905 young people aged 18-24 in receipt of JSA, the 31 posts provided through the Community Jobs Fund programme will not even begin to tackle youth unemployment in Inverclyde. You will appreciate that Inverclyde Council through the Single Outcome Agreement and Community Planning procedures has allocated resources for employability and has been successful in programme delivery, including targeted initiatives with young people from care leavers to graduates.  Nevertheless, the Local Authority alone cannot solve all of the historical and deep rooted labour market challenges we face, we rely on support from partner agencies and indeed we would welcome much needed support from the Scottish Government. Finally, this decision has been made when it appears that Inverclyde has been disadvantaged in other areas of economic development as a result of the decision making process of Scottish Government.  There have been significant cuts to the budget associated with our Urban Regeneration Company, Riverside Inverclyde, which put at risk our efforts to regenerate the area and develop the business base.  Inverclyde has been excluded from the award of Enterprise Area status whilst neighbouring authorities have been included and are, therefore, more attractive destinations for inward investment.  The net effect of all the above is that the physical regeneration of Inverclyde is stalling and is increasingly reliant on the singular funding of the Local Authority.  If the area becomes less competitive in attracting new companies, unemployment will continue to increase in the area which is something none of us aspire to. I welcome your response and certainly the opportunity to sit down and discuss this situation further. Yours sincerely Stephen McCabe Leader of the Council

Port Glasgow Shared Campus Update...

I chaired a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group tonight in the Enterprise Centre.

Eddie Montgomery of the Council's School Estates Team gave an update on progress with the new shared campus. He advised the Group that the demolition works are complete, with groundworks, drainage, piling and formation of the new roundabout on Kilmacolm Road all at an advanced stage. The steelwork for the sports wing will start emerging from the ground very soon.

Members of the Group were pleased to hear that the contract is on schedule for completion in July 2013.

The Working Group were advised that agreement had been reached between the Head Teachers of the secondary schools on the wings of the main block that each would occupy. Port Glasgow High School will be located in the wing nearest Kilmacolm and St Stephen's High School in the other wing.

The Working Group also agreed to consult parent councils on a proposed name for the campus, which will also house the new Craigmarloch School. The name proposed is "Port Glasgow Community Campus" reflecting the fact that the campus will be a community resource for all of Port Glasgow.

The next meeting of the Working Group will take place on Monday 28 May.

Work is progressing well at the new 'Port Glasgow Community Campus'

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until 2.00 then down to Greenock for a meeting with the Inverclyde Tourist Group at 3.00 and the Chief Executive's appraisal interview at 4.30. I will be chairing a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group at 6.30.
Tuesday
Again at work until 2.00 and then down to Greenock for a meeting on the Gourock Town Centre development at 3.00. In the evening I hope to attend a meeting of Port Glasgow High School Parent Council.
Wednesday
At work until 11.00 before heading to Port Glasgow for the unveiling of the new 'Endeavour' sculpture at 11.30. I have another meeting at 3.00 on the Gourock Town Centre development, the Administration Group at 4.30 and the Labour Group at 5.30. In the evening I hope to attend the Inverclyde Tourist Group AGM.
Thursday
At work until 2.00 before returning to Kilmacolm to pick my kids up from school. I have a Labour Party meeting in the evening.
Friday
A full day at work.

Youth employment funding blow...

So it is official: the SNP Government does not believe that youth unemployment in Inverclyde is bad enough to justify a share of the £9m they are allocating to local authorities, despite the fact that we have a higher unemployment rate than 3 of the 6 Councils - including neighbouring SNP controlled Renfrewshire - who are being allocated funding.

Surprise, surprise the money has been given to 6 councils that the SNP are either trying to hold onto or take control of at May's council elections. Clearly the SNP have already written off their chances in Inverclyde.

Coming on top of savage cuts to Riverside Inverclyde funding; the fact that we were not even able to bid to become an enterprise area; and the pitiful number of posts we were given through the Community Jobs Fund, this is another hammer blow to Inverclyde from the SNP Government.

Fortunately for the young people of Inverclyde the current Administration recognises that we do have a major youth unemployment problem, which is why we allocated an additional £600,000 for a range of initiatives in our February budget. At the time the budget was set I had anticipated that we would also receive our fair share of the additional funding announced by the Scottish Government as part of their budget. To say I am disappointed is an understatement.

I will be writing in the strongest possible terms to the SNP Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance to protest about the fact that we have received none of this funding.

New Port Glasgow sculpture to be unveiled...

I am looking forward to the long-awaited unveiling of the new Port Glasgow town centre sculpture on Wednesday.

The new sculpture was commissioned by the Council and Riverside Inverclyde to make the entrance to the town centre more distinctive and welcoming. Having seen drawings of the chosen sculpture by Malcolm Robertson - Endeavour - I am sure that it will not disappoint.

The unveiling takes place on Wednesday 21 March at 11.30 a.m. at Fore Street, opposite the town's War Memorial. All are welcome.

Play time...

It is great to see youngsters enjoying the new play facilities at Kilmacolm's West Glen Park. 

 I also am pleased to report that the officer in charge of the Council’s play area investment programme has agreed to fund some improvements to the adjacent toddlers’ play area, including the provision of new safety fencing. 

Dylan McCabe (7) enjoying the new aerial slide

He has also agreed to investigate the flooding problem in the lower part of the park and seed or turf the area to improve its appearance.

Looking forward to welcoming the Olympic Torch to Inverclyde...

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will visit Inverclyde on Friday 8 June on day 21 of the torch's 70 day journey around the UK.

