Tender accepted for new play park...

I am delighted to report that a tender has been accepted for the Council's new play park at Boglestone in Port Glasgow.

Originally it was  is proposed to complete the project in a number of phases as funding became available. Phase 1 comprised of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), similar to the one in Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm, and a play area. Phase 2 comprised of a tarmac footpath leading from the adjacent subway to the play area and MUGA, and phase 3 is a large aerial swing.


Following the tendering process all 3 phases can now go ahead within the available funding of £182,000.

A plan of the new play park

Work should start on the project in mid to late March and be completed within 9 weeks.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until 2.00 before heading back to Kilmacolm to pick my kids up from school. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Port Glasgow West Community Council.
Tuesday
On annual leave from work as I have a busy schedule. After putting my car in for a service I will be attending the official opening of ' The Cargill Centre' in Kilmacolm. At 3.00 I have an Audit Committee meeting followed by a sneak preview of the Council's new customer service centre on the ground floor of Greenock's Municipal Buildings. In the evening I have a choice between St Stephen's High School Parent Council and Kilmacolm Community Council. I will probably go to St Stephen's and catch part of the community council meeting on my way home.
Wednesday
At work until 1.00 then down to Greenock for meetings at 2.00 (with Craigend Resource Centre), 3.30 (with Riverside Inverclyde's Chief Executive), 4.30 (Administration Group) and 5.30 (Labour Group). Hope to fit in a hour or so leafleting on the way home.
Thursday
At work until 2.00 before attending my son's S3 options meeting at school. I have to return to work for a committee meeting at 6.00, which should end by 8.00.
Friday
I have a personal commitment in the morning before heading to work around 11.00.
Saturday
I will be spending the afternoon at the Port Glasgow Bulb Show in Port Glasgow Town Hall.

Welcome for roads investment...

I am pleased to see that Ward 1 will benefit from the substantial investment in roads, footways and street lighting by the Council over the next 3 years.

A report to the Council's Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee on 6 March provides details of new investment of £7.8m over financial years 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15. A detailed list of roads and footways to be reconstructed in 2012/13 is provided in the report.

Among the roads to benefit in Ward 1 in year 1 are:

Port Glasgow:
Northfield Avenue
Mull Avenue
Lismore Avenue
Boglestone Avenue
Marloch Avenue
Slaemuir Avenue
East Woodside Avenue
Kilmacolm/Quarrier's area:
A761 - Port Glasgow Road
B786 - Lochwinnoch Road/Stepends Road
B788 - B786
Gryffe Road

I am sure that this much needed investment will be welcomed by motorists and pedestrians.

Officers have been asked to bring forward a further report to the June meeting of the Committee on the long term investment needs of the Council's roads infrastructure. If Labour retain control of the Council in May we promise to make further investment in roads, footways and street lighting one of our top priorities over the next five years.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until 2.00 and then back to Kilmacolm to pick my kids up from school. I have meetings of St Francis' Primary School Parent Council and Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board in the evening.
Tuesday
At work until mid afternoon. In late afternoon I have the Regeneration Committee pre-agenda at 4.00 and an all members' briefing at 5.00. In the evening I will be attending a civic reception to mark the 50th anniversary of St Stephen's High School.
Wednesday
Working in the morning and then down to Gourock for my dreaded six monthly check up at the dentist! I have meetings of the Administration Group at 4.30 and the Labour Group at 5.30.
Thursday
Working until 3.00 then to Greenock for the full Council at 4.00 and my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive at 5.00. I also hope to attend a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group at 7.30.
Friday
Most of the day will be spent through in Edinburgh at the COSLA Leaders' meeting. I hope to pop into work for a couple of hours on the way back. In the evening there is an Inverclyde Labour Party fundraising social night in the Greenock Morton Supporters Club.
Saturday
Have a surgery at 10.00 in Boglestone Community Centre.

What's going on with Inverclyde SNP?

