Workman denies £8k roof fraud charge A ROOFER is to appear in court accused of scamming a Greenock resident out of almost £8,000.

James Ralston, 32, is charged with pretending he had carried out felt replacement and moss removal at the man’s house in Burns Road. The incident is said to have happened between 11 and 13 February.

It’s claimed he accepted two cheques totalling £7,800 from the householder for work that was not done.

Ralston, of Robert Smillie Crescent in Larkhall, denies the charge and is expected to appear in court later this week.


Teams tackle police tourney INVERCLYDE teams are taking part in the annual Cowal Police Football Tournament this summer.

It runs from 6 to 8 June and features teams from primary school age to over-30s.


Nominate cause for funds THERE are just a few days left to nominate a local good cause for a funding boost.

The Bank of Scotland Community Fund is offering grants of up to £3,000 to projects and services in Inverclyde. Locals clubs, groups and charities are eligible to benefit. Nominations can be made online at www.bankofscotland.co.uk/communityfund until 30 April.


Business breakfast meet GREENOCK Chamber of Commerce holds its next monthly breakfast meeting on Thursday 1 May at Fresh in the Oak Mall The free event, from 8am, is for local business people to meet in a relaxed atmosphere, build contacts and discuss business issues.


Christmas blunder IT may be Easter but callers to the council switchboard are still being told that staff are off on their CHRISTMAS holidays.

Bemused members of the public ringing Inverclyde Council’s customer service line have been met with a recorded message telling them that workers will be back in January.

The voicemail message politely states: “Inverclyde Council’s customer service centre is now closed for the Christmas holiday and will reopen on Friday 3rd January at 8.45am.” A local man who reported the blunder to the Tele on Friday said: “No doubt someone will have egg on their face about this!”
Woman charged A WOMAN is to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court charged with two shop thefts.

Angela Stein, 36, of the Inverclyde Centre, is accused of stealing food from Tesco in Dalrymple Street on 5 February.

A second charge states she took DVDs and clothes from a shop in the Oak Mall the following day.


Hope for hot food van A HOT food van could open at Parklea in Port Glasgow.

James Hagen has asked for a Street Trader’s Licence to allow him to sell hot and cold food from a mobile unit in the car park at the sports fields from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.


Poundland thief A WOMAN has been ordered to behave herself after she admitted stealing from two Oak Mall shops.

Kirsty Finlay, 29, stole hair products from Poundland and a quantity of shoes from M&Co on 12 March.

On that same date she also struggled violently with police officers in nearby Clyde Square.

Finlay, of Prospecthill Court, appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court represented by solicitor Gerry Keenan.

Sentence was deferred for six months’ good behaviour.


£600 van theft GARDENING equipment worth £600 has been stolen from a van in Greenock.

The transit was broken into while parked in Fox Street some time between 7.30pm on Wednesday and 10.30am the following day.

A lawnmower and strimmer were taken in the raid. Police are calling for anyone with information to contact them on 101.


Homophobic abuse man jailed A PORT man who hurled homophobic abuse in a Greenock nightclub has been jailed for his bigoted rant.

John Lymburn, 24, made offensive remarks and issued violent threats in Word Up, Dalrymple Street, pictured, on 9 February.

The charge states that the offence was ‘aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual orientation’.

Lymburn, of Princes Street, was on two bail orders at the time.

He admitted the offence at Greenock Sheriff Court, where he was represented by solicitor Aidan Gallagher.

Lymburn will serve five months behind bars.


Holiday guide appeal BOSSES of Wemyss Bay Caravan Park want holidaymakers in Inverclyde to share their favourite destinations as part of a new holiday guide for children.

All entrants will be entered into a free prize draw to win a week-long family holiday there, or at one of Parkdean’s other holiday parks.

Visit www.parkdean.com/ukourway for details.


Creative writing course A FREE creative writing class is starting soon at South West Library in Greenock.

It will be on every Friday from 2 May until 6 June. Phone 712322 to book a space.


New retail park work progress DEVELOPERS say they hope to start work on the next phase of the Port’s new retail park ‘as soon as possible’.

Work on the second part of the redevelopment at the former shipyard site is nearing completion and includes a new B&Q DIY superstore, the Costa Coffee drive-through and Marston’s Waterwheel pub and restaurant.

Site owners Gallagher Developments already have planning consent for phase three of the project, which will include 110,000 sq ft of non-food retail space.

The firm has yet to line up any tenants but with the current market continuing to improve, they are confident of attracting retailers.


Prison assault A PRISONER will be sentenced in June for an assault at Gateside jail.

Ryan Herd, 27, punched a man at HMP Greenock in June last year.

As he appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court, sentence was deferred for two months.


Service centre THE council Customer Service Centre is closed today for the Easter holiday.

It reopens tomorrow at 8.45am.