Greenock Telegraph archives: Knife crime hit nine-year low

The numbers of offences involving a bladed weapon was the lowest it had been in nine years.

This was in keeping with the downward trend in violence in the area, which had shown the biggest drop in a decade.

New figures showed robberies were down by a quarter and serious assaults cut by 18.5 per cent, while the number of knives on the streets fell by 16.5 per cent, and offensive weapons by 15 per cent.

Meanwhile, a Port Glasgow Juniors wonderkid had been picked to represent SPL big guns Rangers in an international tournament.

Stephen Kelly played for the Ibrox giants’ under 10s team in the Mundialito seven-a-side tournament in Portugal, which was widely regarded as the world’s best youth tournament.

The annual event welcomed teams from more than 30 different countries including European heavyweights such as Manchester United, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Stephen, then aged nine, has been playing for Port Glasgow Juniors since the age of four, helping the team to great success in the Johnstone and District League.

Stephen went on to turn pro with Rangers and he now plays for Premiership side Livingston, having moved there in September 2022.

Elsewhere, Greenock was set to welcome welcome Cunard’s flagship fleet.

Clydeport had confirmed their Queen Elizabeth vessel would visit Greenock Ocean Terminal for the first time in September 2011 — and Queen Mary 2 was returning for her second visit in the same month. The visit of a magnificent trio was set to be kicked off by the Queen Victoria when she arrived at Greenock Ocean Terminal in July 2010.

In other news, a community leader said that facilities for children and new shops should be a priority in the regeneration of Larkfield.

Elizabeth Bradley, chairwoman of Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton Community Council, was pushing for increased investment.

Mrs Bradley said at the time: “We need a kickabout area for older children and a playpark for younger ones.

“We need to ask children what they want, they will be the ones using the facilities. The Burns Road playpark has fallen into disrepair and could be the site of a new one.”

In sport, Stewart Greacen revealed he had no intentions of altering his aggressive playing style — because it’s what Morton needed ahead of some crucial fixtures.

The robust defender had been booked four times that season but returned from suspension in time to face Partick Thistle.

Greacen was up for the fight as James Grady’s men attempted to pull themselves away from the bottom of the table.

The Ton ultimately emerged triumphant in the crunch clash at Cappielow, coming away with all three points thanks to a late goal by Jim McAlister.