Monday
In the morning I am attending an event at the City Chambers in Glasgow. In the afternoon I have a meeting with officers to discuss the implications for the Council of the Scottish Government's draft budget for 2016/17.
Tuesday
In the morning I am participating in interviews at River Clyde Homes. In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by an all Members' briefing on the Council's budget situation.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I am meeting with other Clyde Valley Council Leaders in Glasgow to discuss the funding cuts announced by John Swinney and agree any joint action. I will then be returning to Inverclyde for the last Labour Group meeting of the year.
Thursday
No Council commitments at this time.
Friday
Christmas Day.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Monday, 14 December 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board and in the evening attending a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group.
Tuesday
In the morning I will be in Glasgow for a meeting of the Glasgow & Clyde Valley City Deal Cabinet.
Wednesday
In the morning I will be opening a corporate parenting event at the Beacon Arts Centre before heading to Edinburgh for a special COSLA Leaders meeting to discuss the local government finance settlement.
Thursday
In the morning I have a meeting at River Clyde Homes and in the afternoon a meeting of the Riverside Inverclyde Board. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
In the morning I will be attending the Kilmacolm Primary School Christmas Service.
In the afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board and in the evening attending a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group.
Tuesday
In the morning I will be in Glasgow for a meeting of the Glasgow & Clyde Valley City Deal Cabinet.
Wednesday
In the morning I will be opening a corporate parenting event at the Beacon Arts Centre before heading to Edinburgh for a special COSLA Leaders meeting to discuss the local government finance settlement.
Thursday
In the morning I have a meeting at River Clyde Homes and in the afternoon a meeting of the Riverside Inverclyde Board. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
In the morning I will be attending the Kilmacolm Primary School Christmas Service.
Sunday, 6 December 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the late afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Council's Members' Budget Working Group. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I will be attending the Christmas Concert and Nativity at Kilmacolm Primary School. In the evening I have a surgery in Boglestone Community Centre.
Wednesday
In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
In the afternoon I will be attending the Craigmarloch School Christmas Concert followed by my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive; a members' briefing; and a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group.
Friday
In the afternoon I will be attending the Christmas Concert at St John's Primary School.
In the late afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Council's Members' Budget Working Group. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I will be attending the Christmas Concert and Nativity at Kilmacolm Primary School. In the evening I have a surgery in Boglestone Community Centre.
Wednesday
In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
In the afternoon I will be attending the Craigmarloch School Christmas Concert followed by my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive; a members' briefing; and a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group.
Friday
In the afternoon I will be attending the Christmas Concert at St John's Primary School.
Monday, 30 November 2015
Kilmacolm and Quarrier's Village Report...
This
year’s Christmas lights switch ons will take place on Friday 4 December. The
event in Quarrier’s Village will begin at 4.00 p.m. with the Quarrier’s Voices
Choir leading the community signing. There will be refreshments in Carsemeadow
afterwards. The Kilmacolm event will take place in the community centre at 6.00
p.m. with Kilmacolm Primary School choir performing. Again there will be
refreshments after the lights are switched on.
The
Council’s annual budget consultation is now underway. Details of how you can
respond can be found on the Council’s website www.inverclyde.gov.uk. There is
also a public meeting in Kilmacolm Community Centre on the evening of Tuesday 1
December at 7.00p.m. One of the options being considered for closing the Council’s budget
gap is a 3% increase in the Council Tax for the year beginning 1 April 2017.
The last time the Council Tax was increased in Inverclyde was on 1 April 2006.
A 3% increase would raise £750,000 and add 69 pence a week to the charge for a
band ‘D’ property.
Meanwhile the Council is consulting
on a revised traffic regulation order (TRO) for the village centre, which will
provide 2 hour waiting with no return within 30 minutes. This arrangement would
operate Monday to Friday rather than the current 30 minute waiting Monday to
Saturday. Subject to there being no objections, this new TRO is likely to be
effective from May 2016.
Work has started on the £4.3m refurbishment of Kilmacolm Primary School. The school is currently in decant accommodation at the former St Stephen's High School in Port Glasgow. The refurbishment is due to be completed by October 2016.
Port Glasgow Regeneration Update...
I attended a meeting of the Port Glasgow
Regeneration Forum today, which has been established to oversee the
regeneration of Port Glasgow Town Centre.
There were a number of reports on the agenda.
Riverside Inverclyde staff provided an update
on projects they are leading on. They reported on the completion of the new car
park on the site of the former social work offices at Newark House on 25
September. The car park is now available for use by tenants and visitors to Scarlow
House Business Centre.
Design work on the new western entrance
sculpture – “Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow” by John McKenna - is progressing.
The aim is to have the sculpture installed by March 2017.
A planning application is due to be submitted
next week for the new spur road off the ‘Tesco’ roundabout and associated
public realm works. All going to plan, tenders will be invited by the end of
February with work starting later in the year.
A decision on RI’s bid for Regeneration
Capital Grant Funding from the Scottish Government for improvements to the
‘lower town centre quarter’ off Princes Street has been delayed until February
as the Finance Secretary John Swinney is reviewing his budget priorities.
