Deer killed A YOUNG deer was killed after being hit by a vehicle near Gourock Cemetery.

The accident happened around 9pm on Tuesday night.

A passing motorist contacted police in order to have the unfortunate animal removed from the road.


Three vehicles are set on fire THREE vehicles were wrecked after being deliberately set on fire in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The first incident was in Corlic Street just before 1am, when a van was set ablaze.

The next two incidents happened on the other side of town in Braeside.

Between 1am and 1.30am a Skoda Octavia Taxi was set on fire in Davaar Road. A short time later a car in Glencairn Road was torched.

Police say all vehicles were ‘extensively damaged’.

Detective Constable Chris Hughes, of Greenock CID, said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have information on these incidents to call 492557 or 101.”
Roadworks Repairs are to take place on part of a busy road in Greenock next week.

A stretch of Union Street will be shut off from Tuesday at 8am until Sunday 27 April at 6pm while the carriageway is resurfaced.

Access will be restricted between Nelson Street and Patrick Street and diversions will be in place.


Rail spending IMPROVEMENTS to Inverclyde’s rail stations have been welcomed by local MSP Stuart McMillan.

A sum of £65,000 is to be spent on Gourock, Greenock West and Port Glasgow stations, delivering ticket vending machines and new screens giving passengers live information on arrivals and departures.

Mr McMillan said: “The new ticketing facilities will make it easier and quicker for passengers to get their tickets and catch their train. It’s good to see Inverclyde is getting its share of rail station improvements across Scotland.”
Specs appeal SPECSAVERS in Greenock and charity Kidscape have teamed up for the optician’s annual £10,000 Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition.

Specsavers will donate £1 to Kidscape for every entry.

To enter visit www.specsavers.co.uk/loveglasses or ask in-store.


New members for Air Cadets GREENOCK Air Cadets are looking for new members to join their high flying ranks.

The 49F Squadron will hold an information evening on Thursday 1 May at 7.15pm in their 26a Ardgowan Street premises.

Squadron spokesperson, Flt Lt Vanda Nicholls, said: “We hope to see 13 to 16-year-olds looking for adventure, training, qualifications and new friends.

“Please bring a parent or guardian with you, so they can fill out paperwork.” If you are interested in attending, email Vanda at oc.49@aircadets.org or call the squadron on 723358 on Monday or Thursday between 7pm and 9pm to confirm your seat.


Assault charge A PORT woman has appeared in court charged with hitting a man on the head with a plastic container.

Pamela Mills, 39, is alleged to have carried out the assault at an address in Pladda Avenue on 19 January.

She also faces a second charge of shouting and swearing.

Mills, of Pladda Avenue, denied the offence through solicitor Gerry Keenan at Greenock Sheriff Court.


Vintage items uncovered A TREASURE trove of vintage items are to be unearthed at a special event in Greenock on Saturday 26 April.

The Vintage Sharing Fair takes place in the McLean Museum, Kelly Street, on Saturday 26 April from 10am to 5pm.

It is being organised by the people behind a heritage project exploring the social entertainment history of Inverclyde from the 1930s to the ‘90s.

People are being asked to look out old photos, tickets, clothes and artefacts or even just share their memories of what they did for a night out when they were young.

Organisers will include material in an exhibition set to run from 14 June - 14 July.

If people do not wish to part with their items then organisers will photograph them at the fair and include them in the project this way.


‘Push’ denial A GREENOCK man has appeared in court to deny assaulting a woman.

Jonathan Hughes, 22, is accused of repeatedly pushing the female at an address in Sir Michael Street in August last year.

He is accused of two further offences on the same date — assaulting a male by attempting to punch him on the face as well as shouting, swearing and making threats.

Solicitor David Tod pled not guilty to all charges on Hughes’ behalf at Greenock Sheriff Court. He is to return to court at a later date when matters continue.


Taxi hopes A PROPOSAL to allow Inverkip and Wemyss Bay taxi drivers to pick up fares from cab ranks in Greenock and elsewhere in Inverclyde has gone out to public consultation.

Five operators serving the villages are currently forbidden from taking on passengers from taxi queues outwith their home area under a 27-year-old restriction.

A move to scrap the rule has been made by Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld.

Comments to the consultation on the matter must be submitted to Inverclyde Council in writing by 5 May.


Office closed RIVER Clyde Homes’ tenants are being reminded that the housing association’s offices will be closed tomorrow and Monday.

Emergency repairs only will be carried out during this time.

Problems should be reported by calling 0800 013 2196.


Bingo at St Mary’s MEMBERS of St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Port Glasgow are holding their monthly bingo night on Monday.

The event at the church hall in Bardrainney Avenue gets underway at 7.30pm and a buffet will be provided.


Banned from road A GREENOCK grandad who drove while more than three times the drink limit has been banned from the road.

Gilbert Griffin, 61, was behind the wheel of his Volkswagen Passat when he was stopped on Inverkip Road on 12 February.

A breath test showed he had 126 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. Griffin, of Pennyfern Road, admitted the offence and appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court for sentencing.

He was disqualified for 42 months and given a £500 fine.

Griffin was also placed under supervision for 18 months and ordered to undergo alcohol counselling for the same period of time.


Fun garden party THE annual Gourock Garden Party takes place on 15 June with the theme of ‘The Commonwealth’.

The popular event, one of the longest running in Inverclyde, will be on at the walled gardens in Gourock Park.

There will be a kids’ fancy dress competition and a barbecue plus lots of attractions and entertainment along with various stalls.

One of the organisers, the Tele’s gardening expert George Irvine, said: “If any group wants a stall to help promote their organisation and raise funds they can contact me to arrange it.

“It promises to be a great day out for all the family and I’m hopeful we’ll get good weather.” Contact George on 633422 or email irvinegd@aol.com
University group meeting INVERCLYDE’S branch of the Scottish Federation of University Women meet this evening in Greenock.

They will hear a talk on ‘Working in the Community’ by Karen Orr of RIG Arts.

Members assemble for a meal in the Tontine at 5.30pm, and the speaker starts at 7pm.

For more information call 633334 or 723553.


Music sale this weekend A RECORD and CD fair takes place at Greenock’s Holiday Inn on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

A huge selection of CDs, vinyl, film and music DVDs will be available to buy plus there will be opportunities to sell and exchange items.

Admission costs £1 while students and the unemployed can gain entry for 70p.


Centre to hold open day TWO open days are being held at Crown Care Centre in King Street, Greenock, later this month.

They take place on 23 and 24 April between 9am and 5pm.

Staff will be on hand to advise on the new complex’s flexible support scheme.

For more information, call 892727 or 07963 937889.


Photography prizegiving INVERCLYDE Camera Club is closed tomorrow for Easter, but returns next Friday for the annual prizegiving and social event.

Silverware will be presented then, and members will review images from the past season.


Bodyattack class change THE bodyattack class at Lady Octavia Sports Centre on Saturday will now start earlier, at 11am.

The class, which was originally at 11.15am, will still run for 45 minutes.