A NEW chair is taking the helm of an influential body with a key stake in the future of Gourock.

Councillor Lynne Quinn is to lead Gourock Regeneration Forum and says she aims to build on the good work that has already been achieved in her home town.

It is one of two posts she will proudly hold after being re-elected recently, having retained the post of Inverclyde Women's Champion.

Councillor Quinn was returned with the largest number of first preference votes for any candidate in last month's poll.

She said: "I want to thank all those who voted for me and put their trust in me to represent them for a further five years.

"Gourock has a proud tradition of electing independents, seeing the benefit of a having a local person representing them whose priority is dealing with local issues and its people without the constraints of party politics.

"I am proud to be re-elected as an independent and will continue to work hard for the benefit of my community."

She says her priorities are to continue the work to improve her town.

She said: "As forum chair I will be seeking new ideas to improve our town further, and continuing the work to restore Gourock Park, increase footfall in our town and regenerate Shore Street will be the focus.

"Prior to the election I had been working with the residents and River Clyde Homes to upgrade the Shore Street flats next to the health centre, and with the final works planned for next year this should enhance the appearance of this building."

A hot topic in Gourock during the campaign was the condition of the eyesore tenement block on the corner of Shore and John streets and Mrs Quinn says she will be working hard to try and make progress on that front too, saying that safety and pavement work is 'imminent'.

She told the Tele: "The corner of John and Shore Street has received much attention over the past few years and I appreciate that this part of Shore Street has been of particular concern for so many for valid reasons.

"I want to reassure everyone that all involved are keen for a resolution.

"This is a complex issue involving a privately-owned building and it needs to be tackled in a way that is respectful to the residents."

Meanwhile, in her role as Women's Champion the councillor aims to tackle the shocking level of harassment highlighted by the results of the community safety survey which was carried out recently.

She said: "My priority in this role will be to ensure the results of the women's safety survey are acted upon.

"This survey shows that we as a community have some way to go to ensure women and girls are able to go about their daily lives without fear.

"The actions cannot fall to the council alone, we need everyone to play their part in making women and girls feel safe and respected.

"I am keen to get as many women together to discuss this and many other things."