A bid
to the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Communities Capital Fund for new
entrance signage was unsuccessful. RI is exploring alternative funding sources
for this work.
Work should start in January on a project to
light up Port Glasgow’s historic town buildings, which house the town’s public
library, at a cost of £80,000.
RI is working with the Council to produce a
database of all commercial properties within the town centre to assist with
enquiries from people interested in establishing a new business.
A report was received from the Council’s
Business Development Team on the work they are doing to support businesses in
the town centre. They have recently awarded grants to two local businesses and
are working on grants to a further ten.
The Council’s Corporate Director of
Environment & Regeneration, Aubrey Fawcett, reported that the Council’s
Policy & Resources Committee had recently approved funding of £1m towards
the refurbishment of the listed King George VI Building in King Street, which
was once Port Glasgow’s town hall.
Willie Rennie, the Council’s Environmental
Services Manager, provided an update on recent and planned investment in
Coronation Park.
The new public slipway is currently at the
design stage with tenders due to be invited soon. The project should be
completed by March 2016.
New quayside fencing is due to be installed
in the new year as are new park benches and litter bins.
The extension of the cycle path through the
park to Newark Park is due to start soon, with work to be completed by spring
2016.
Representatives from ScotRail provided a
report on their recent walkabout at Port Glasgow station with community
representatives. They are exploring how access to both platforms can be
improved for people with disabilities. They are also looking at how the former
taxi office at the entrance to the station can be put to good use for the
benefit of community. The Forum welcomed
the recent painting works at the station.
Finally John Morgan, Business Development
Director of Ferguson Marine, made a presentation on his company’s exciting plans
for the redevelopment and expansion of the shipyard. The Forum was very
impressed by the proposals and in particular the company’s plans to hire 30
apprentices each year over the next five years.
As you can see there is a lot happening in
Port Glasgow.
Work has also started on the second phase of
the £40m Port Glasgow Retail Park. This is due for completion by August 2016.
2016 promises to be an exciting year for the
Port.
The next meeting of the Forum is scheduled
for 29 February 2016.
Sunday, 29 November 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the afternoon I have a meeting of the Port Glasgow Town Centre Regeneration Forum.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have a Members' briefing on the new Petitions Committee and a meeting with Greenock Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have a meeting on the City Deal, my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I am attending the Christmas lights switch on at Port Glasgow and the Schools' Concert in Greenock Town Hall.
Thursday
In the afternoon I have a full Council meeting and in the evening a meeting of Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board.
Friday
In the evening I am attending the Christmas lights switch on in Kilmacolm.
In the afternoon I have a meeting of the Port Glasgow Town Centre Regeneration Forum.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have a Members' briefing on the new Petitions Committee and a meeting with Greenock Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have a meeting on the City Deal, my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I am attending the Christmas lights switch on at Port Glasgow and the Schools' Concert in Greenock Town Hall.
Thursday
In the afternoon I have a full Council meeting and in the evening a meeting of Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board.
Friday
In the evening I am attending the Christmas lights switch on in Kilmacolm.
Friday, 27 November 2015
COSLA Motion on Council Funding Cuts...
The following motion was unanimously agreed by Council Leaders at a meeting at COSLA today:
"With respect to the Local Government Settlement of
2016/17, Leaders agree that:
1) The level of gap in the Local Government Settlement currently advised to
Local Government by Scottish Government is unacceptable. The Deputy First Minister must do all that he
can to close the gap.
2)
Dialogue with Scottish Government should continue
to explore the terms of any settlement and the steps which may be taken by
Scottish Government and local government to attenuate the severe funding
pressures to which Councils are subject, noting Scottish Government's account
of its funding pressures.
3)
Local Government reaffirms its demand for a
sanction free settlement which includes the removal of the council tax freeze
and teacher numbers."
Sunday, 22 November 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the morning I have the Inverclyde Council pre-agenda.
Tuesday
In the evening I have a surgery at Kilmacolm Community Centre followed by the choice between Kilmacolm Community Council and Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive; the Inverclyde Alliance Pre-agenda; and a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I hope to attend the Duke of Edinburgh awards ceremony in Greenock Town Hall.
Thursday
I am through in Edinburgh at the Scottish Parliament for a protest about local government funding cuts.
Friday
Back to Edinburgh for the COSLA Leaders' Meeting.
In the morning I have the Inverclyde Council pre-agenda.
Tuesday
In the evening I have a surgery at Kilmacolm Community Centre followed by the choice between Kilmacolm Community Council and Park Farm Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive; the Inverclyde Alliance Pre-agenda; and a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I hope to attend the Duke of Edinburgh awards ceremony in Greenock Town Hall.
Thursday
I am through in Edinburgh at the Scottish Parliament for a protest about local government funding cuts.
Friday
Back to Edinburgh for the COSLA Leaders' Meeting.
Sunday, 15 November 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the evening I have a surgery in St Francis' Primary School followed by a meeting of the school's parent council. I will then be paying a visit to the Port Glasgow I-Youth Zone.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have a members' briefing on attainment followed by a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I am attending the Police Divisional Awards at Johnstone Town Hall.
