Get support INVERCLYDE Bereavement Support Group hold their next meeting on Thursday evening.

It takes place in the Westburn Church, Nelson Street, Greenock, starting at 7.30pm.

For more information call 793524.


Taylor is kicking on after Scotland bow A HOT-SHOT Greenock footballer did Scotland proud after her squad beat some of the world’s top upcoming players in a European tournament.

Talented Taylor Davis, an fourth-year pupil at Notre Dame High School, travelled to Portugal after being selected to play for the Scottish women’s under 16 squad.

The 15-year-old’s first game was against Norway, which Scotland won on penalties.

Their winning streak continued with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands.

The final game was against Austria which the team won 3-1 — with Taylor named as player of the match.

Taylor said: “It was an amazing experience.

“It has made me a more confident player, so I’ll keep working hard and will try to get selected for the next games.”
Man denies sending text message making threats A GREENOCK man has denied that he sent a text message to a woman demanding that she drop court charges against him.

Joseph Farrugia, 30, is charged with threatening the female in a message sent in August last year.

He faces a separate charge of shouting and swearing in Brisbane Street, forcing open a door and entering a building on that same date.

Farrugia, of Torrance Road, is to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court later this month.


Port woman pleads guilty after £16k benefits fraud A PORT woman has admitted carrying out a £16,000 benefit fraud.

Lynsey Airth, 28, failed to tell authorities that she was living with her partner and accepted money she was not entitled to.

She was given £8,323 in income support between 2007 and 2010, and £7,587 in housing benefit between 2009 and 2013.

Airth, of Cuillins Avenue, appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court where sentence was deferred for reports.


McIlwee leaves position on board COUNCILLORS will decide on a new member of a council committee.

A new elected member is needed for the human resources appeals board following the resignation of Councillor Joe McIlwee. Councillor McIlwee who was also vice-chair.

The other members of the board are councillors Martin Brennan, Keith Brooks, Vaughan Jones and Kenny Shepherd.


Pensioner on hammer rap A GREENOCK pensioner is to stand trial for an alleged hammer assault on his senior citizen neighbour.

Lawrence Gregory, 72, denies assaulting a 75 year-old male by repeatedly striking him on the head and body to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

The indictment states that the incident happened in Westmorland Road.

The trial is due to begin on 14 April.


Euro MP takes to the streets ELECTIONS to the European Parliament will be held next month — and the contest for votes has reached Inverclyde.

Labour supporters took their message to Inverkip doorsteps along with candidate Catherine Stihler.

Inverclyde MP Iain McKenzie joined them to spend several hours discussing various issues with local residents.

Ms Stihler said: “Many people are unaware of what EU membership means for them personally, so there were some interesting discussions on the doorsteps in Inverkip “It is important voters go out and vote this May to ensure they have Scottish MEPs that they know are going to work in their interests.”
Cause cash PEOPLE have until the end of this month to nominate a local good cause for a grant of up to £3,000.

The Bank of Scotland Community Fund wants suggestions for worthy projects in need of a funding boost.

Nominations can be made at www.bankofscotland.co.uk/communityfund until 30 April.


Behind bars for carrying knife A MAN has been jailed for carrying a knife — just one week after being imprisoned for shouting sectarian abuse.

Arthur McNair, 52, was caught with the weapon at Cathcart Street in Greenock in July last year.

The conviction comes only days after after he was given another prison term at Greenock Sheriff Court having admitted an offence aggravated by religious prejudice.

On 24 March this year he shouted bigoted remarks in Greenock town centre and continued doing so after being taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

He was given eight months for the outrageous outburst.

When the sentence finishes, McNair, of Kelly Street, will now serve a further eight months for his latest offence.


Jim steps down A SENIOR councillor has stepped down from a council committee.

Deputy council leader Jim Clocherty has resigned from the grants sub-committee.

Councillors will vote on a replacement at a meeting on Thursday.


‘Disturbing’ bets AN MSP says that only independence would give Scotland powers over betting machines branded the ‘crack cocaine of gambling’.

The SNP’s Stuart McMillan spoke in the wake of exclusive Telegraph revelations that local punters had gambled an astonishing £77 million on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) in just ONE YEAR.

Mr McMillan, below — who mentioned the Telegraph’s coverage in a parliamentary question at Holyrood — was told by community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham that gambling regulation remains a matter for Westminster.

Mr McMillan said: “The amount gambled on fixed odds betting terminals in Inverclyde and across Scotland is increasing to disturbing levels. Currently gambling is a reserved matter and as such the Scottish Government have no power over regulation. However, I am pleased that the government recognises the problem and is doing everything it can to promote awareness of the problem.”
Barred from the mall A WOMAN charged with multiple alleged shoplifting offences has been barred from entering Greenock’s Oak Mall.

Prosecutors say that Sharon Jannetts, 36, stole cosmetics and clothing from two separate stores in the shopping centre on 28 March.

Jannetts, of Hillside Road, was bailed and ordered to appear in court again on 3 June.