Ramblers' walk plan INVERCLYDE Ramblers are walking in Strathclyde Country Park tomorrow on the route along Clyde Walkways.

Anyone interested should meet at 9am in Cathcart Street car park in Greenock. On Sunday the group will head for the Arrochar Alps, and walkers should meet at 8am in the same assembly point.


'Happy' at Dock plans PORT Glasgow councillor David Wilson today moved to reassure residents who are worried about a new social housing development.

People living in the private Kingston Dock estate are concerned about plans to build 84 new homes in nearby Lower Mary Street.

The houses are to be built by Link Housing Association and Persimmon Homes for people currently living in run-down Clune Park.

Councillor Wilson, a director of Link, said there was nothing to worry about.

He said: "I attended a local two-day Link Housing exhibition about the new homes and spoke to Kingston Dock residents who were concerned about people moving in from Clune Park.

"I was happy to assure them about the calibre of the people who would be coming in. Link are very experienced at building socially rented housing in areas next to private estates. Next month, for example, they are opening one at Milngavie in Glasgow."
Fine mess A PORT man was hauled back to court for failing to pay a fine for more than TWO YEARS.

David Owen, 35, of Highholm Street, was given the �225 penalty in April 2011 for a drugs offence, but has still to pay up.

Owen appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court on Wednesday and was ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work.


Employee stole tools from Halfords store A GREENOCK man is set to be be sentenced for stealing a satellite navigation system and tools from his workplace.

Ryan Robertson, 22, of Larkfield, swiped the items while employed at the Halfords store in Custom House Way, Greenock, on 28 February.

He appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday to plead guilty to the charge.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton deferred sentence for reports.


OAP's appeal for pendant A GREENOCK pensioner is appealing for the safe return of a cherished pendant.

The 75-year-old lost the ivory charm in Greenock town centre some weeks ago.

The charm consists of two roses and was on an 18-carat gold box chain and is of great sentimental value.

Its owner said: "It was a gift I from my penpal in 1956. It has a loop and two ivory roses - I also have earrings and bracelet to match. I don't care about the chain - I would love to get the pendant back." Anymore with information should call 558928.


Sail session at yacht club FREE sailing tuition for adults is being given every Friday evening at Royal Gourock Yacht Club.

'Social sailing' starts at 6pm and is open to members and non-members who would like to broaden their experience with a view to gaining their Piper Helmsman's Certificate.

Tomorrow and Sunday the club is also hosting a Royal Yachting Association 'Push the Boat Out' weekend of tuition on keel boats for people aged 18 and over.

It runs from noon until 4pm both days. Organisers say sensible footwear and waterproof clothing is needed tonight and for the weekend activities.


Ballet show A TOP ballet production is heading to Greenock later this month.

A Conversation with Carmel, which was named as one of the best dance events of 2011, will be performed at the Beacon Arts Centre on Wednesday 29 May for one night only.

The show features performers from Greenock and surrounding area.

For more information and tickets visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk or call the box office on 723723.


Council brings in hi-tech tendering system INVERCLYDE Council is bringing in a new hi-tech tendering system.

The local authority's corporate procurement department is trying to bring itself up-to-date and a report says officials face a 'change in culture' as the new electronic system is piloted.

The council will allow all tenders to be advertised and bids received electronically through the new system. The shake-up comes because the government is keen that all public purchasing authorities utilise a new tool called PCS-tender.

A briefing for councillors says: "The solution includes the ability for documentation to be signed-off by management at certain key stages of the procurement process and for bids to be received electronically."
Residents' concerns RESIDENTS in a Port Glasgow neighbourhood have voiced their concerns about the area to council representatives and housing bosses.

People living in and around Slaemuir spoke with ward councillor James McColgan and representatives from River Clyde Homes (RCH) plus a community worker, about issues affecting them.

Mr McColgan said: "I accompanied members of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association on a walkabout of the area.

"Also on the walkabout were two representatives from RCH and a community worker from the council community learning and development service.

"I found the walkabout to be very useful as we were able to take note of a number of issues to be actioned by each of us.

"It was great to speak to a number of residents out and about - walkabouts are very useful in picking up issues in the ward and I look forward to more in the future."
Railway group visits A GROUP of railway enthusiasts will visit Inverclyde tomorrow afternoon.

The English-based Railway Study Association want to see improvements made to Gourock rail station, and will be there for about an hour as part of a four-day tour of Scotland.

Members are also keen to see a wartime poster erected on the station wall by former BBC Scotland sports commentator Alastair Alexander, who was born in Port Glasgow.

Alastair said: "I've been asked to give a talk to the association members about the poster."