Thursday
In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
In the morning I will be attending an information event at Greenock Fire Station. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Renfrewshire North & West Constituency Labour Party.
Saturday
I will be attending the Scottish Labour Councillors' Conference in Stirling.
In the evening I have a surgery in St Francis' Primary School followed by a meeting of the school's parent council. I will then be paying a visit to the Port Glasgow I-Youth Zone.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have a members' briefing on attainment followed by a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I am attending the Police Divisional Awards at Johnstone Town Hall.
Thursday
In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
In the morning I will be attending an information event at Greenock Fire Station. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Renfrewshire North & West Constituency Labour Party.
Saturday
I will be attending the Scottish Labour Councillors' Conference in Stirling.
Sunday, 8 November 2015
Living Wage boost for Council employees...
At the Policy and Resources Committee next Tuesday (17 November) I will be proposing that the Council implements the new Living Wage Foundation rate of £8.25 an hour with immediate effect, backdated to the date the new rate was announced on 2 November.
This will mean an increase of 28p an hour or 3.5% for around 680 Council employees across a range of services including cleaning and catering staff, school crossing patrollers, cctv operators and clerical workers. The full-time equivalent salary for a 37 hour week for those on the Living Wage will be £15,873. The majority of those who will benefit are however part-time and term-time employees.
The Council currently pays the Scottish Local Government Living Wage rate of £7.97 an hour, which is based on the 2014 Living Wage Foundation rate (£7.85) plus 1.5%. As part of a national two-year pay agreement the Scottish Local Government Living Wage rate will increase to £8.33 (£8.25 plus 1%) on 1 April 2016.
The additional cost to the Council of increasing the Inverclyde Living Wage to £8.25 in advance of the planned increase on 1 April 2016 will be around £70,000.
The Labour Administration is keen that our lowest paid workers receive the new Living Wage Foundation rate at the earliest opportunity, which is why we are making this proposal. I am confident we will receive cross-party support for it.
This will mean an increase of 28p an hour or 3.5% for around 680 Council employees across a range of services including cleaning and catering staff, school crossing patrollers, cctv operators and clerical workers. The full-time equivalent salary for a 37 hour week for those on the Living Wage will be £15,873. The majority of those who will benefit are however part-time and term-time employees.
The Council currently pays the Scottish Local Government Living Wage rate of £7.97 an hour, which is based on the 2014 Living Wage Foundation rate (£7.85) plus 1.5%. As part of a national two-year pay agreement the Scottish Local Government Living Wage rate will increase to £8.33 (£8.25 plus 1%) on 1 April 2016.
The additional cost to the Council of increasing the Inverclyde Living Wage to £8.25 in advance of the planned increase on 1 April 2016 will be around £70,000.
The Labour Administration is keen that our lowest paid workers receive the new Living Wage Foundation rate at the earliest opportunity, which is why we are making this proposal. I am confident we will receive cross-party support for it.
The week ahead...
Monday
In the morning I am hoping to attend the opening of the new River Clyde Homes public office in Clyde Square, Greenock. In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Members' Budget Working Group. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have a meeting with a PhD student prior to a meeting of the Inverclyde Integrated Joint Board for Health and Social Care.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
No Council commitments at this time.
Friday
I am due to attend a meeting at COSLA in Edinburgh in the afternoon.
In the morning I am hoping to attend the opening of the new River Clyde Homes public office in Clyde Square, Greenock. In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Members' Budget Working Group. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have a meeting with a PhD student prior to a meeting of the Inverclyde Integrated Joint Board for Health and Social Care.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
No Council commitments at this time.
Friday
I am due to attend a meeting at COSLA in Edinburgh in the afternoon.
Sunday, 1 November 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the evening I have a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have the Policy & Resources pre-agenda, a members' briefing and a meeting of the Education & Communities Committee. In the evening I have a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Board.
Wednesday
In the morning I am meeting with Council trades union representatives to discuss budget savings. In the afternoon I have members' training, my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I have a meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
In the morning I have a meeting with the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, to discuss a number of issues.
Friday
In the morning I am due to attend a UNICEF event at Newark Primary School. In the afternoon I have a meeting with officers and a meeting of the Members' Budget Working Group.
Sunday
In the morning I will be attending Remembrance Sunday services in Port Glasgow.
In the evening I have a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have the Policy & Resources pre-agenda, a members' briefing and a meeting of the Education & Communities Committee. In the evening I have a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Board.
Wednesday
In the morning I am meeting with Council trades union representatives to discuss budget savings. In the afternoon I have members' training, my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I have a meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
In the morning I have a meeting with the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, to discuss a number of issues.
Friday
In the morning I am due to attend a UNICEF event at Newark Primary School. In the afternoon I have a meeting with officers and a meeting of the Members' Budget Working Group.
Sunday
In the morning I will be attending Remembrance Sunday services in Port Glasgow.
Thursday, 29 October 2015
Positive news for ward 1...
Lots of positive news for Ward 1 at today's Environment & Regeneration Committee.
