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Transcript of InView - Winter 2013/14
Autumn/Winter 2013/14
InView is available in other formats, on request. For more information call (01475) 717171.
Issue 18 Autumn/Winter 2013/14 The Council newspaper for all Inverclyde residents
www.inverclyde.gov.uk
Inverclyde can now boast one of the
best school estates in Scotland
thanks to nearly a quarter of a
billion pounds worth of investment.
Three schools are set to move to their
new homes at Inverclyde Council’s
flagship £44 million Port Glasgow
Community Campus.
Craigmarloch Additional Support Needs
(ASN) School will move on Monday
9 December while St Stephen’s High
School and Port Glasgow High School
will move to the new campus on
Thursday 12 December.
Pupils from the three schools will arrive
on those dates after three exceptional
closure dates to allow teaching
resources to be moved from their
current accommodation.
St Columba’s High School moved into
their new building in August following
the £15 million refurbishment and
extension of the former Gourock High
School building. Work is due to start
on the £5.5 million refurbishment and
extension of Ardgowan Primary School
in Greenock - in 2014.
Education & Communities Convener
Councillor Terry Loughran said: “Our
Schools Estate Programme is
delivering a package of new and
refurbished schools. This means not
only buildings that are in fantastic
condition and suitable for purpose, but
are exciting and special places to learn.
The regeneration of Inverclyde is well
underway and the redevelopment of
the school estate is central to this.
Education is at the heart of our vision
for the future and we are determined
to provide education services of the
highest quality to meet the needs of the
community. Our schools are not just
about providing resources for pupils,
they are also there for our communities
to support lifelong learning, leisure and
community services.”
Once the Port Glasgow Community
Campus is completed all of Inverclyde
Council’s secondary schools will be
A-rated and 90% of primary schools
A or B rated, according to condition
ratings supplied to the Scottish
Government every three years.
Councillor Loughran added: “We have
come a long way in the nine years
since the first strategy to renew the
school estate was set out, before any
work had begun. When we started on
this programme the condition and age
of many of our school properties and
the changing demands on school
buildings, meant the school estate in
Inverclyde no longer met the needs of
our school communities. Over the next
year we will take further significant
steps forward with the refurbishment
of Ardgowan Primary and design work
on the refurbishment of St John’s,
St Patrick’s and Kilmacolm Primary
Schools.”
Transformation moves
on across Inverclyde
see page 3 w w w w
INVERCLYDE Winter Festival
Headteacher wins
lifetime achievement
see page 8 w w w w
Inverclyde schools top of the class
FIRST LOOK: InView takes you inside the £44m Port Glasgow
Community Campus set to open in December.
Your FREE guide to what’s on this festive season: centre pages w w w w
Tourism visitors on
the up for Inverclyde
see page 4 w w w w
Did you know InView is available in large print, Braille and other languages?
2 InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk
A lot has happened since our
last edition in the spring so
I hope you will enjoy reading
about the many developments
and success we have enjoyed
in Inverclyde since then.
Much has been said about the
‘green shoots of recovery’ in the
UK following the deepest and
most sustained global economic
downturn in living memory.
In Inverclyde, while those
financial pressures have been
keenly felt, our efforts to
encourage investment and
empower people with the life
skills and training to gain
employment have seen some
notable successes.
Our employability programmes
continue to deliver opportunities
for local people to gain the
experience and knowledge
they need to find full time
employment.
Working in partnership with the
private sector and Riverside
Inverclyde, we have seen major
new developments underway in
Port Glasgow at the retail park
and at Kelburn and the
completion of phase 2 of the
Riverside Business Park in
Greenock, helping create and
sustain hundreds of local jobs.
The Council continues to invest
in key services and
infrastructure - not least in
our roads. We have already
Welcome
announced a three year £17
million investment to implement
our roads asset management
plan and we have ambitions to
spend a further £12 million up
to 2018. So far this year we have
spent over £2 million specifically
on carriageways and more is
planned.
2013 has been a year of notable
successes for Inverclyde. The
crowning glory has to be the
imminent completion of the
£44 million Port Glasgow
Community Campus. The three
schools - Port Glasgow High,
St Stephen’s High and
Craigmarloch - will all be in their
new homes by Christmas. We
have also seen the completion
of the new St Columba’s High
School in Gourock and the new
Lomond View Academy.
