Young politicians rewarded for work TWO aspiring young politicians have been rewarded for their hard work across Inverclyde at a national award ceremony.

Ross Hampsey and Sean O’Connor won in the ‘Area of the Year’ category at the recent Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) Awards in Stirling.

The pair were recognised for various projects which showed an ‘impressive commitment’ to engaging and involving young people in various campaigns.

This included consulting all secondary schools in Inverclyde with the support of the British Youth Council.

The result of that was the highest return of consultations in Scotland and the fourth highest return in the UK.

Councillor James McColgan, Inverclyde Council’s Young Persons Champion, said: “As a former Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) myself I am especially proud and delighted to hear about their success.

“I was among the many others Ross and Sean approached to sign the pledge board for a fair wage in the UK last year — one of the many campaigns the MSYPs promoted in Inverclyde.

“It’s great to see their efforts and hard work being noticed now at a national level and I hope that it encourages other young people to get involved in what’s going on in the area.”
Fire plans discussed FIRE chiefs will put forward their plans for the next three years to councillors next month.

Members will discuss the proposals at the local police and fire scrutiny sub-committee board on Tuesday 6 May at 2pm
Beacon director to be replaced A COUNCILLOR who stepped down from the board of the Beacon is set to be replaced.

The Tele recently revealed how Martin Brennan had quit as a director. The local authority is set to choose a successor to fill the vacancy at a meeting on Thursday.


House prices up by 10 per cent LOCAL house prices rocketed in the first quarter of this year, according to newly-released statistics.

Inverclyde saw a 10 per cent increase on the previous year, with the average price sitting at £163,645.


Donations plea for charity shop INVERCLYDE Homeless Forum has issued an appeal for bric-a-brac and clothing donations for a charity shop it has opened.

Volunteers have moved into premises in Port Glasgow’s Bay Street as they attempt to raise as much cash as possible for the cause.

Donations can either be dropped into the shop or collected by calling Carol Bjonness on 07969 889507.


Photography course begins A FREE digital photography course for disabled people is being offered in Greenock.

The 10-week course has been organised by Inverclyde Council on Disability’s ABC project and starts on Wednesday 9 April from 12.30 to 2.30pm at Central Library in Cathcart Street. To book a place, call 732700.


Man jailed for throwing knives at police officers A MAN has been jailed for throwing KNIVES at police officers.

John Dale, 38, launched two blades at a pair of constables at an address in Lincoln Road in September last year. The officers, a male and a female, were unhurt.

Dale, a prisoner at Low Moss, appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court to plead guilty to the charge, represented by solicitor Aidan Gallagher.

A not guilty plea to a separate charge of being in possession of a knife on 5 October at the same address was accepted by the Crown. Dale was sentenced to eight months behind bars.


Woman injured in bay A WOMAN was rushed to hospital after sustaining a head injury at Lunderston Bay.

An ambulance and the Coastguard attended the incident, which happened at around 5.15pm on Thursday evening. The Scottish Ambulance Service would not confirm details on how the female came to be injured.

It’s understood that the woman was not seriously hurt.


Man is accused of possessing cocaine A GREENOCK man has denied a charge of being in possession of cocaine.

Joseph Woods, 40, of Shaw Place, is accused of having the Class A drug while in Kilblain Street on 29 May last year.

He appeared at Greenock Sheriff court to plead not guilty through his solicitor David Tod.


Man admits violent threat A MAN has admitted causing a breach of the peace in a Greenock east end street.

Gary Francis, 24, shouted, swore, banged on doors and made violent threats at an address in Grosvenor Road on Wednesday.

He appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court to plead guilty through solicitor David Tod. Francis, of the Inverclyde Centre, will be sentenced later this month.


Improving local homes SPECIALIST teams have been set up to improve housing services in Inverclyde.

River Clyde Homes has reorganised the way it deals with tenants to better meet their needs.

The association says it will have more experts working behind the scenes to deal with complaints.

Sandra McLeod, director of customer services, said: “We got a very clear message that our customers wanted to see a greater focus on the things that mattered to them and we have responded by setting up a number of specialist teams to deal with issues like the neighbourhood environment, anti-social behaviour and helping vulnerable customers sustain their tenancies.

“We will have more people answering phones and more people with specialist knowledge working behind the scenes to deal with enquiries and complaints.” The association is also launching a new letting system which will be rolled out soon.

Sandra said: “A new way of letting homes has been developed that gives customers a chance to apply for more homes in a way that is easier and more transparent.”
Huntington’s support worker appointed A SUPPORT worker has been appointed in Inverclyde to help families living with a deadly degenerative brain condition.

The Scottish Huntington’s Association has employed specialist Sally Woolvine to work in the area.

Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership are partly funding the post.

Sally has 20 years of social work expertise and will carry out assessments and provide one-to-one support to families.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to getting out in Inverclyde and helping people living with HD and their families.” HD is a hereditary progressive condition that causes changes to muscle control, thinking processes and can cause long-term mental health issues.

It strikes people between 33 and 45 and those living with the condition require 24-hour-care as it progresses into its later stages. Each child of someone diagnosed with HD has a 50-50 chance of developing the condition and there is no cure.


Theatre’s third place THE local G.I.P Theatre Company has finished third in a major drama contest.

The group represented Inverclyde at the Western Divisional finals of Scottish Community Drama Association One Act Festival in Castle Douglas last month.

Their play — Lucky Dipsticks by David Carswell — only narrowly missed out on the reaching the Scottish final.