Consultants are currently designing flood prevention schemes for Glenmosston Burn and Port Glasgow Road in Kilmacolm and Gotter Water in Quarrier's Village. The designs should be completed by December.
Work is also progressing on the design of a 20mph zone for the Broadfield estate in Port Glasgow. Once the design is complete there will be consultation with local residents and other interested parties. If the £60,000 scheme gets the go ahead work will be carried out during financial year 2016/17.
Youngsters in the Kelburn estate in Port Glasgow will be delighted to hear that the Committee approved a £50,000 contribution towards the cost of a new play area for the estate in partnership with River Clyde Homes. This is something the Kelburn Action Group have been campaigning for for some time.
Residents in Quarrier's Village, Kilmacolm and the Port Glasgow part of Ward 1 are also set to benefit from an £800,000 investment by the Council in improved street lighting with over 300 lanterns to be replaced in these areas with more energy efficient ones producing white lighting lighting.
Consultants are currently designing flood prevention schemes for Glenmosston Burn and Port Glasgow Road in Kilmacolm and Gotter Water in Quarrier's Village. The designs should be completed by December.
Work is also progressing on the design of a 20mph zone for the Broadfield estate in Port Glasgow. Once the design is complete there will be consultation with local residents and other interested parties. If the £60,000 scheme gets the go ahead work will be carried out during financial year 2016/17.
Youngsters in the Kelburn estate in Port Glasgow will be delighted to hear that the Committee approved a £50,000 contribution towards the cost of a new play area for the estate in partnership with River Clyde Homes. This is something the Kelburn Action Group have been campaigning for for some time.
Residents in Quarrier's Village, Kilmacolm and the Port Glasgow part of Ward 1 are also set to benefit from an £800,000 investment by the Council in improved street lighting with over 300 lanterns to be replaced in these areas with more energy efficient ones producing white lighting lighting.
Sunday, 25 October 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
At lunch time I will be dropping into the WOOPI! Do for All event in Greenock Town Hall followed by an early afternoon photocall to show my support for the Shelter Scotland Make Rent Right campaign. In the evening I will be attending a meeting to discuss the future of the two Port Glasgow Community Councils following insufficient nominations to allow them to be formally established.
Tuesday
In the morning I am paying a visit to the Crown Care Day Centre in Greenock. In the evening I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre followed by a meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council.
Wednesday
In the morning I am due to visit a constituent. In late afternoon I am attending a meeting in Glasgow with Mark Whitworth, Chief Executive of Peel Ports, to discuss the future use of the Inchgreen Drydock.
Thursday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by a meeting of the Environment & Regeneration Committee. In the evening I will be attending meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
Through in Edinburgh at COSLA for meetings most of the day.
Saturday
In the morning I am attending the opening of the Garden of Remembrance in Greenock's Clyde Square.
At lunch time I will be dropping into the WOOPI! Do for All event in Greenock Town Hall followed by an early afternoon photocall to show my support for the Shelter Scotland Make Rent Right campaign. In the evening I will be attending a meeting to discuss the future of the two Port Glasgow Community Councils following insufficient nominations to allow them to be formally established.
Tuesday
In the morning I am paying a visit to the Crown Care Day Centre in Greenock. In the evening I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre followed by a meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council.
Wednesday
In the morning I am due to visit a constituent. In late afternoon I am attending a meeting in Glasgow with Mark Whitworth, Chief Executive of Peel Ports, to discuss the future use of the Inchgreen Drydock.
Thursday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by a meeting of the Environment & Regeneration Committee. In the evening I will be attending meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
Through in Edinburgh at COSLA for meetings most of the day.
Saturday
In the morning I am attending the opening of the Garden of Remembrance in Greenock's Clyde Square.
Sunday, 18 October 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the morning I have a meeting regarding the Chief Executive's mid near appraisal review followed by my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive.
Tuesday
In the morning I have a meeting of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Cabinet where two of Inverclyde's three major infrastructure projects - Inverkip road infrastructure improvements and the extension of Greenock's Ocean Terminal - are up for approval of their strategic business cases. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Audit & Finance Committee.
Wednesday
In the morning I have the Chief Executive's mid year appraisal review. In the afternoon I am through in Edinburgh for a meeting at COSLA. In the evening I hope to attend the Queen's Award reception for Inverclyde Elderly Forum and Port Glasgow Victoria Boxing Club.
Thursday
In the afternoon I have two members' briefing sessions followed by a meeting of the Health & Social Care Committee. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
In the morning I have a meeting regarding the Chief Executive's mid near appraisal review followed by my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive.
Tuesday
In the morning I have a meeting of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Cabinet where two of Inverclyde's three major infrastructure projects - Inverkip road infrastructure improvements and the extension of Greenock's Ocean Terminal - are up for approval of their strategic business cases. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Audit & Finance Committee.
Wednesday
In the morning I have the Chief Executive's mid year appraisal review. In the afternoon I am through in Edinburgh for a meeting at COSLA. In the evening I hope to attend the Queen's Award reception for Inverclyde Elderly Forum and Port Glasgow Victoria Boxing Club.
