Burst pipe shuts road MOTORISTS faced disruption after a burst pipe closed part of a busy town centre street.

Maintenance men were on the scene to repair the damage on Patrick Street, pictured.


Volunteers call for charity VOLUNTEERS are urgently needed for a Greenock charity shop.

Barnardo's Scotland's first clearance store in Inverclyde - at 81 West Blackhall Street - has proved so successful that it needs even more help.

The shop is appealing to local people who are able to commit a few hours each week.

Manager Ian Hood said: "It's a great opportunity for someone to share their skills as well as learn new ones, and working in the shop really makes you feel part of the community.

Anyone interested should speak to Ian between 11am and 4pm at the shop or call 783317.


Drop-in for deaf THE Action on Hearing Loss Scotland charity is inviting NHS hearing aid users to its first free 'drop-in' of the year.

It will be on Monday at Greenock's Craigend Resource Centre from 10am to noon.

The charity's 'Hear to Help' project operates the free drop-in on the fourth Monday of every month. Hearing aid users can get free maintenance from trained volunteers who will replace batteries and change tubing.

For further information email katy.green@hearingloss.org.uk or phone 0141 341 5338.


Church ceilidh ST JOHN'S Episcopal Church will host a Restoration Fund Ceilidh on Saturday in the church hall, Jamaica Street, from 7.30pm-11pm.

Tickets priced �5 include a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties and they are available on the door.


MSP praises service offered by Quarriers PRAISE has been heaped on a local charity for its work with children and young people with learning disabilities.

Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay said he was 'inspired' by services run by Quarriers on a visit to the charity's HQ in Bridge of Weir.

Mr Mackay visited Kelly House, a residential adult disability service, the Scottish Epilepsy Centre and short breaks home Countryview.

He said: "It was truly inspiring to visit the projects and see the support Quarriers offer."


Classes beginning at resource centre BASIC computing and conversational Spanish are just some of the courses starting up in the Craigend Resource Centre.

The community-run venue also offers PC passport, sewing and employability training classes along with a children's play session every Friday from 1.30 to 3pm.

An award-winning salad bar and cafe is also open along with a launderette.

Busy Craigend is also used by a number of local groups including the community development trust, a bipolar support group and Money Matters.

The centre is always looking for new ideas for groups or classes.

To find out more, contact them on 786739.