Course open day A COMMUNITY centre in Greenock’s east end has launched a fresh programme of courses for the new year.

The community learning development team are hosting an open day on Friday in Auchmountain Resource Centre, Burnhead Street, where people can find out more and sign up.

Classes in healthy cooking, arts and crafts, kettle bells, Spanish, sewing, computing and psychology are all on offer.

Call 791818 to get more information about the open day.


Moves to protect patients GREENOCK and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has welcomed new moves to protect patients.

The Scottish Government is to look at introducing a criminal offence which could see health professionals face jail if the care they provide is found to amount to ‘wilful neglect’.

Mr McNeil backs the plan but also wants protection for hard-working NHS staff.

The MSP, who chairs Holyrood’s health committee, said: “Most people would agree there is no excuse for wilful neglect or cruelty.

“I also have concerns for frontline staff, especially over holiday periods. Nurses are working all hours, there’s a lot of pressures.

“There should be a process to report and improve the service and create a proper environment for people to work in.”
Labour launch debt scheme A NEW ‘debtbusters’ campaign has been launched in Inverclyde by the Labour Party.

The aim is to ensure people have enough information about the best ways to borrow money.

Councillor Joe McIllwee, chair of Inverclyde Labour, said: “We want to ensure local people understand what they are signing up to when taking out payday loans.

“We would also like to strengthen links with our local credit unions and highlight the support Inverclyde Council and partners can offer.” For more information about the campaign, contact Siobhan McCready or Colin Jackson at debtbustersinverclyde@gmail.com or call 07925 242781.


Fire museum open for visits GREENOCK’S fire museum is open again for visitors later this month.

The museum — which is based in the town’s former fire HQ in Dalrymple Street — will be open on Sunday 26 January from noon to 4pm.


New look for centre A GREENOCK youth centre got a bright new look thanks to a UK-wide colour project.

I Youth Zone, on Nicolson Street, attracts 60 young people through its doors every day and was successfully nominated for the Dulux Let’s Colour Project.

Ten volunteers, including some of the club’s older members, painted walls in the centre and it’s hoped the makeover will encourage even more young people in the community to use it.


Changed times for gym GOUROCK fitness gym is changing its opening times on a trial basis. The gym is now open from 7am Monday to Friday.


New disabled bays AROUND 20 new disabled parking bays are planned for Greenock and Port Glasgow.

A series of applications for on-street spaces are expected to be rubber-stamped this week. It means disabled blue badge holders will be able to park outside their homes in a designated space.


Taxi applications considered THREE applications for taxi driving licences will be considered for approval at a council meeting on Wednesday.

Councillors attending the General Purposes Board at the town chambers will also decide on a request for suspension of a taxi driver’s licence.


£5m school upgrade delay THE £5 million upgrade of Ardgowan Primary School may not be finished until Easter 2015, it’s emerged.

Education bosses had hoped to complete the project by the end of this year but they are still to appoint a contractor, with tender documents due to be returned this month. Children and staff moved out of the Newton Street school last May and are currently decanted at the former Sacred Heart Primary in Westmorland Road.

A new report to councillors says that construction work is expected to begin soon.


Ice sculpture-making event AN ice sculpture-making event is set to raise the temperature at the Greenock Cut visitor centre.

It will be held on Sunday 26 January from 1 to 3pm. For more information call 521458.


Good prospects for youngsters INVERCLYDE is Scotland’s fourth-top area for young people going on to work, education and training.

New figures show that 94.9 per cent of them go on to ‘positive destinations’, the highest-ever figure recorded in Inverclyde.

The results have been revealed in statistics compiled by Skills Development Scotland.

Inverclyde’s education convener, Councillor Terry Loughran, described the results as ‘tremendous’. He said: “Our young people are proving again that an education in Inverclyde is one that will equip you well for the future.” Council leader Stephen McCabe said not so long ago Inverclyde was languishing at or near the bottom of the league in Scotland.

He added: “Now, after careful targeting of the issue by the council and our partners, we are regularly at the very top.” A report on the figures will presented to the education committee next week.


Learning on the menu INVERCLYDE has scooped up a ladel-full of cash for a new ‘Alphabet Soup’ project.

Nearly £28,000 has been handed over by the Scottish Government to support local literacy and health through a fun recipe competition.

The money will be spent on young people aged between three and 16 — with a range of family events and new library resources being used to support those taking part.

A book packed with delicious recipes will be produced at the end of the three-month project.

Local libraries across Inverclyde will host events with professional storytellers, face-painters and chefs to reach out to families and spread the word about Alphabet Soup.