Thursday
In the afternoon I have two members' briefing sessions followed by a meeting of the Health & Social Care Committee. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
Sunday, 4 October 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
I have a morning meeting with RBS organised by Kilmacolm Community Council to discuss the proposed closure of the bank's branch in Kilmacolm. In the afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board. In the early evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Council's cross-party Members' Budget Working Group.
Tuesday
I have a lunchtime meeting with the Chief Executive followed by the official re-opening of Ardgowan Primary School. Later in the afternoon I have another meeting of the Members' Budget Working Group. In the evening I have a surgery in St Francis' Primary School followed by a meeting of Kilmacolm Primary School Parent Partnership.
Wednesday
In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I will be attending Garden Fest 2015 in Greenock Town Hall.
Thursday
In the morning I am attending the launch of Kilmacolm Primary School's new house system. In the afternoon I have a meeting at River Clyde Homes, a members' briefing, the Police & Fire Scrutiny Sub-Committee and the full Council.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
I have a morning meeting with RBS organised by Kilmacolm Community Council to discuss the proposed closure of the bank's branch in Kilmacolm. In the afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board. In the early evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Council's cross-party Members' Budget Working Group.
Tuesday
I have a lunchtime meeting with the Chief Executive followed by the official re-opening of Ardgowan Primary School. Later in the afternoon I have another meeting of the Members' Budget Working Group. In the evening I have a surgery in St Francis' Primary School followed by a meeting of Kilmacolm Primary School Parent Partnership.
Wednesday
In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group. In the evening I will be attending Garden Fest 2015 in Greenock Town Hall.
Thursday
In the morning I am attending the launch of Kilmacolm Primary School's new house system. In the afternoon I have a meeting at River Clyde Homes, a members' briefing, the Police & Fire Scrutiny Sub-Committee and the full Council.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
Sunday, 27 September 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the morning I have the Inverclyde Council pre-agenda.
Tuesday
In the late afternoon I have a meeting with Greenock Chamber of Commerce followed by the annual general meeting of River Clyde Homes. I hope to attend either the Park Farm TARA or Kilmacolm Community Council if time permits.
Wednesday
I am through in Edinburgh at COSLA for a meeting in the morning. In late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
In the early afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by a Policy & Resources Executive Sub-Committee.
Friday
I have an afternoon meeting provisionally in the diary but it yet to be confirmed.
In the morning I have the Inverclyde Council pre-agenda.
Tuesday
In the late afternoon I have a meeting with Greenock Chamber of Commerce followed by the annual general meeting of River Clyde Homes. I hope to attend either the Park Farm TARA or Kilmacolm Community Council if time permits.
Wednesday
I am through in Edinburgh at COSLA for a meeting in the morning. In late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
In the early afternoon I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed by a Policy & Resources Executive Sub-Committee.
Friday
I have an afternoon meeting provisionally in the diary but it yet to be confirmed.
Sunday, 20 September 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the morning I am attending a meeting organised by Duncan McNeil MSP with Ferguson Marine. In the evening I am attending meetings of the Woodhall Task Group and the joint Port Glasgow Community Councils.
Tuesday
I have a busy afternoon with two members' briefings and a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee. In the evening I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre.
Wednesday
In the morning I am attending a meeting at River Clyde Homes with Slaemuir TARA representatives followed by a meeting of the Council's Strategic Leadership Forum. In the afternoon I have a meeting with officers and my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive. This is followed by a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
In the evening I am attending the AGM of St Michael's Primary School Parent Council followed by the St Stephen's High School Awards Ceremony.
Friday
I will be through in Edinburgh most of the day for the COSLA Leaders' Meeting.
In the morning I am attending a meeting organised by Duncan McNeil MSP with Ferguson Marine. In the evening I am attending meetings of the Woodhall Task Group and the joint Port Glasgow Community Councils.
Tuesday
I have a busy afternoon with two members' briefings and a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee. In the evening I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre.
Wednesday
In the morning I am attending a meeting at River Clyde Homes with Slaemuir TARA representatives followed by a meeting of the Council's Strategic Leadership Forum. In the afternoon I have a meeting with officers and my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive. This is followed by a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
In the evening I am attending the AGM of St Michael's Primary School Parent Council followed by the St Stephen's High School Awards Ceremony.
Friday
I will be through in Edinburgh most of the day for the COSLA Leaders' Meeting.
Sunday, 13 September 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
At lunchtime I have a meeting with Labour MSP Mary Fee and in the late afternoon a meeting of the Council's Members' Budget Working Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of St Francis' Primary School Parent Council.
Tuesday
In the morning I will be attending the funeral of local Labour Party legend Mary (McEwan) Thomas. In the early afternoon I have a meeting with Fraser Donaldson of Inverclyde Foodbank. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the River Clyde Homes' Board.
Wednesday
In the early afternoon I will be attending the Veterans' Roadshow in Paisley Town Hall. Later in the afternoon I have the Inverclyde Alliance Board Pre-agenda and my weekly meetings with the Chief Executive and Labour Group.