Set against that background of
achievement I am excited at the
plans ahead for 2014, where we
will continue the hard work to
deliver high quality services and
continue the effort to regenerate
Inverclyde and to promote it as
an area to live, work and raise
a family.
Stephen McCabe
Leader of Inverclyde Council
Autumn/Winter 2013/14
Council Leader
Councillor Stephen McCabe
For more information visit
www.inverclyde.gov.uk
www.inverclydeleisure.com
Notable
successes
for Inverclyde
The tweet life:
@inverclydewww.twitter.com/inverclyde
Latest news on services, events and jobs in
Inverclyde are posted on Twitter as soon as
they are published to our website.
The page is also updated with any service updates.
Other Council services on Twitter:
Inverclyde Council libraries: @InverclydeLibsActive schools & sports development: @ActiveSchoolsIC
• HEEPS is a new campaign by Home Energy Scotland(HES) designed to reduce household energy consumptionand cut your energy bills
• HEEPS will be operating within Inverclyde shortly. Furtherdetails will appear in the local paper, on line, and on ourwebsite – www.inverclyde.gov.uk – in the housing pages
• Help is available to all home owners and to tenants ofprivate landlords and there will be many different schemesopen to you to improve your home energy efficiency andsave you money
• Look out for the HES adverts about HEEPS on TV, on theradio, and on billboards across the Inverclyde Council area
• For more information from Inverclyde Council, pleasecontact the Senior Grants Officer by telephoning (01475) 714228
• For full details of every programme currently available fromall suppliers, please contact the HES Helpline on 0808 828 2282
Home
Energy
Efficiency
Programmes
Scotland - HEEPS
Your view on InviewWe want to hear your views on
this newspaper. Visit our online
survey and tell us what you think.
www.surveymonkey.com/s/Inview2013
Inverclyde winter festival events... see pages 6 and 7
3InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2013/14
news w w w w w
Roads investment is now paying off
Inverclyde Council is set to invest
over £5 million this financial year to
improve the area’s roads network.
From repairing potholes and emptying
gullies to resurfacing complete
stretches of roads, the Council’s repair
programme is starting to make a real
difference.
Environment and Regeneration
Convener Councillor Michael
McCormick said: “We announced a
three year £17 million investment in
February and our intention is to add
a further £12 million up to 2018. Our
repair programme is constantly under
review and we will react when
situations develop that we need to
address urgently. This is investment
that will really make a difference after
years of decline and wear and tear on
our roads.”
The programme of resurfacing works
carried out this year includes Clune
Brae/Glasgow Road in Port Glasgow,
Lyle Road in Greenock, Cloch Road
and Bayvie Road in Gourock and Spey
Road in Wemyss Bay.
In September the local government
watchdog Audit Scotland recognised
the Council’s good progress against
key recommendations made in its
report ‘Maintaining Scotland’s Roads’.
These included developing the road
asset management plan, making more
use of performance information and
working towards more collaborative
working with other local authorities.
Councillor McCormick added: “We are
determined to make a real difference in
the overall standard of our roads and to
deliver improvements despite ever
increasing pressures on budgets.”
It has been another busy year forInverclyde Council and its partnerspushing ahead with the ambitiousprogramme to regenerate the areaand stimulate economic growth.
Key to delivering projects and
employment is the urban regeneration
company Riverside Inverclyde which
has been working to transform sites
left derelict from heavy industry and
securing hundreds of local jobs.
Work is currently underway on the
£2.5 million first phase of two new
design-and-build industrial units
at Kelburn Business Park in Port
Glasgow.
The project will create high quality
business space providing opportunities
for local companies and employment
opportunities for local people.
The Council and Riverside Inverclyde
are working together to improve and
enhance Inverclyde’s town centres.
The latest initiative is a new piece
of public art paying tribute to Port
Glasgow’s historic past.
Following a public vote, artist John
McKenna’s ‘The Shipbuilders of Port
Glasgow’ was chosen to stand on the
flat-topped traffic island at the western
entrance to the town.
