Report reveals number of failed funding bids to give park makeover SEVERAL failed bids have been made for cash to improve one of Port Glasgow’s most prominent parks, it has been revealed.

A report to Inverclyde Council’s environment and regeneration committee revealed a string of unsuccessful attempts to secure external funding to improve Coronation Park.

Now the council will draw up its own plans to upgrade the park.

A report put to councillors on the environment and regeneration committee said: “Several unsuccessful attempts have been made to secure funding for Coronation Park to provide it with the upgrade and modernisation it deserves.

“A scheme will now be developed to undertake some basic minimal health and safety type improvements to the park and will be undertaken by environmental and commercial services.

“Regeneration and planning services continue to pursue sources of external funding for the park.”
Man allegedly tried to defraud shop staff A MAN has been accused of committing credit card fraud to dupe staff at two Greenock shops.

Christopher Robertson, 29, allegedly used the card to buy two TVs from Electra in West Blackhall Street on 3 October last year.

That same day he is charged with using the same card at the nearby Inverclyde Pram Centre at Jamaica Street to purchase a pram, carry cot and adaptors.

Robertson, of Ayr, is to appear in court again later this month.


Man on knife charge A GREENOCK man has appeared in court accused of carrying a knife.

Robert Best, 39, is charged with having the weapon in Oronsay Avenue in Port Glasgow on Tuesday, as well as heroin and herbal cannabis.

He appeared in private on petition at the sheriff court, represented by solicitor Aidan Gallagher.

Best, of Lansbury Street, made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.


Razor claim A WOMAN was caught in possession of an open razor within the Greenock Sheriff Court building, it is alleged.

Gillian Coombes was arrested shortly after entering the premises on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old — represented by defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher — appeared in the court from custody and made no plea or declaration to the charge.

Coombes, of Whinhill Court, Greenock, is accused of having an open blade with her within the building without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton granted her bail during a brief petition hearing in private and continued the case.


Footbridge replaced THE footbridge at Lady Alice Park is being replaced.

The small footpath over the Hole Burn has to be renewed because its 50 year old concrete is deteriorating.


£1.7k raised by bingo workers BINGO buddies who went the extra mile in aid of charity have raised £1,700.

A team who work for Mecca Bingo Club in Greenock took part in the recent 23-mile Kiltwalk.

Three quarters of the proceeds will go to the Carers’ Trust, Mecca’s long-term charity partner, with the remainder donated to various charities like CLIC Sargent and the Children’s Hospice Association of Scotland.

James Watson, club general manager, said: “All of us took great pride in crossing the finish line.”
Revamp dates for schools DATES have been revealed for the start of refurbishment work at three primary schools which are earmarked for improvements.

The council is planning to start redeveloping St John’s Primary in Port Glasgow in October and finish the job 10 months later.

Work is expected to begin at St Patrick’s in Greenock in August next year and should be finished by October 2016.

Refurbishment of Kilmacolm Primary is pencilled in for an August 2015 start and should be complete 14 months later.


Heroin guilt A WOMAN’S ‘relapse’ led to her being caught with heroin while in Greenock town centre.

Kimberley McIntyre, 21, of Mavis Road, had the illegal substance in Rue End Street on 1 February.

Sentence was deferred at Greenock Sheriff Court for good behaviour.

Solicitor Gerry Keenan told Sheriff Rajni Swanney: “She calls it a relapse, m’lady.”
Wall repairs after deluge HEAVY rainfall in recent months has wreaked havoc on a number of local bridges which will now have to be fixed.

The recent deluges have accelerated the ‘scour action’ of watercourses at six bridges and culverts, say council officials, affecting the stability of the structures.

Milton Culvert, Garshangan Culvert, Old Largs Road Culvert, Pennyteral Bridge, Flow Channel Loch Thom and Moniburns Bridge all require rock armour or concrete protection works as a result.

The work is to be carried out under a capital investment programme drawn up by the local authority.


Helping the homeless INVERCLYDE Homeless Forum is looking for volunteers to help its work.

The group provides lunch for around 40 vulnerable people in Greenock at St Mary’s Church hall every week.

They need new recruits to help prepare and serve food on Friday mornings.

Anyone who can spare a few hours should contact Carol Bjonness on 07969 889507.


‘Delight’ at repairs A LOCAL MSP says he is ‘delighted’ that repairs have been carried out on the A8 at the Cartsdyke and Cartsburn roundabouts.

Stuart McMillan had received a number of complaints about the roundabouts in recent years.

He said: “The condition of the road surface at the roundabouts has been of great concern to residents in the area who have contacted me.

“Driving through them now is a lot more enjoyable and relaxing than in the past.”
Breath test snub guilt A GREENOCK driver who pranged a car then refused to give a breath test is to be sentenced.

Shelley Ann Bonnar, 25, drove into the back of a vehicle which had stopped at traffic lights on Rue End Street on 17 January. Bonnar, of Canmore Crescent, pled guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court.

She will be sentenced next month and has been disqualified from driving in the meantime.