Thursday
In the morning I am meeting with an official from COSLA and in the afternoon I have a meeting of the Riverside Inverclyde Board. In the evening I am attending the the Port Glasgow High School Awards' Ceremony.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
At lunchtime I have a meeting with Labour MSP Mary Fee and in the late afternoon a meeting of the Council's Members' Budget Working Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of St Francis' Primary School Parent Council.
Tuesday
In the morning I will be attending the funeral of local Labour Party legend Mary (McEwan) Thomas. In the early afternoon I have a meeting with Fraser Donaldson of Inverclyde Foodbank. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the River Clyde Homes' Board.
Wednesday
In the early afternoon I will be attending the Veterans' Roadshow in Paisley Town Hall. Later in the afternoon I have the Inverclyde Alliance Board Pre-agenda and my weekly meetings with the Chief Executive and Labour Group.
Thursday
In the morning I am meeting with an official from COSLA and in the afternoon I have a meeting of the Riverside Inverclyde Board. In the evening I am attending the the Port Glasgow High School Awards' Ceremony.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
Sunday, 6 September 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the afternoon I have a meeting of the Port Glasgow Regeneration Forum. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have the Policy & Resources Pre-agenda and a meeting of the Education & Communities Committee. In the evening I have a surgery in Boglestone Community Centre.
Wednesday
In the morning I have a meeting with the Corporate Director for the Health & Social Care regarding a constituent. In the afternoon I have meetings with the Chief Executive and Labour Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
No Council commitments at this time.
Friday
In the morning I have a meeting with Audit Scotland.
In the afternoon I have a meeting of the Port Glasgow Regeneration Forum. In the evening I will be chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I have the Policy & Resources Pre-agenda and a meeting of the Education & Communities Committee. In the evening I have a surgery in Boglestone Community Centre.
Wednesday
In the morning I have a meeting with the Corporate Director for the Health & Social Care regarding a constituent. In the afternoon I have meetings with the Chief Executive and Labour Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Newark Primary School Parent Council.
Thursday
No Council commitments at this time.
Friday
In the morning I have a meeting with Audit Scotland.
Thursday, 3 September 2015
Inverclyde stands ready to assist...
Who could fail to be moved by the refugee crisis engulfing Europe at present and in particular the shocking pictures on our television screens and in our national newspapers?
I have been approached by both the Leader of Scottish Labour, Kezia Dugdale MSP, and Yvette Cooper MP, the Shadow Home Secretary, to see if my Council could assist with a Scottish and UK wide response to this crisis and I have indicated that Inverclyde stands ready to assist in anyway we can.
I will be discussing this matter in detail with officers next week. In the meantime I have asked the Chief Executive to contact the Scottish Government to indicate our willingness to assist in any government response to this crisis.
Contrary to press reports, I have not been invited to the summit called by the First Minister for tomorrow. I can only assume the reference to Council Leaders in her statement to parliament was meant to mean representatives of COLSA. I have asked the Council's Chief Executive to clarify this matter with the First Minister's Office.
I have been approached by both the Leader of Scottish Labour, Kezia Dugdale MSP, and Yvette Cooper MP, the Shadow Home Secretary, to see if my Council could assist with a Scottish and UK wide response to this crisis and I have indicated that Inverclyde stands ready to assist in anyway we can.
I will be discussing this matter in detail with officers next week. In the meantime I have asked the Chief Executive to contact the Scottish Government to indicate our willingness to assist in any government response to this crisis.
Contrary to press reports, I have not been invited to the summit called by the First Minister for tomorrow. I can only assume the reference to Council Leaders in her statement to parliament was meant to mean representatives of COLSA. I have asked the Council's Chief Executive to clarify this matter with the First Minister's Office.
Sunday, 30 August 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the morning I am visiting Capplielow Park to hear about Morton's community work from Warren Hawke. In the evening I am attending the annual general meetings of Port Glasgow East and Port Glasgow West community councils.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I am attending a meeting of the Council's Health and Social Care Committee.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meetings with the Chief Executive and Labour Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board.
Thursday
In the morning I am visiting a constituent at home. In the afternoon I have a members' briefing on employability followed by a meeting of the Environment & Regeneration Committee.
Friday
I am through at COSLA in Edinburgh most of the day for meetings.
In the morning I am visiting Capplielow Park to hear about Morton's community work from Warren Hawke. In the evening I am attending the annual general meetings of Port Glasgow East and Port Glasgow West community councils.
Tuesday
In the afternoon I am attending a meeting of the Council's Health and Social Care Committee.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meetings with the Chief Executive and Labour Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board.
Thursday
In the morning I am visiting a constituent at home. In the afternoon I have a members' briefing on employability followed by a meeting of the Environment & Regeneration Committee.
Friday
I am through at COSLA in Edinburgh most of the day for meetings.
Sunday, 23 August 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the morning I have a meeting with an environmental training organisation to find out about their work. In the early evening I will be going on a walkabout with the Woodhall Task Group followed by a meeting of the group.
Tuesday
In the morning I am meeting with the new Head Teacher of Kilmacolm Primary School. In the afternoon I have a Members' briefing on capital projects. In the evening I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre.