So Inverclyde SNP have finally announced their candidates for May's Council elections.

It seems a bit strange that a party that has been sweeping all before it across Scotland is only standing 9 candidates, although somewhat bizarrely one of the candidates - Chris McEleny - told me only last week through Twitter that he would not be standing in May having previously told me he was. Surely he has not changed his mind again?

It is an open secret that the SNP have struggled to field 9 candidates, never mind the 11 they would need to win outright control of the Council. Sitting Councillor Keith Brooks has had his arm well and truly twisted to convince him to stand again.

Ward 1 Councillor Jim MacLeod will be a relieved man today. Originally newcomer Math Campbell-Sturgess was due to stand in Ward 1 along with him, which would have raised a considerable doubt over Jim's re-election as he would have been below Campbell-Sturgess on the ballot paper. Jim is now a certainty to be re-elected.

The decision to stand two candidates in Ward 5 - assuming Chris McEleny is actually standing - looks a bit risky since this is the only Ward where the SNP currently do not have a Councillor. I think they will struggle to get one candidate elected never mind two. I don't fancy Ralph Roberts' chances as he will be second on the ballot paper.

Current SNP Group Leader Innes Nelson might also struggle in Ward 6 as he will be second on the ballot paper behind John Crowther, although this is probably the Ward where they have the best chance of getting two candidates elected.

My guess would be that the SNP will end up with anywhere between 5 and 7 Councillors, meaning they will need to seek a coalition with another party or parties if they are to take control of the Council.

Since they have ruled out working with the Tories - who will certainly win one seat, possibly two - that leaves the Lib Dems and any independents.

The Lib Dems will do very well to hold their current 3 seats. If against the odds they do, then the SNP will not   win 7 seats. This would leave an SNP - Lib Dem coalition short of the numbers they need to form a coalition Administration.

It is almost certain that Ronnie Ahlfeld will be re-elected in Ward 5. I cannot see Ronnie supporting an SNP-Lib Dem coalition.

So where would that leave the SNP?

Seeking a grand coalition with Labour or facing another 5 years in opposition?

It promises to be an interesting election.

Funding boost for Clune Park...

As part of the Labour-led Administration's budget last week I was able to announce a further £1m of funding for the Clune Park area of Port Glasgow, bringing the Council's total funding commitment to nearly £1.9m.

For too long the scale of the financial challenge of tackling the atrocious housing conditions in the Clune Park area has paralysed public agencies. As both Council Leader and a ward Councillor I am determined that this time we will not fail the good people of Clune Park. 

I only hope that the Council’s ambitions for Clune Park are matched by the Scottish Government, for without their financial support to provide new housing for residents out with the area; Clune Park is destined to face a slow and lingering death. We cannot allow this to happen.

Of course the uncertainty over housing funding is not only affecting Clune Park: its also impacting on residents in areas like Woodhall.

Despite the additional funding for housing announced last week, I would very much question whether the Scottish Government has got its capital spending priorities right. Giving people decent homes to live in would come before building yet another bridge across the River Forth in my book.

The week ahead...

Monday
At work until 1.00 then down to Greenock for a special meeting of the Inverclyde CHCP Sub-Committee at 2.00. Council pre-agenda at 3.30 and a surgery in Boglestone Community Centre at 6.00.
Tuesday
At work until mid afternoon and then down to Greenock for my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive. Hope to attend a Park Farm TARA meeting at 7.00.
Wednesday
At work until mid afternoon then meetings in Greenock at 4.30 and 5.30 of the Administration and Labour Groups respectively.
Thursday
At work all day except for a mid morning visit to the new Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock. In the evening I will be attending a Mass in St John's in Port Glasgow to mark Catholic Education Week.
Friday
A full day at work.

Major investment agreed for Kilmacolm Primary School...

I am pleased to report that the Council agreed major investment in Kilmacolm Primary School at its special meeting on Thursday.

Funding was confirmed for the £280,000 re-roofing project, which is due to commence shortly.