I am delighted that Inverclyde - and specifically Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow - will be playing host to the torch. The Olympics will be a fantastic event for our country and it is great that we in Inverclyde can be a part of it.

The Council will be responsible for event planning around the Relay in Inverclyde and the Policy and Resources Committee will receive a report on the arrangements at our meeting on 27 March. We are being asked to approve a budget of £26,000 to pay for traffic management, flags and bunting, pedestrian barriers, public toilets, etc.

It is intended that local schools will hold events to mark the arrival of the Olympic torch and potentially sport's days could be planned around this.

It gives us something to look forward to.

Welcome for additional funding of £750,000 for Independent Living...

The Council's Policy & Resources Committee will consider a proposal from officers to establish an Independent Living Fund of £750,000 at its meeting on 27 March.

The new fund would be used to help social work clients of all age groups live independently in their own homes for longer than would otherwise be the case. Some of the funding will be used to pay for aids and adaptations to the homes of disabled people.

I very much welcome this proposal as the Labour-led Administration has been determined to ensure that our vulnerable citizens receive the highest standards of care and, where possible, are able to live independent and fulfilling lives.

We have given a high priority to providing aids and adaptations for disabled people since coming to power in May 2007 by allocating over £5.2m for this purpose. This additional £750,000 will make a real difference to many disabled people's lives.

Clarification sought from Minister on RI funding...

As Leader of the Council I have written again to the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment to seek clarification on the Government's funding commitment to our urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde.

Previously the Government indicated that it was only prepared to fund RI for a further two years, causing considerable uncertainty over the company's future. The current Council Administration is fully committed to honouring our 10 year, £24m funding pledge to RI and I had sought assurances from the Cabinet Secretary that the Government would honour its funding pledge. Unfortunately the Cabinet Secretary up till now has not made a similar commitment to the Council.

Recent discussions between officials however have suggested that the Government may be prepared to offer further funding to RI beyond its current two year commitment. I have therefore written to the Cabinet Secretary to seek clarification on this point.

Below is the text of my letter to Mr Neil:

"Dear Alex


I understand that you have offered to meet the Board of Riverside Inverclyde to outline the Scottish Government’s commitment to the regeneration of Inverclyde and the continuation of Riverside Inverclyde URC. I know that Bill Nicol, the CEO, has contacted David Cowan in your Regeneration Team to try and arrange an early date for a discussion.

Whilst I welcome the fact that you are happy to attend the Board meeting to discuss the Government’s continued commitment to the URC, as Leader of Inverclyde Council, a key funder of the Company, I would appreciate if you could give me some further detail on how the Government is going to financially support the URC moving forward. I believe that a two year funding settlement to cover core costs at a level of £2.5M and £1.5M has been made for the year 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 respectively.

The URC has also been asked to work closely with colleagues in the Government to prepare a four year Business Plan for the Government’s consideration. In order that stability and clarity can exist within the URC, and that I can update the Council, I would appreciate if you could confirm what that means in real financial terms.

I look forward to your reply and seeing you at the Riverside Inverclyde Board meeting.

Yours sincerely

Stephen McCabe
Leader of the Council"

Welcome support for Community Midwife Unit...

I was pleased today to receive a copy of a letter that the President of Greenock Chamber of Commerce, Elaine Stewart, has sent to the Chief Executive of the Health Board, Robert Calderwood, calling for the Board not to close the birthing facility at Inverclyde's Community Midwife Unit.

The Chamber's concerns very much echo those of the Council and the wider community. I hope that the Board and the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon, will acknowledge those concerns and agree to enter into meaningful discussions about the future of the birthing facility.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until 1.30 and then down to Greenock for a preparatory meeting for the Chief Executive's annual appraisal at 2.30 and the Policy & Resources Committee pre-agenda at 4.00. I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre at 6.00.
Tuesday
At work until 2.00 followed by my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive at 3.00 and a meeting of the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee at 4.00. I hope to attend a meeting of the Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association at 7.00.
Wednesday
 At work until 2.00 then down to Greenock for meetings of the Administration Group at 4.30 and Labour Group at 5.30.
Thursday
At work all day. I have an evening meeting with Kilmacolm Civic Trust.
Friday
At work all day with no evening commitments.

Is it that Ronnie Cowan?

Just wondering out loud if the Ronnie Cowan with a letter in today's Greenock Telegraph misrepresenting the Council's proposed parking strategy for Greenock Town Centre is the Ronnie Cowan who was in the same paper recently announcing the SNP's candidates for the Council elections on 3 May?

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until 2.00 before returning to Kilmacolm to pick my kids up from school. At 5.00 I am attending a meeting with consultants who are undertaking a feasibility study for a new community facility in the Woodhall estate in my ward. At 6.00 I am attending an event in Newark Primary School aimed at encouraging local residents to put their names forward to members of the Port Glasgow East Community Council.
Tuesday
At work until 2.00 then down to Greenock for a meeting of the Council's Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee. I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive at 5.00 and a meeting of St Stephen's High School Parent Council at 7.00.
Wednesday
At work until 1.00 and then I have a series of visits to Council projects. I will be attending meetings of the Administration Group at 4.30 and the Labour Group at 5.30.
Thursday
At work until 12.30 then down to Port Glasgow for a 'Port Glasgow in Bloom' presentation at Parklea Branching Out. I have a meeting with an officer at 2.30 followed by the Regeneration Committee at 3.00. After this I will be returning to work in Glasgow for a meeting at 6.30.
Friday
A full day at work.