Wednesday
In the morning I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and and at lunchtime I will be signing our new partnership agreement with the Council's trade unions. In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
In the morning I have an interview with Inverclyde Radio.
Friday
I am in Edinburgh for the COSLA Leaders' Meeting followed by a meeting of Scottish Labour's Local Government Committee. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Greenock & Inverclyde CLP.
Saturday
I will be in Stirling to attend Labour's Scottish Executive Committee and Policy Forum.
In the morning I have a meeting with an environmental training organisation to find out about their work. In the early evening I will be going on a walkabout with the Woodhall Task Group followed by a meeting of the group.
Tuesday
In the morning I am meeting with the new Head Teacher of Kilmacolm Primary School. In the afternoon I have a Members' briefing on capital projects. In the evening I have a surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre.
Wednesday
In the morning I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive and and at lunchtime I will be signing our new partnership agreement with the Council's trade unions. In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
In the morning I have an interview with Inverclyde Radio.
Friday
I am in Edinburgh for the COSLA Leaders' Meeting followed by a meeting of Scottish Labour's Local Government Committee. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of Greenock & Inverclyde CLP.
Saturday
I will be in Stirling to attend Labour's Scottish Executive Committee and Policy Forum.
Saturday, 22 August 2015
Demolition of a Kilmacolm landmark...
Work re-commenced today on the demolition of the Kilmacolm Institute - comprising of two vacant shop units and the former village community centre - to pave the way for the construction of a new three-storey development with two ground floor shops units and 13 flats on the upper floors. Ten basement car parking spaces will also be provided. The development was granted planning permission in June 2014.
It is intended that existing Co-operative Food store in the village will relocate to the larger of the two units.
The Kilmacolm Institute was sold by the Council to a developer to help fund the new village community centre and library and its redevelopment should enhance the amenity of the village centre. The expanded food store will be welcomed by villagers as the size of the existing Co-op store restricts the range of products on offer.
Many people will be sad to see the demolition of the Institute given its long history as a focal point in the village. However the conversion of the building was not considered to be economically variable.
It is intended that existing Co-operative Food store in the village will relocate to the larger of the two units.
The Kilmacolm Institute was sold by the Council to a developer to help fund the new village community centre and library and its redevelopment should enhance the amenity of the village centre. The expanded food store will be welcomed by villagers as the size of the existing Co-op store restricts the range of products on offer.
Many people will be sad to see the demolition of the Institute given its long history as a focal point in the village. However the conversion of the building was not considered to be economically variable.
Residents can take comfort from the fact that the sale of the Institute has helped secure the long-term future of the former village primary school and school board buildings across the road at the Cargill Centre.
Extra roads investment...
At the Council's Environment & Regeneration Committee on 3 September Members will be asked to approve an additional £1.4m of investment in the current financial year in carriageways and footways, bringing total planned investment to over £5.4m. This is part of the Council's £29m five-year investment programme on our roads assets.
I am pleased that some of the extra investment this year will be in Ward 1:
Carriageway Resurfacing/Reconstruction
A761, Kilmacolm (Auchenbothie Road to Woodrow Avenue)
Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (Houston Road to Gryffe Craig)
Footways
Churchill Road, Kilmacolm (full length)
A761 Kilmacolm Road, Port Glasgow (Boglestone Roundabout to second lay-by)
Auchenbothie Road, Port Glasgow (rural section to West Barmoss Avenue)
Dougliehill Terrace, Port Glasgow (full length)
I am pleased that some of the extra investment this year will be in Ward 1:
Carriageway Resurfacing/Reconstruction
A761, Kilmacolm (Auchenbothie Road to Woodrow Avenue)
Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (Houston Road to Gryffe Craig)
Footways
Churchill Road, Kilmacolm (full length)
A761 Kilmacolm Road, Port Glasgow (Boglestone Roundabout to second lay-by)
Auchenbothie Road, Port Glasgow (rural section to West Barmoss Avenue)
Dougliehill Terrace, Port Glasgow (full length)
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
Devolution should not stop at Holyrood...
There has been speculation for some time now
that I was considering seeking selection as a candidate for the Scottish
Parliament, either for the Greenock and Inverclyde Constituency or for the West
of Scotland Region.
I am today bringing that speculation to an
end by announcing I will not be seeking selection for the Scottish Parliament.
It is common knowledge I am on the Labour
Party’s list of approved candidates for the Scottish Parliament. At the time I
applied I was simply looking to keep my options open.
My principle motivation in seeking public
office has always been to serve the people of Inverclyde and play my part in
making Inverclyde a better place. I have long been of the opinion I can make a
greater contribution to that cause by being a local councillor rather than a
member of parliament, whether that be at Westminster or Holyrood. The many
tangible improvements made since I became Council Leader in 2007 stand
testament to this.
It is my intention therefore to serve out the
remainder of my term in office as a Councillor. There is still much I want to
achieve in that period and many important decisions still to be taken that I
want to influence.
I also want to play a role at a national
level through COSLA in lobbying for more powers and financial freedom for local
government following on from the devolution of additional powers from the UK
Parliament to the Scottish Parliament.
