Seven week planning wait PLANNERS in Inverclyde are turning around applications in just under two months.

The application process is completed in just under seven weeks, compared with three months elsewhere.

The new figures, revealed by the Scottish Government, put Inverclyde Council ahead of the national average.

Councillors say that the department’s fast approach helps local businesses expand and build in the area.

Planning Board chairman Councillor David Wilson said: “It’s important to businesses and householders that when an application is being examined that the best job is done by council planners.

“But it’s equally important it is done as quickly as possible. It is very welcome news that planners in Inverclyde are ahead of the national average when it comes to processing planning applications.”
Pair deny breach TWO Greenock men have appeared in court charged with a breach of the peace.

Gary Roe, 44, and Jason Roe, 21, are accused of shouting and swearing at an address in Ayr Lane on 2 September.

Jason Roe, of Cumberland Road, is further charged with smashing a window at the address by throwing a glass bottle at it.

He and Gary Roe, who resides in Burns Road, pled not guilty to all charges during a brief appearance at Greenock Sheriff Court, where matters continue next month.


Volunteer search INVERCLYDE adults are being asked to help vulnerable youngsters by volunteering for one of the UK’s best known charities.

ChildLine has launched its New Year’s Resolution campaign, which is asking for people across the area to make a resolution that counts — offering their time to support the ChildLine Schools Service.

Volunteers will spend up to half-a-day per week doing their bit.

Donna Graham, area co-ordinator for the service in Inverclyde, said: “As well as giving something back, our volunteers get something from the experience and we’re hoping we can encourage more to sign up with us.”
Plea to check up on elderly neighbours LOCAL people are being urged to check on their elderly and vulnerable neighbours over the winter.

MSP Stuart McMillan made the rallying call.

Mr McMillan said: “As winter is now fully upon us, it is important to ensure we look out for elderly and vulnerable people in our community to ensure they have everything they need.

“Whether it is checking they have enough food in the cupboards, that they have heat or simply just popping in for a cup of tea and a gossip, the winter’s a perfect time to look in on friends and neighbours.

“Spending that little bit of time checking on your neighbour can make a big difference to their day.”
Man denies theft charge A GREENOCK man has appeared in court to deny stealing an umbrella stand.

Thomas Steel, 33, is accused of taking the item from a common close in Lime Street on 1 October.

Steel, of Hay Street, will stand trial at Greenock Sheriff Court next month.


Bookies protest A SENIOR Port Glasgow councillor has backed plans to stop bookmakers from opening in council premises.

The SNP’s Jim MacLeod is backing his colleague Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, who wants a new policy to block bids for bookies in local authority-owned outlets.

Mr MacLeod, SNP deputy group leader, said: “I am really pleased that all the councillors have supported the motion.

“We may not be able to do anything by law from gambling establishments being run from privately owned premises but we should be able to stop them renting from our own.

“There is nothing wrong with having the occasional flutter but all too often these days many bookies also have slot machines and take gambling on all sorts of things other than the traditional horse, dogs and football wagers.”
Ice way to have fun FAMILIES have the chance to make their own ice sculptures at a special event next month.

The event at the Greenock Cut Centre is on Sunday 26 January.

As well as making the sculptures, people will also be able to enjoy a short countryside walk.

The event starts at 1pm.

For more information phone 521458.


Charged with breach A MAN was charged with commiting a breach of the peace in Gourock on Saturday.

The 32-year-old was arrested at a house in Cardwell Road at 6pm and will appear in court later.