Crackdown on rogue traders POLICE will carry out patrols and roadblocks across Inverclyde to tackle rogue traders and bogus callers.

The two week initiative began earlier this week and is part of the national Beat Bogus Callers campaign run by Police Scotland.

Sergeant Stuart Drake, of Greenock police office said: “Locally we will be working in partnership with our colleagues from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Trading Standards.

“We will be seeking to disrupt the activities of rogue traders and bogus callers.

“We will be carrying out high visibility patrols and static roadblocks to deter and prevent criminality.” The campaign also aims to stamp out doorstep crime, particularly among vulnerable people.

Sgt Drake added: “We will be engaging with elderly persons groups and will leaflet premises such as sheltered housing complexes.”
Community council meeting PORT Glasgow East Community Council is holding its latest meeting tonight. It is in Boglestone Community Centre from 7pm.


Court opens to public ONE of Greenock’s most iconic buildings will be fully opened up to the public this weekend for an unrestricted behind the scenes tour.

Greenock Sheriff Court is one of 18 courts across Scotland which will open its doors on Saturday to give visitors a glimpse into how the justice system actually works.

Activities will include tours of custody cells, mock trials, a talk on the court’s history, while there will be displays of legal robes and maces.

Tours take place between 9am and 3pm.


Blind man admonished A BLIND man who assaulted a woman in a Greenock pub has escaped punishment.

Thomas Smith, 55, struck the female on the head and seized her by the hair at the Double A public house in Inverkip Street on Boxing Day last year.

Sentencing at Greenock Sheriff Court had earlier been deferred twice so he could demonstrate good behaviour.

Smith, of Nelson Street in Largs, was admonished.


Lift up your voice and sing with band ASPIRING singers are invited to a special event at St John’s Episcopal Church in Greenock this weekend.

The church in Union Street, is inviting people to sing The Armed Man — a mass by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins.

Previous experience of choral singing is not essential and people are invited to the rehearsal at 2pm on Saturday before the concert with Riverside Youth Band at 7.30pm. Concert tickets cost £6.


Church event aims to attract new faces A POPULAR family fun event at a Greenock church has returned following a summer break.

Messy Church involves crafts, a short worship and a hot meal on a Saturday afternoon.

Organisers at Westburn Church, Nelson Street, hope to encourage people who may not traditionally head to church on a Sunday morning.

So far the first three sessions have been a big hit, with around 45 people coming along to join in the fun.

One of the organisers Lynne Cairns said: “We are a friendly bunch who are trying something different.

“We aim to encourage people who would not normally come to traditional church on a Sunday morning, although everyone will be made most welcome.” The Messy Church event is taking place again this Saturday from 4 to 6pm.


Get on course for a career in hair care THE Greenock campus of West College Scotland is running new courses for 16 to 24-year-olds interested in a career in healthcare or hairdressing.

There will be a range of short courses combining work placements with college tuition.

A college spokesperson said: “The courses provide a focus on the employability skills required for either the healthcare or hairdressing sectors and will enable students to progress on to further programmes of study.” For more information call 554020.


Denial A PORT man has denied stealing two vacuum cleaners and deodorant from a supermarket.

David Clarke, 34, of Glasgow Road, is charged with stealing the items from Tesco in Port Glasgow on 6 August.

He pled not guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court, where matters will be continued.


No award for Waterloo HIT Greenock-based TV show Waterloo Road narrowly lost out on a top award.

It was up for best drama at the TV Choice Awards 2013 but narrowly lost out to Doctor Who — which won another award, presented to ex-Greenock teacher Steven Moffat, now a key writer and producer behind the scenes of Doctor Who.


Man admits having drug A PORT man has admitted possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

James Gisby, 40, was caught at his address in Westfield Road with the Class B drug on 30 April.

He admitted the offence during an appearance this week at Greenock Sheriff Court, where sentence was deferred for reports.