Transforming and regenerating the area of Inverclyde
Inverclyde supports theInternational campaign ‘16 Days of Activism to Eliminate Violenceagainst Women’ (White ribboncampaign) from 25 November to 10 December 2013.
Inverclyde Council’s Safer
Communities Service, in partnership
with Inverclyde Women’s Aid and
Police Scotland, is urging people in
Inverclyde to stop and think of the
issues surrounding violence against
women during an international
awareness campaign.
Wearing a white ribbon is about
challenging the acceptability of
violence by getting men involved,
helping women to break the silence,
and encouraging everyone to come
together to build a better world for all.
It is a personal pledge never to commit,
condone or remain silent about
violence against women.
Throughout the campaign, Inverclyde
Women’s Aid will be handing out white
ribbons and information in West
College Finnart Street and Waterfront
Campuses, Greenock Health Centre,
Station View Health Centre, Port
Glasgow Health Centre, Ardgowan GP
Practice and Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
‘The Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow’ by John McKenna.
Further information on the White Ribbon Campaign is available at:
whiteribboncampaign.co.uk
If you are affected by Violence Against Women help is available. Please call:
Inverclyde Women’s Aid - 01475 888505
Inverclyde Police Office - 01475 492500
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 027 1234
National Rape Crisis Helpline - 0808 801 0302
Apprentices on the riseInverclyde Council is saying ‘You’reHired’ 32 times this year.
The Council’s modern apprentice
programme will see 32 local young
people taken on for work experience
and training in the Council and with
local companies across Inverclyde.
Local businesses will benefit from the
modern apprentice programme with 12
apprentices for hospitality and tourism
placed within 12 local companies.
Since the new Modern Apprentice
programme started in 2008 there have
been a total of 104 new starts including
this year’s intake.
Support campaignto end violenceagainst women
Also inside... Christmas and New Year bin collections
With visitor numbers on the rise forInverclyde attractions, the Council isset to invest to encourage evenmore people to enjoy the area.
Plans include lighting up Newark Castle
in Port Glasgow to show off its riverside
location. And, the iconic Victoria Tower
in Greenock could be open to visitors
as early as summer 2014.
Visitor figures revealed that in August,
29,084 people visited attractions in
Inverclyde - a rise of 33%.
The figures, published for the whole of
Scotland by the respected Moffat
Centre, show that many more people
are recognising the valuable attractions
across Inverclyde.
Inverclyde’s Environment and
Regeneratiomn Convener, Councillor
Michael McCormick said: “Inverclyde is
a great place to visit and live. These
visitor attraction figures show that more
people are recognising what we
already know. We have some superb
visitor attractions and plenty of great
stories to tell. This year alone both the
Beacon Arts Centre and the Scottish
Fire and Rescue Museum achieved
coveted four star status from Visit
Scotland. The Council has also
announced plans to light up Newark
Castle and to open up the Victoria
Tower to visitors.
“We have a large number of really
committed local businesses and groups
all working hard to welcome visitors to
our area and to show off the very best
of Inverclyde. I’d urge local businesses
and local people to keep up the great
work and help beat the drum about
what a great place we have here.
“Every visitor to our area is another
ambassador going back telling others
about how good Inverclyde is – that’s
good for bringing even more visitors
to the area and, crucially, more income
to our local businesses.”
4 InView www.inverclyde.gov.ukAutumn/Winter 2013/14
news w w w w wVisitor number boost to Inverclyde’s top attractions
Three councils joined forces to help our heroes
NEWARK: The Port Glasgow castle is set to shine as the Council
invests in lighting up the historic visitor attraction.
VICTORIA: Visitors could scale
Greenock’s Iconic Tower.
Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire, andRenfrewshire councils have joinedtogether for a new initiative helpingArmed Forces veterans.
The three councils, working with the
Veterans Support Service, have
introduced a new customer service
initiative designed to make sure
veterans get the help they need.
Customer service advisors at all three
authorities have been trained to ask the
right questions to identify veterans and
‘signpost’ them to specialist advice in
housing, employment, benefits or
medical treatment.
The initiative was given a significant
boost this week when the UK
Government announced that it will
receive £87,000 from the Armed Forces
Covenant (LIBOR) Fund.
