SNP councillor urges 'yes' vote A LOCAL councillor has already launched a campaign for his constituents to vote 'yes' in the independence referendum in 2014.

Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, ward three representative, praised the Edinburgh agreement signed earlier this week and will now be encouraging his constituents to support the campaign for independence.

The SNP councillor said: "After so many years of trying to deny the people a say, the UK Government has finally caved in after last year's stunning landslide election victory for the SNP.

"I will be campaigning for the people in my ward to vote yes in 2014, to give the Scottish Government the powers needed to create a healthier, wealthier, greener and fairer future for everyone in Scotland."
Asda meeting GREENOCK Central Community Council is asking local residents to come along and participate in its open meetings.

The next meeting will take place at 6.30pm on Tuesday 23 October in Greenock Town Hall.

A representative from Asda will be present to answer questions, which may be helpful to anyone who missed the recent public consultation held at the Tontine Hotel last week.


School pupils hold jazz night TALENTED students and staff at a Gourock secondary school will be showcasing their musical skills at a jazz night this month.

The music department at Clydeview Academy is hosting an evening of classic jazz numbers on 31 October.

Tickets are available from the school for the event, which will take place from 7pm at the assembly hall in Burnside Road.


Ramblers set for river stroll THE next Inverclyde Ramblers walk will take place tomorrow.

Members will go on a C-grade walk around Linlithgow town, river and canalside .

All are welcome to attend and should bring appropriate clothing.

The group will set off from Cathcart Street car park, Greenock, at 9am.


Wi-fi at libraries INVERCLYDE library users can now enjoy wireless internet after free wi-fi was rolled out in every branch.

The service is available to all library members via a daily password issued by library staff.

The council's communities vice-convener, Councillor James McColgan, said: "The addition of this new service is yet another example of why libraries are important for the local community and how they are listening to the needs of their users and expanding their offerings.

"In this technological age, the introduction of free wi-fi to Inverclyde's libraries is vital, providing residents with access to the internet for leisure, learning, training and accessing employment opportunities and I would encourage everyone to take advantage of their local library more often." Libraries have already started classes that take advantage of wireless internet, such as iPad and laptop tutorials.

Guest access to library wi-fi is also available for visitors if they produce one piece of ID. For further details on the wi-fi facilities or new learning courses, contact 712322.


Walking group meeting THE Lyle Kirk walking group will make its last trip of the session this weekend.

The group will head to Edinburgh tomorrow from 8.30am to walk at Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags. Walkers are asked to meet at the Esplanade to travel.

Further information is available from Jimmy Fisher on 633434.


Concern at wind turbine plans VIEWS across the Clyde could soon have a new feature on the horizon - huge wind turbines.

Plans for a proposed Cove Wind Farm have now entered the final stages but one local councillor wants residents here to speak out against the proposals.

Councillor Innes Nelson, who was previously involved in a wind farm proposal at Inverkip, said: "There is little doubt that any wind farm constructed at Rosneath would have a visual impact when viewed from the west end of Greenock and Gourock.

"However, any future planning application will need to go through the normal planning process which will give Inverclyde residents an opportunity to comment on the proposals." Cove Development Trust is holding a public meeting in Cove Burgh Hall on the Rosneath peninsula tomorrow between 1pm and 5pm, with a briefing at 3pm.


Fancy dress kids at primary school THERE will be some spooky goings on at St Patrick's Primary in Greenock on 31 October, when pupils will be allowed to come to school in fancy dress for the day in celebration of Halloween.


Prepare for winter weather A WINTER warning has been issued for residents to get prepared before the harsh weather starts to bite.

On the back of Scottish Water launching a campaign to encourage customers to follow their winter code, local MSP Stuart McMillan has also urged Inverclyde householders, businesses and landlords to plan ahead.

He is encouraging residents to take steps to heat, insulate and protect their properties in the run-up to the winter months.

Mr McMillan said: "We must not be lulled into a false sense of security by last year's relatively mild winter.

"Those of us who have experienced the consequences of burst pipes will know what a distressing, costly and time consuming trauma this can be."