Archive: Provost said Tesco parking fines hurt Greenock

The supermarket was the first to break with an Inverclyde tradition allowing shoppers to park without fear of penalties, threatening them with a £70 fine.

Inverclyde Provost Ciano Rebecchi said at the time: “Tesco are breaking the mould.

“Everybody else lets people park for free.

“Inverclyde Council doesn’t have meters and we are sticking to that.

“I don’t think they should charge people at all.”

BATMAN TO THE RESCUE

Elsewhere, Batman and other superheroes were set to jump off Inverclyde Royal to raise money for charity.

They were taking part in Kidney Research UK’s annual abseil off the 180- foot roof.

It was hoped the event would raise £35,000 for the IRH’s renal unit and kidney research.

More than 200 people were expected to sign up for the event.

SMOOTH BEATS THE BOOZE 

In other news, people of all ages were flocking to a Greenock bar — that didn’t sell booze.

Zumo smoothie and fruit juice bar in the Oak Mall had been doing a roaring trade since it opened a couple of months prior.

And one of its biggest fans was Labour’s health spokesman at Inverclyde Council.

Councillor Iain McKenzie, a keen runner, said at the time: “Health promotion has never been higher on the agenda in Scotland.

“Inverclyde bars are coming to terms with a smoke-free atmosphere — and now queues are forming at this new bar to get a cocktail of fruit.”

FIREFIGHTERS PAY TRIBUTE

Meanwhile, Inverclyde residents joined firefighters to remember those who died in the Twin Tower terrorist attacks.

Wreaths and flowers were laid at a memorial cairn then firefighters led the public in a one-minute silence to the September 11 victims who perished, among them more than 300 firefighters who ran into the building to try and save lives.

Greenock firefighters Gavin Peden and John Cassidy laid a wreath in memory of NY comrades who died.

BOY WONDER HAILED AS HERO

In sport, Morton manager Jim McInally hailed wonder kid Paul McGowan who hit a brace that helped his side dump First Division high-flyers St Johnstone from the Challenge Cup at Cappielow.

Ton fell behind to a Simon Mensing strike early on but Ryan Harding levelled things in the second half.

McGowan then put Ton in front before Mensing tied things up again.

However, on-loan Celtic striker McGowan hit a sweet winner in 89 minutes to put the Greenock side into the semi-finals, and his manager was over the moon.

McInally said at the time: “It was a great team effort tonight and I don’t like to single out individuals.

“However, I do have to say Paul McGowan’s winning goal was top drawer.”

*These stories appeared in the Greenock Telegraph on September 13, 2006.