Money raised from fines imposed on
UK banks which manipulated LIBOR –
the interest rate at which banks lend to
each other – is used to support the
Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge from
councils to do what they can to ensure
veterans are not disadvantaged.
Each of the three councils has signed
the covenant in the past year and all
participate in the Firmbase initiative to
co-ordinate veterans’ support across
the west of Scotland.
Lt Col Russell said: “I’m in uniform
today so it’s immediately obvious that
I’m with the Armed Forces. But if
someone walks in off the street and
into a council office, how would you
know if they’ve served in the forces? It
seems so simple, but unless an advisor
asks, then they might not get to the
heart of what the person needs.”
Depute Provost, David Wilson, said:
"We have a long and proud association
with the armed forces in Inverclyde so
I am delighted we are part of this
service offering help and support.“
Inverclyde’s proposed Local
Development Plan 2013 is now being
considered by the Scottish
Government.
Following an eight week consultation in
the summer the issues raised are being
analysed by a reporter appointed by
Scottish ministers.
Once completed, a revised Local
Development Plan will be considered
for adoption by the Council in mid-late
summer 2014.
The Local Development Plan sets out
where and how future development will
take place for the next 5-10 years and
beyond. It sits within a national,
regional and local context – Scottish
Government planning policy, the
National Planning Framework, the
Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic
Development Plan and the Inverclyde
Alliance Single Outcome Agreement.
It also complements and assists a wide
range of plans and strategies.
Planning blueprintunder the spotlight
TOGETHER: Councils and armed forces launch new help initiative.
Scottish Welfare Funding... details on page 12
Inverclyde’s Community Health andCare Partnership (CHCP) healthimprovement team have beenacross the area promoting healthand care issues.
In October they were out promotingbreast cancer awareness in bingo’s,supermarkets, community groups andevents in Port Glasgow and Greenock.
The team supported a MacmillanCoffee Morning in sheltered housing in East Kirk Court and CHCP HQ atKirn House where £189 was raised.
November saw a chance for men toshow that they were aware of testicularand prostate, by taking up theMovember challenge and growingmoustaches to raise money for charity.
The health improvement team have
been working in partnership with Your
Voice and Inverclyde Community
Development Trust promoting the
message that by attending screenings
and being aware of symptoms, can
lead to early diagnosis and treatment
for many cancers.
Smokefree community services based
in Greenock Health Centre are the
specialists to help. You are four times
more likely to quit successfully by
attending their classes with friendly,
understanding support.
5InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk
Health improvement team give support
Winter protection from flu for your family
Autumn/Winter 2013/14
news w w w w wSelf directed support: what it means for you...
Self directed support starts on 1 April 2014 and if you have a newassessment carried out after then,you may see some changes.
It is a new system of managing care,
putting clients in control of the budget
for their care services. People will have
a better chance of getting the support
that is right for them and their family
because they are in charge.
Here we take you through some
frequently asked questions and let
you know what the changes might
mean for you…
Is personalisation the same thing?
Personalisation is the overarching
umbrella, giving people control over
their lives, ensuring they are actively
involved in shaping and selecting the
services they receive. It assumes that
most people want to be part of their
community with rights and
responsibilities and that the community
can be part of the support. Services
can be personalised without people
using ‘self directed support’ to access
them.
Is ‘self directed support’different from a ‘directpayment’?
Direct payments are one part of ‘self
directed support’ but have been around
a lot longer. Direct payments are cash
payments for the purpose of support.
The main change with self directed
support is transparency about the
budget and a focus on outcomes.
Previously someone might only have
known the value of a service when they
wanted a direct payment. Under self
directed support people will know what
budget is available to allow them to
plan their support.
What is happening on 1 April 2014?
From that date anyone who has
a new assessment of need
undertaken which results in eligible
care needs being identified will be
given the choice of four options
to choose from.
What are the four options?Option 1 - The person requests
a direct payment to arrange their
own support.
Option 2 - The person decides
what support they want but the local
authority makes the arrangements
on their behalf. Where the support
is not provided by them the local
authority will pay the relevant
amount for the provision.
Option 3 - The local authority will
select the appropriate support;
make the arrangements and where
it is not provided by them the local
authority will pay the relevant
amount for the provision.