New funding of £295,000 was also agreed for the refurbishment of toilets, new floor finishes and re-decoration.

I am sure that this additional investment will be welcomed by staff, pupils and parents.

Start date agreed for play area extension...

Following a pre-start meeting this week, I am pleased to report that work will commence on the new £25,000 extension to the children's play area in Kilmacolm's West Glen Park on Monday 20 February.

The project should be completed within 2-3 weeks.

This is the fourth major investment in play facilities in the Kilmacolm and Quarrier's Village area during the life of this Council. Previously a new play area was provided at Kilmacolm's Birkmyre Park and significant funding provided for the new community-led play area in Quarrier's Village. A new multi-use games area was also built by the Council in Birkmyre Park.

Artist's impression of the extension to West Glen Park play area

The week ahead...

Monday
No Council commitments today.
Tuesday
Attending a funeral in the morning. In the afternoon I have a meeting with Inverclyde Council on disability at 1.45 and a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee at 3.00. I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive at 4.30 and a meeting with River Clyde Homes at 6.00.
Wednesday
At work until mid afternoon and then travelling to Greenock for meetings of the Administration Group at 4.30 and the Labour Group at 5.30.
Thursday
At work until mid afternoon before picking my kids up from school at 3.00. I have a special meeting of the Council at 4.00 to agree the budget for 2012/13. I have a meeting with the local Chamber of Commerce at 5.00.
Friday
A full day at work today.

Kilmacolm and Quarrier's Monthly Report...

The Council set a two-year budget covering the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2013 last February. Following confirmation of our funding from the Scottish Government we will review the budget for 2012/13 at a special Council meeting on 9 February.

Despite a cut in our funding from the Government, the prudent approach to financial management we have taken in the last few years means that we will not require to make any further service reductions. In fact we will be in a position to allocate additional one-off funding to a number of areas, including road repairs and our flood action plan.

Further down the line however the picture is not as good. Year on year cuts in Scottish Government funding, inflationary pressures and increasing service demands will require the new Council elected in May to take some very tough decisions.

Regular users of the road between Kilmacolm and Bridge Of Weir will be aware of the dangerous conditions caused by surface water. The Council has been working with Renfrewshire Council to address this problem.

In response to complaints, and in order to improve response times in clearing snow from footpaths leading to local schools and around the centre of the village, the Council’s Head of Environmental Services, Ian Moffat, has agreed to locate a mini tractor, snow blower and pedestrian plough within Kilmacolm. The equipment will be operated by a dedicated crew who will have access to a fleet vehicle that will allow them to travel direct to Kilmacolm from home instead of going to the Port Glasgow Depot for instructions. Mr Moffat is also looking at how the gritting of the main footpaths to schools can be improved. 

The Council’s Christmas Trees drop off service at Birkmyre Park proved successful, with 20 trees deposited at the site. These were removed and taken to the depot at Parklea and put through the 'chipper'. The fresh chipped material will be used on the walkways in woodland parks and the decomposed material will be used as mulch on shrub beds and rose beds.

The Council’s Roads Service is proposing to introduce a ‘20s Plenty’ zone around the centre of Kilmacolm, in order to improve pedestrian safety. This will complement the new pedestrian crossing point to be installed on Lochwinnoch Road at the entrance to the main village car park.

Additional car parking spaces are to be provided in the Lochwinnoch Road and Pullman car parks, which should more than compensate for any on-street spaces lost due to the new crossing point. New signage will also be introduced to direct visitors to the three Council-owned car parks in the village.

These works should be carried out within the next few months.

The £25,000 extension to the Council play area at West Glen Park should be carried out this month. Local children were consulted on the design of the extension so I am hoping they will be pleased with the outcome.

Labour Launch Inverclyde local election campaign…

Sarah Boyack MSP (centre) with Labour candidates and supporters

Local Labour Party members gathered in Greenock today to discuss our manifesto for May’s Council elections and to formally launch our campaign.

