Flat fire FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze in a ground floor Greenock flat.

Two crews were called to the property in St Lawrence Street at about 10pm on Friday.

No one was injured in the blaze, which was extinguished by 11.30pm.


Diving accident A MAN was rushed to hospital yesterday after a diving trip went badly wrong.

The dramatic incident unfolded just before noon when the 56-year-old man and his companion were diving from a boat just off Wemyss Bay.

After making a rapid ascent to the surface, one of the divers raised the alarm that his friend was unconscious and a full scale rescue operation was launched.

A Ministry of Defence Police boat from Faslane Naval Base raced to the scene and took the diver ashore to Kip Marina in Inverkip before an ambulance rushed him to Inverclyde Royal.

Dave Eakin, coastguard watch officer at the Belfast Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, said: “The divers were on a boat just off Wemyss Bay, near Undercliff Road.

“They were diving at a depth of about 38 metres which is quite deep but is not beyond normal.

“Both of the divers made a rapid ascent and we received a digital call from the boat at about 11.43am informing us that the diver was unconscious.

“The MOD Police boat was on the scene and took the man to Kip Marina and he was taken to hospital.” No details were available on the diver’s condition this morning.

Three years ago, a diver died after getting into difficulties while exploring a wreck off Wemyss Bay. He and a companion were thought to have been suffering from the effects of decompression.

The survivor of the accident was taken to a decompression chamber in Millport.


Tenants’ meet THE Broomhill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association is holding a public meeting about the independence referendum tomorrow evening.

It starts at 7.15pm at the Prospecthill Christian Fellowship Hall. Due to seating restrictions the meeting is open only to residents of the Broomhill area.


Theft man failed to be of good behaviour A COURT heard how a Greenock man failed to behave while awaiting sentencing for stealing alcohol.

Dylan Freeburn, 21, had appeared in court to admit stealing from the Ashton Store in Gourock back in 2010. He was ordered to be of good behaviour for 12 months.

But Freeburn, of Brisbane Street, continued offending and was fined for a drugs offence in August last year before following that up in January with another fine for street drinking.

Sheriff Tom Ward told him: “You have not been of good behaviour so you will not be admonished.” He fined Freeburn £135.


Stroke awareness day GREENOCK Rotary have organised their annual ‘Stroke Awareness Day’ for this Saturday.

Run in conjunction with the Stroke Association, it will offer free measurement of blood pressure.

Rotary spokesman Bob Burns said: “Blood pressure will be measured in an informal and relaxed setting by healthcare professionals who will also offer friendly advice.” The event is being held at Your Voice in Clyde Square, Greenock between 10am and noon.


‘£16k scam’ trial A PORT woman is to stand trial accused of committing a £16,000 benefit fraud.

Lynsey Airth, 28, allegedly did not tell authorities that she was living with her partner and so received money she knew she was not entitled to.

The charges states that she received £8,323 in income support between 2007 and 2010, and £7,587 in housing benefit between 2009 and 2013. Between 2009 and 2012 she is alleged to have received £765 in council tax benefit.

Airth, of Cuillins Avenue, denied the offence through her solicitor Derek Buchanan at Greenock Sheriff Court and the case will continue at a later date.


Tartan special day GOUROCK Pensioners group are celebrating Tartan Day at their next meeting on Thursday.

Members will enjoy entertainment from Kenny Wilson, of The Wherries, and Clydeside Singers. The bash at Riverside Gardens also includes cheese and oatcakes and wine, as well as haggis hurling.

Former councillor Jim Hunter, who runs the group, said: “We are the only group in Inverclyde to celebrate Tartan Day, which falls on 6 April.” New group members are always welcome.

For more information call 638606.


Foster carers needed A SEARCH has been launched for new foster carers and adoptive parents.

Inverclyde Social Work Services is on the lookout for people who can care for a wide range of children and young people and make a difference to their lives.

No qualifications are needed — just an understanding of children’s needs, plus energy and commitment, and financial support is available. For more information call 714038.


Pupils tackle cyber bullies TEENAGERS in Inverclyde are leading the battle against cyber bullying.

Pupils from St Stephen’s and Port Glasgow high schools recently gave a captivating talk on the issue at a parent’s evening.

It focused on the importance of mums and dads having good IT skills to give them confidence to tackle the problem.

Councillor Terry Loughran, education convener, said: “The briefing by pupils saw parents, pupils and staff share a great deal of information and parents left feeling they had a greater understanding of internet sites.” The pupils are part of the Connect Leadership Group, who work together to improve the lives of others.

Councillor Loughran added: “Parental control is vitally important with the internet but it is a great idea to harness the technical expertise of our young people to give the older generation the confidence to use their control correctly and responsibly.”
£700k work to begin WORK on a new £700,000 community centre in Gibshill is due to start at the end of April.

It’s expected that the project will take six months to complete.

The new facility will be located in Smillie Street, next to Gibshill Children’s Centre.

It will boast a cafe with outdoor seating, a hall which can be divided in two and a plush foyer area to welcome visitors.

Residents have been pushing for the new facility for over a decade and are delighted it is now becoming a reality.

Councillor Michael McCormick said: “We’re absolutely delighted, the centre will be a great asset to the community.

“I believe it will be well used and once it opens we hope the community will get involved in the committee to run it.”
New vehicle restrictions A RESTRICTION is to be introduced to stop vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes travelling on a busy Greenock road.

Inverclyde Council is proposing the traffic regulation order on Union Street.

Full details of the plans are available from the council’s Customer Service Centre on Clyde Square.


MacAskill will meet with Greenock teens JUSTICE secretary Kenny MacAskill will meet young people benefiting from the No Knives Better Lives programme in Greenock today.

Initially piloted in Inverclyde in 2009, the No Knives Better Lives campaign works with local partners including councils, police and youth groups.

It delivers activities in schools and communities to educate and inform young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

No Knives Better Lives has since been rolled out to 10 other areas across Scotland.

Mr MacAskill will be joined at the event by council leader Stephen McCabe, Provost Robert Moran, youth workers and young people.