Autism charity gets Parliament praise A CHARITY based in Greenock which provides vital support to people with autism and their families has been praised in the Scottish Parliament.

REACH for Autism was commended at Holyrood by local MSP Stuart McMillan.

His comments came during a debate in the parliament on Wednesday.

Mr McMillan said: “I have been fortunate to meet REACH for Autism on a number of occasions and wanted to commend them on the work that they do.

“This is an excellent support group — formed by parents who wanted to do more for their children to ensure that, despite autism, they could still meet their full potential.” The town’s Waterfront Cinema was also praised for its part in aiding people with autism.

Mr McMillan said: “I also congratulated Waterfront Cinema for holding autism-friendly screenings and the work that they carry out to support community groups in Greenock and Inverclyde.”
Circus makes a return THE circus is coming back to Greenock.

Zippo’s have confirmed their return to Battery Park this summer.

The show will be in town from 17 to 22 June.


Crafts A FUN Easter craft afternoon takes place this month at Greenock Central Library.

The free event for five to 10-year-olds is on Wednesday 16 April from 2 to 3pm.

To book a place, call 712323.


Thieves swipe £6k mobility scooters SICK thieves have stolen £6,000 worth of motability scooters from the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre.

The two vehicles were used by disabled people to navigate the various nearby trails which form part of the Clyde Murshiel Regional Park.

Greenock police say the scooters vanished sometime between 4pm on Tuesday afternoon and 9am on Wednesday morning.

Sergeant Allan O’Hare described the crime as ‘despicable’.

He said: “These scooters were used by people with poor mobility in order to enjoy the park and its surroundings.

“But as a result of this despicable theft they will now be deprived of this ability.” Anyone with information about the theft should contact police on the non-emergency 101 number.


MSP praises work of anti-knife groups AN INVERCLYDE MSP today hailed the pioneering work done in the district to reduce offensive weapons crime by 60 per cent in less than five years.

The SNP’s Stuart McMillan spoke out after the Telegraph revealed details of the dramatic drop in offences.

Mr McMillan said: “Knife crime has appalling consequences for communities across the country and so it is very welcome to see such a huge reduction in Inverclyde.

“That we have seen a 60 per cent fall in the handling of offensive weapons is testament to the value of education and prevention in reducing local knife crime – helping young people to make positive, informed decisions and reject knife crime.”
Programme’s just the job A PROGRAMME to support local businesses and unemployed youngsters has proved so successful that it is being extended.

The Employer Plus Wage Subsidy programme pays half of the national minimum wage for 26 weeks if an eligible local young person is hired.

More than 60 Inverclyde-based employers have already benefited from the wage subsidy, with 166 local young people taken on.

There is no restriction on the type of job that can be supported, although the minimum hours are 25 per week.

For more information call 553344.


Unconscious diver makes full recovery A MAN who was rushed to hospital after a diving accident has made a full recovery.

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

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

The Ministry of Defence Clyde Marine Unit from Faslane Naval Base helped rescue the stricken diver, who was rushed to Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

Chief Inspector Jim Gillen, deputy head of the police team at Faslane, today praised the professionalism of his unit.

He said: “The divers’ vessel had sent out a distress signal and the duty MOD Police vessel responded.

“My officers responded immediately and their action was of critical significance.”
Lashed out at PCs POLICE raced to the aid of colleagues in Port Glasgow after they called for back-up during the arrest of a man.

The 29-year-old suspect — who was stopped in the town’s Church Street — was said to have been lashing out as he tried to avoid being apprehended.

He was eventually taken into custody shortly before 4pm on Wednesday afternoon, accused of breach of the peace and resisting arrest.

The man — who has been reported to the procurator fiscal — was later released on an undertaking for him to appear in court at a future date.


Easter egg-stravaganza A CRACKING line-up of Easter activities will take place in Port Glasgow over the school holidays.

Boglestone Community Centre is the place to be to enjoy some fun and games, starting from Monday and running through until Thursday 17 April from 1-3pm.

There will activities such as badminton and soft tennis, with sessions costing £3.

On Thursday 10 April there will be an exotic animal display and handling session provided by Greenock firm Proexotics, plus a disco bounce the next day.


