News in brief: Tuesday 15 April

Greenock & Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil said it was disappointing that the BBC had decided to end the show but he hopes it will lead to fresh opportunities.

He said: “It was an exciting and positive time for us, and we must now build on it for the future.” “The community gave Waterloo Road a very warm welcome and the filming portrayed the area in a very positive light. It demonstrates we can be ambitious and attract exciting projects.”
Appointment delight A PROUD Port councillor says he’s ‘delighted’ to be appointed chair of a council body which decides on funding for voluntary organisations.

James McColgan is the new chair of the local authority’s grants sub-committee following a vote last week.

Councillor McColgan said: “The committee does great work in supporting voluntary organisations across Inverclyde and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.” Inverclyde Council has set aside £332,000 for the committee to distribute in 2014-15.

Tablet charge A GOUROCK man is to stand trial accused of supplying 25 diazepam tablets to a man in Greenock town centre.

George McAlpine, 43, of Nelson Road, is alleged to have committed the offence in Westburn Street on 23 January. He appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court represented by solicitor Gerry Keenan, who pleaded not guilty on his behalf.

Win Easter bunny TELE readers have the chance to win an early Easter treat — this cute bunny soft toy.

You can win him and his basket of goodies by popping into our reception and trying to guess the bunny’s name.

The competition is free to enter and is open all week at our front desk.

Radical show THE Radical Independence Campaign group has organised a music and comedy evening in Gourock.

The ‘Indyclyde’ event is on Friday at 7.30pm in One Ashton Road.

Comedian Lady Alba Zara will take to the stage with music from bands including the King St Runners and Ambrose.

There will also be a number of speakers from the Radical Independence Campaign — Cat Boyd, Shona McAlpine, Jonathon Shafti and Pete Ramand. Entry costs £5 and can be paid on the door.

Benefit fraud A GREENOCK woman has been ordered to carry out community service after admitting fraud.

Stella Sweeney, 52, of Auchendarroch Street, accepted £5,095 in council tax benefit and housing benefit she was not entitled to from November 2011 to January 2013.

She pled guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Tyres were slashed THREE tyres were slashed on a car parked in Greenock’s Mill Street.

A black Peugeot was damaged between 1.10am and noon on Sunday. Anyone with information should call Police on 101.

Blaze effort INVERCLYDE’S MP is backing efforts by local firefighters to prevent blazes across the district — by having his own home given the once over.

Iain McKenzie met with members of Port Glasgow community fire station and the crew chiefs spoke with the Labour MP about their work preventing blazes before signing him up for a visit of his own.

Iain McCormick, watch manager at the Port station, said: “This kind of partnership will contribute to making our community safer.” A home fire safety visit is easy to arrange, free of charge and available to every household.

Call 0800 0731 999, text ‘check’ to 61611, or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk
Knife charge A LARKFIELD man has appeared in court after allegedly being caught with a knife in Greenock town centre.

Michael McLean, 26, is charged with having the weapon in Clyde Square on 27 January.

He’s further charged with struggling with police officers in an attempt to prevent them carrying out a search. McLean, of Cambridge Road, pled not guilty to both charges through solicitor Aidan Gallagher. He is due to stand trial next month.

Crime plan welcomed A NEW police plan for Inverclyde has been welcomed by the council.

Police Scotland’s local priorities and objectives cover violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour, protecting people, serious and organised crime, drug supply and drug use, dishonesty and road safety.

Council leader Stephen McCabe believes it links neatly with the council’s own vision.

He said: “A reduction in crime will help to tackle de-population by showing that the area is safer.

“The plan will also focus on tackling domestic abuse, allowing Police Scotland to help us ensure that all of our children and young people have the best start in life.”
Smash denial A WOMAN has appeared in court to deny smashing a window with a walking stick.

Pauline Spence, 45, is accused of committing the offence at her flat in Sinclair Street on 13 January.

She faces a further charge of shouting, swearing and uttering threats of violence at the same address the following day.

Spence denied both charges through solicitor Derek Buchanan at Greenock Sheriff Court and is expected to stand trial next month.

Postie apologies THE Post Office has apologised after a Port branch suffered three unscheduled closures.

The office in Fore Street could not operate recently because of staff shortages and computer issues.

It left one elderly pensioner fuming when she was unable to withdraw her pension to pay bills.

The 76-year-old told the Tele: “It’s happened twice in two weeks and as long as no-one says anything it will just go on.

“One of the women said it was closed because they had no staff.

“It was closed another day too and four people were standing there hoping to use it.

“It’s terrible because there are people like me who depend on being able to get their money and it’s not everyone who goes to the bank or can easily get elsewhere.” A Post Office spokesperson confirmed services were unavailable on 28 March from 2.30pm because of technical difficulties.

She confirmed that services were also unavailable on 29 March and 7 April.

She said: “We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused as a result of the recent staff shortages and technical issues at the Fore Street Post Office branch. “These issues have now been resolved with the branch open for business as usual.”