RI boss interviews today INTERVIEWS will be held today to find a new boss for regeneration outfit Riverside Inverclyde (RI).

Previous boss Bill Nicol stepped down last year following a furore over the company’s performance and use of public cash.

A senior council official held the chief executive’s post on an interim basis, but the process to appoint a permanent replacement is now almost complete.

Candidates will be interviewed this afternoon by the RI board.


Golf club was used to smash window claim A MAN has denied using a golf club to smash a neighbour’s window causing glass to fall onto a couch where a pregnant woman was sitting.

Ross McGartland, 20, is alleged to have carried out the offence along with another person at an address in Auchmountain View in Greenock on Friday.

He is also accused of maliciously smashing a car window at the same address.

McGartland appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court to plead not guilty to both charges through solicitor David Tod.

The accused was granted bail and ordered to return to court in May when matters continue.


£20k showroom plan BOSSES at a Greenock car showroom have submitted £20,000 plans to turn part of the building into three shops.

An application has been lodged with council planners to convert part of the McMillan Motors premises in Brougham Street.

The proposals are now being considered by the local authority’s planning department.


Bakery deal success BOSSES at a Greenock bakery say their lucrative deal with one of the country’s biggest independent grocery chains is proving to be a sweet success.

Aulds, based in Brisbane Street, took on half a dozen van drivers to deliver goods across the west of Scotland after sealing a deal with Scotmid.

Alan Marr, Aulds managing director, said that the ‘pioneering partnership’ has been great for business.

He said: “The partnership has seen both companies invest heavily and has allowed the Aulds product to be accessible to a large number of new shoppers.”
Man denies door kick A PORT man has denied repeatedly kicking a door at an address in Port Glasgow on Saturday.

John McIntyre, 28, is also accused of shouting and swearing at the address in Westfield Road.

He appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court to plead not guilty through solicitor Edward Sweeney.

McIntyre, of Slaemuir Avenue, was released on bail and will return to court in May.


Anger at litter louts A GOUROCK campaigner has hit out at litter louts for spoiling a beauty spot just a fortnight after it was cleaned up.

Allison Black contacted the Tele recently to raise the issue of people dumping rubbish at Coves Reservoir.

Inverclyde Council stepped in to clear the area but Allison says debris is mounting again and she believes bins should be installed.

She said: “It has only been two or three weeks since the grounds staff did a fantastic job cleaning up the rubbish, but it is starting to pile up again. Surely it would make sense to put bins in to stop this beautiful nature reserve being used as a dump?”
Ramble in Cathkin Braes INVERCLYDE Ramblers are off to Cathkin Braes on Saturday for a six-mile walk through fields and tracks and anyone interested should meet at Cathcart Street car park at 9am.

The group also meet today at 12.15pm for their regular Wednesday walk from Lunderston Bay.


Accused of having diazepam A 39-YEAR-OLD man has been reported to the procurator fiscal after allegedly being found in possession of drugs.

The man is accused of having diazepam in Port Glasgow’s Teviot Road at around tea-time on Saturday.


Hands-on social science evening WEST College Scotland’s department of social sciences is holding an interactive open evening.

It takes place on Thursday 3 April from 4.30 to 6.30pm at the Waterfront Campus in Greenock.

Covering subject areas like psychology, sociology, history and criminology, many of the course’s students go on to find careers in social work, the police, teaching, psychology and management.

Joan McKillop, curriculum manager, said: “Social sciences give us a fascinating insight into the world around us and our courses give you the opportunity to build your employability skills at the same time as you’re learning. We look forward to welcoming prospective students to our open evening.” For further information call 0300 600 6060.


‘Switch off lights’ say council INVERCLYDE Council is urging people to switch off their lights for an hour on Saturday to support wild animals threatened by climate change.

The local authority has signed up to the World Wildlife Fund Earth Hour 2014 — and wants local residents to join with millions of people around the globe.

Council bosses are asking people to flick the ‘off’ switches at 8.30pm.


Curling class WHEELCHAIR curling enthusiasts are being invited to a beginner’s class at Greenock’s Waterfront ice rink tomorrow.

It follows a successful come and try event held at the venue recently.

The new class gets underway at 12.15pm tomorrow. For more information call the rink on 797979.


Oil warning GREENOCK householders are storing up trouble by pouring cooking oil down the sink.

A new survey by REG Bio-Power claims that a fifth of people living locally, 22 per cent, disposed of used oil in this way.


Bookies clear yet another hurdle A BIG name bookie firm has cleared another hurdle in its bid to open a second shop in Greenock’s town centre.

Planning officials say that William Hill should be allowed to convert a laundrette on Kilblain Street into a betting outlet.

Their recommendation comes less than a week after Hill’s successfully obtained a gambling licence.

But the plan still faces opposition, with objections against it from members of the public and a rival betting firm who have a shop nearby.

Members of the Planning Board will have the final say when they vote on the proposal next week.


Fury at dog poo DOG dirt is causing a stink in a Greenock neighbourhood.

Residents in Mallard Crescent have issued a plea for dog owners to clean up after their pets.

Campaigners say fouling has been a major issue since the end of last year and they have urged dog walkers to think about others and pick up the mess left behind by their animals.

Community activist Viny McNelis made the call after being inundated with complaints from irate locals.

He also warned those responsible that they will be reported to the authorities and fined.

Mr McNelis said: “The problem is not getting any better and mess is starting to appear at people’s gates.

“It only takes seconds to pick it up and there are bins in the area.

“It’s not a nice thing to be wiping off your feet — it’s horrible.

“People are coming to me complaining about the problem.”
Free 80s disco A BIG 1980s-inspired music bash will raise the roof off a Greenock venue on Friday.

A free disco is on at Cruden Hall, Ann Street, as part of the Are Ye Askin’? history project being run by Greenock-based charity RIG Arts. The event is being funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and is on from 8pm until late.

It is an over-18s disco and entry is free with a ticket, available on a first-come, first-served basis from The Exchange bar and restaurant just below Cruden Hall or by calling RIG Arts on 742549.

Guests are being encouraged to dress up in their finest ‘80s outfits and share their stories of what they did for a night out and for entertainment during the decade.

Some of the event will be filmed as part of a documentary.


Society focus on Clyde PAUL Strathdee will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘Year on the Clyde 2013’ at tomorrow evening’s monthly meeting of the Firth of Clyde branch of the World Ship Society.

It takes place in Cedars School of Excellence, Ardgowan Square at 7.30pm.

Members should note this is a change to the programme of meetings.