The keynote speaker at the event was Sarah Boyack MSP, Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government. Speaking after the event, she said:

“I was delighted to visit Inverclyde to support the positive message being spread by our local Labour team. We had a great turn out of party members and supporters for the launch of Labour's campaign for Inverclyde Council.

“When Labour came to power in 2007 they set about turning round a poorly performing council. I was particularly impressed by the strong appetite amongst all our candidates to work hard to continue to improve local services in their local communities and to build on Labour's track record of high quality education services and in creating training opportunities and jobs in partnership with regeneration agencies and the business sector.

I discussed with local party members and supporters the huge pressure Inverclyde services have been put under through the Scottish Government’s underfunding. Although the SNP Government received a 2.7% cut from the Tory Government, they passed on a 6.1% cut to local authorities. This will be a big issue in the local elections in May and there is a lot of anger about it.”

Inverclyde Council Labour Group Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, added:

“The local manifesto we are developing will set out our vision for Inverclyde and our key priorities over the next five years if we form the Administration. As well as consulting with Party members we are keen to hear the views of local residents as it is vital that our manifesto reflects local people’s concerns, priorities and aspirations.

“People can contact us by email at inverclyde.labour@gmail.com or by writing to us at FREEPOST RRBA - YRSH - KXEH, Inverclyde Labour Party, 15 Flatterton Lane, Greenock PA16 0QR.

“Over the next few weeks Party members will be delivering 25,000 newspapers to households across Inverclyde introducing our new look Labour Team for the election. Labour has a very strong team of candidates and we will be fighting for every single vote. I believe that we have an excellent record of delivery to put before local people and the passion to drive Inverclyde forward for another five years.”

‘A strong vision and a strong track record…’

Local Labour Party members will gather in Greenock on Saturday for an important meeting in preparation for May’s Council elections.


Members will participate in a policy forum aimed at developing proposals for inclusion in the Party’s local election manifesto. The event will conclude with the formal launch of Inverclyde Labour Party’s 2012 election campaign.

The keynote speaker at the event will be Sarah Boyack MSP, Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government. Speaking ahead of her visit to Inverclyde Ms Boyack said:

“I am delighted to be visiting Inverclyde to support the positive message being spread by our local Labour team.

“We have a great group of candidates in the area and I believe we have a great offer for the people of Inverclyde. We are setting out a strong vision on the issues that matter like tackling unemployment, protecting vital public services and regenerating communities. Labour led Inverclyde Council have a particularly strong track record on educational attainment and securing positive destinations for school leavers so I’ll be keen to talk to council candidates about their plans for the future.

“The SNP have placed the burden of meeting the Conservative Government’s cuts on the shoulders of councils, turning a 2.7% cut to their overall budget into a 6.1% cut for councils. This was a missed opportunity to help people through the recession and will place significant strain on the ability of councils to deliver services to the public.

“The focus must be on making the best use of local taxpayers’ money to provide services that people can rely upon. That is the case Labour will be making and is why Labour will be working hard in the lead up to the Council elections and beyond to win people’s support on May 3rd.”

Inverclyde Council Labour Group Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, added:

“The local manifesto we are developing will set out our vision for Inverclyde and our key priorities over the next five years if we form the Administration. As well as consulting with Party members we are keen to hear the views of local residents as it is vital that our manifesto reflects local people’s concerns, priorities and aspirations.

“People can contact us by email at inverclyde.labour@gmail.com or by writing to us at FREEPOST RRBA - YRSH - KXEH, Inverclyde Labour Party, 15 Flatterton Lane, Greenock PA16 0QR.

“Over the next few weeks Party members will be delivering 25,000 newspapers to households across Inverclyde introducing our new look Labour Team for the election. Labour has a very strong team of candidates and we will be fighting for every single vote. I believe that we have an excellent record of delivery to put before local people and the passion to drive Inverclyde forward for another five years.”

Sarah Boyack MSP