Auction star extra INVERCLYDE antique enthusiasts will be able to get even more items valued by a TV auction star.

It was originally understood that Anita Manning would look at up to three items when she visits Greenock later this month for a Rotary charity antiques roadshow.

But now that number has been increased to five.

Greenock Rotary spokesman Bob Burns said: “This should make it even more of an incentive for people to come along and meet Anita and her team.” The ‘Bargain Hunt’ and ‘Flog It!’ star will be at the Lyle Kirk (Finnart St Paul’s ) in Newark Street on Thursday 24 April to value items brought along between 10am and 2pm.

The cost of entry is £3, and the charge for valuation is £3 per item.


Pair on trial for attack TWO Port men are to stand trial accused of attempting to throw a man from a first floor flat.

Robert Wilson, 21, and Derek King, 20, are alleged to have assaulted the male before trying to push him out of a window.

The incident is said to have happened at King’s address in Mull Avenue on 8 September.

Wilson, of Skye Road, and King both pled not guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court and are to stand trial at a later date.


Art show in Kilmacolm KILMACOLM Art Class Exhibition is being held next week.

The event is taking place in the village’s new community centre on Friday 11 April from 10am until 5.30pm and again the next day, from 10am until 4pm.


Petrol bomb threat guilt A MAN faces jail for wielding a machete while threatening to petrolbomb houses.

Michael Mulholland, 44, terrified householders as he kicked doors and shouted violent threats in Greenock’s Neil Street on 10 February.

When police officers arrived he threatened to murder them.

His shocking behaviour continued in an ambulance heading to Inverclyde Royal, where he continued to shout death threats to the officers.

Then, at the hospital’s accident and emergency department, he prevented staff from treating him and committed a breach of the peace.

Mulholland, a prisoner at Low Moss, appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court to plead guilty to four charges.

Sentence was deferred for reports.


Garage fire TWO fire crews attended a blaze at a lock-up garage in Port Glasgow.

The incident happened in Grampian Road at about 5.45pm on Wednesday.

Staff from Port Glasgow Fire Station quickly extinguished the blaze.

No one was injured and the cause of the blaze is unknown.


Show at the Fringe A FESTIVAL Fringe comedy is hoping to make a clean sweep at performances in Greenock next month.

Dirty Water focuses on the story of four very different stair cleaners.

Writer John Stuart was inspired by his friend Kevin Jamieson from Port Glasgow, who was initially in the play, to bring the show to Inverclyde.

The curtain will go up on the show at the Albany on 23 and 24 May.

John, who also acts and produces, said: “We’ve had an incredible response from audiences, it’s been phenomenal.

“We sold 76 per cent of our tickets at the Fringe, so many people came back two or three times.” Tickets, costing £8, are available by calling 866100 or visiting www.thealbany.info
Two banks avoid axe TWO Greenock town centre banks have avoided the axe after bosses announced plans to shut more branches.

The Royal Bank of Scotland outlets in West Blackhall Street and Cathcart Street will NOT close as a result of the latest move.

The taxpayer-backed bank is closing 44 branches elsewhere across the UK.


Litter fines GREENOCK & Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has welcomed plans to hit litter louts with tougher fines.

The Scottish Government has increased the fixed penalty notice from £50 to £80 while the penalty for flytipping has quadrupled to £200.

Fly tipping in Inverclyde was highlighted recently when a mess had to be tidied up at Coves Reservoir.

Mr McNeil said: “I hope the increased fine will send out a clear message that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable and acts as a deterrent.”
Oak Mall ban A MAN has been jailed for breaking bail by entering the Oak Mall.

Michael Donnachie, 43, was ordered to stay away from the shopping centre at Greenock Sheriff Court on 6 November.

But two days later he was caught inside the building.

Donnachie, of the Inverclyde Centre, appeared from custody for sentencing and was ordered to serve two months by Sheriff Rajni Swanney.


Mission meet THE next meeting of the Inverclyde Intercessors takes place tomorrow at 9.30am in Barnards Court Mission, East Hamilton Street, Greenock.

Further information is available from Chris Jewell on 07932 154515 or Moira Dunn on 01475 722599.