Devolution should not stop at Holyrood. In
many cases democratically elected local councillors are better placed to make
the right decisions for their communities than civil servants or government
appointees.
I have made no decision on whether or not I
will seek re-selection by my Party for the 2017 Council elections. That is a
decision I will make when the Party asks me to.
Sunday, 16 August 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
Most of my day will be taken up by chairing the Appointment Panel for the post of Corporate Director Education, Communities and Organisational Development.
Tuesday
In the morning I have a meeting of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Cabinet in Glasgow and in late afternoon a meeting of the Central Gourock Redevelopment Working Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Board.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meetings with the Council's Chief Executive and the Labour Group.
Thursday
In the morning I hope to attend the annual general meeting of Your Voice and in the afternoon a members' briefing on renewable energy.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
Most of my day will be taken up by chairing the Appointment Panel for the post of Corporate Director Education, Communities and Organisational Development.
Tuesday
In the morning I have a meeting of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Cabinet in Glasgow and in late afternoon a meeting of the Central Gourock Redevelopment Working Group. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the River Clyde Homes Board.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meetings with the Council's Chief Executive and the Labour Group.
Thursday
In the morning I hope to attend the annual general meeting of Your Voice and in the afternoon a members' briefing on renewable energy.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
Sunday, 9 August 2015
The week ahead...
With thee summer recess now over the week ahead is a bit busier:
Monday
In the afternoon I have a members' briefing on pension scheme changes for employees followed by a first meeting of the new Integrated Joint Board for health and social care services. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group.
Tuesday
In the morning I will be walking the Oronsay estate in Port Glasgow with River Clyde Homes officials and my colleague James McColgan to discuss estate management issues. In the afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Council's Policy & Resources Committee. In the evening I have a surgery in Clune Park Resource Centre.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meetings with the Chief Executive and the Labour Group.
Thursday
I am hoping to get along to the Parklea Branching Out summer event in the morning and the Cloch Housing Association summer gala in the afternoon.
Friday
In the evening I am attending the annual Recruit gala dinner and awards ceremony.
Monday
In the afternoon I have a members' briefing on pension scheme changes for employees followed by a first meeting of the new Integrated Joint Board for health and social care services. In the evening I will be attending a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group.
Tuesday
In the morning I will be walking the Oronsay estate in Port Glasgow with River Clyde Homes officials and my colleague James McColgan to discuss estate management issues. In the afternoon I will be chairing a meeting of the Council's Policy & Resources Committee. In the evening I have a surgery in Clune Park Resource Centre.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have my weekly meetings with the Chief Executive and the Labour Group.
Thursday
I am hoping to get along to the Parklea Branching Out summer event in the morning and the Cloch Housing Association summer gala in the afternoon.
Friday
In the evening I am attending the annual Recruit gala dinner and awards ceremony.
Sunday, 2 August 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Council's Members' Budget Working Group.
Tuesday
In the morning I am meeting with Duncan McNeil MSP, Ronnie Cowan MP and officers from the Council and Scottish Enterprise to discuss how we can work together to secure a long-term use for Inchgreen Drydock.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have meetings with Ronnie Cowan MP, the Council's Chief Executive and the Labour Group.
Thursday
No formal Council commitments at this time.
Friday
In the evening I am attending a 'Recruit' event at HP in Erskine.
In the late afternoon I have a meeting of the Council's Members' Budget Working Group.
Tuesday
In the morning I am meeting with Duncan McNeil MSP, Ronnie Cowan MP and officers from the Council and Scottish Enterprise to discuss how we can work together to secure a long-term use for Inchgreen Drydock.
Wednesday
In the afternoon I have meetings with Ronnie Cowan MP, the Council's Chief Executive and the Labour Group.
Thursday
No formal Council commitments at this time.
Friday
In the evening I am attending a 'Recruit' event at HP in Erskine.
Sunday, 26 July 2015
The week ahead...
Monday
In the late afternoon I am chairing the Appointment Panel for the post of Corporate Director Education, Communities and Organisational Development. This meeting is to shortlist candidates for interview.
Tuesday
In late morning I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed in the afternoon by a Policy & Resources Committee Pre-agenda meeting. I am also due to meet with SNP Holyrood hopeful Ian McDougall who wants to share with me his ideas for boosting Inverclyde's economy and population.
Wednesday
The Administration Group is meeting with the Council's Corporate Management Team to discuss future priorities for most of the day. In late afternoon I have the weekly meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
No Council commitments at this time.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
In the late afternoon I am chairing the Appointment Panel for the post of Corporate Director Education, Communities and Organisational Development. This meeting is to shortlist candidates for interview.
Tuesday
In late morning I have my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive followed in the afternoon by a Policy & Resources Committee Pre-agenda meeting. I am also due to meet with SNP Holyrood hopeful Ian McDougall who wants to share with me his ideas for boosting Inverclyde's economy and population.
Wednesday
The Administration Group is meeting with the Council's Corporate Management Team to discuss future priorities for most of the day. In late afternoon I have the weekly meeting of the Labour Group.
Thursday
No Council commitments at this time.
Friday
No Council commitments at this time.
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