Teen admits drugs charge A GREENOCK teenager has been told to expect a prison sentence after he admitted being concerned in the supply of drugs.

Paul Campbell, 18, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs at John Wilson Street on 7 December last year.

Sentence on Campbell, also of John Wilson Street, was deferred for reports.

Sheriff John Herald said: "Anyone concerned in the supply of class A drugs faces a well-established disposal - a custodial sentence."
Free fire safety test A SAFETY plea has been issued for residents across Inverclyde to have their homes tested for fire safety.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is urging householders to get in touch with their local station and arrange for a free fire home safety visit - and to ensure they have a working fire alarm.

Those wishing to arrange for a free safety visit are asked to call 0800 0731 999.

The call centre is open 24 hours a day.


Band to play in bar A POPULAR Greenock band is preparing for what is expected to be a top night of musical entertainment in Gourock tomorrow.

Hard Candy, featuring Willie Gorman, will take to the stage at the Darroch Bar with the show starting at around 9.30pm.

Music lovers are promised an 'eclectic mix of sounds old and new', and entry is free.


Web surf workshops PEOPLE with little or no experience of using the internet are being urged to get online with special workshops throughout March.

The sessions are being staged at libraries across the district.

They will take place on 6 March at Kilmacolm from 10am to noon, 8 March at the Watt Library in Greenock from 10am to noon, 12 March at Gourock Library from 1 to 3pm, 15 March at Port Glasgow Library from 1 to 3pm, 16 March at Central Library in Greenock from 1 to 3pm, and all day on 22 March at the Oak Mall shopping centre in Greenock.

Call 712322 for more information.


Trees project to mark Jubilee HUNDREDS of trees could be planted in Inverclyde to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year.

Former Provost Ciano Rebecchi hopes to kick off the idea at Inverkip, which is part of his council ward.

He said: "Inverkip Primary are keen on my idea that every pupil would plant a tree on land behind the school.

"Each tree would have the pupil's name fixed to it so that he or she would 'own' it in the years to come.

"I'm hoping we can get trees donated by various groups and that the 'plant a tree for jubilee' project could catch on."
Break-in charge A GREENOCK man has been accused of breaking into a flat in the town.

Scott Murray, 19, is alleged to have broken into a flat at Broomhill Court, with intent to steal, on 5 November.

Murray pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court represented by solicitor Derek Buchanan.

Sheriff John Herald ordered Murray, of Trafalgar Street, to return to court to stand trial next month.


Concerns for kids' welfare MORE children in Inverclyde will grow up in poverty and end up in care if controversial welfare reforms go ahead, it is feared.

The chairman of Inverclyde Community Health and Social Partnership Joe McIlwee, right, is worried about the moves and has written to the UK Government to outline a series of concerns.

It's estimated that �12 million a year will be taken from people in Inverclyde under the changes.

Councillor McIlwee said: "The change in respect of housing benefit could result in increased numbers of families being placed in homeless situations and an unfortunate result could be an increase in the number of children requiring to be placed in the care of the local authority.

"The challenge in respect of tackling childhood poverty will increase not only in respect of poverty of income, but of opportunity and experience." A report recently compiled for the health partnership set out an alarming set of statistics about the toll the changes could take.

Councillor McIlwee said: "The proposed reforms impact disproportionately on individuals with health problems and this will again increase demand on health services and also place additional pressure on carers.

"It is particularly important to note that the stress and deprivation caused by reduced income can lead to a deterioration in physical and mental health with consequent negative impact on families and especially children."