Option 4 - The person has the
option of mixing from Option 1, 2
or 3 and where it not provided by
them the local authority will pay the
relevant amount for the provision.
Where someone does not make
a choice then option 3 will be the
default position.
Changes are on the way for howcare services are paid.
It’s the season for sniffles andsneezes caused by the commoncold but people can often be hit withflu – a serious virus that can have a serious impact on your health and your family.
There will be plenty of people in
Inverclyde that are eligible for the free
flu jab and a new extension to the flu
vaccination programme means that
children will also be protected from
the nasty effects of this winter virus.
If you have an underlying health
condition or long-term illness such as
diabetes, asthma or other heart, lung
or liver conditions, even if you are
young or feel fit and healthy, you are
eligible for the free flu vaccine from
your GP. This is also the case if you
are pregnant, over 65 or an unpaid
carer.
It’s important to get the flu vaccine
early, as it’s the most effective and
safe way to protect yourself from the
seasonal flu virus. The vaccine can’t
give you flu, it’s safe and just takes
a few minutes.
For further information on the flu
vaccine, log on to
www.immunisationscotland.org.uk
If you are a smokerand want to quit phone 01475 501226
6 Autumn/Winter 2013/14
INVERCLYDE Winter Festival
BOOK WEEK ScotlandAll events are free unless stated. Please phone 01475 712323 to book your place.
Keith Gray25 Nov 9.30am to 10.30am Port Glasgow LibraryCritically-acclaimed and award-winning writer for teenagers, Keith will discuss his own work and share the stories behind becoming a successfulwriter.
An evening with Denise Mina25 Nov 7pm to 10pm Greenock Central LibraryDenise will be reading from her work and hosting a discussion session.
An evening with Karen Campbell26 Nov 7pm to 10pm Greenock Central LibraryCome and listen to Karen reading from her work and a chance to talk to her.
An evening with Louise Welsh27 Nov 7pm to 10pm Greenock Central LibraryListen Louise reading from her work and hosting a discussion session.
Barry Hutchison25 Nov - 30 Nov 1.30pm to 2.30pm Gourock LibraryJoin award-winning Barry Hutchison for a creepy afternoon as he discusses Invisible Fiends, the horror series for kids that sheds new light on imaginary childhood friends.
An evening with Stuart MacBride28 Nov 7pm to 10pm Greenock Central LibraryStuart will be reading from his work and hosting a discussion session.
An evening with Quintin Jardine29 Nov 7pm to 10pm Greenock Central LibraryQuintin will be reading from his work. A great opportunity to meet theauthor of the Bob Skinner, Oz Blackstone and Primavera Blackstone novels.
Words Per Minute on the Water30 Nov 8pm to 11pm Beacon Arts CentreWords Per Minute presents a jam-packed night of readings and music aboutwork, water, industry and Scotland from some of the country’s best writersand musicians. Excellent literature, music and performance in short,tantalising bursts. Nobody gets longer than ten minutes, no matter howfamous they are! Purchase your ticket from the Beacon Arts Centre. From £5
The Dutch Gable HousePlease phone: 01475 724765 or email [email protected] for any queries or to book.
Big Comic Book Bash (part of Book Week Scotland)
26 Nov 1pm to 8pm www.talesoftheoak.co.uk
Violet Skulls Market30 Nov 11am to 4pmInformation on all stalls on www.facebook.com/violetskullsmarket
Dutch Gable Winter Warmer5 &12 DecA winter themed exhibition, Christmas Carolling, mulled wine
and mince pies, storytelling and bargains galore from our
Newark Products shop www.facebook.com/TheDutchGableHouse
Ghost Story Reading from Magic Torch19 Dec 7pm to 8pmHear local tales and stories from elsewhere told by candlelight.
Please call or email to book tickets £2
Enjoy the magic of Christmas with events,
shopping and festive fun around
Inverclyde this winter.
Whether you watch the Christmas lights sparkle, delight in
your local pantomime or relish the delightful handmade crafts
at a festive fair, there is something for everyone this year
in Inverclyde.
McLean MuseumPhone: 01475 715624 All events are Free
Bells Up Brass 7 Dec, 2pm to 3pmMusic concert, musicians from Live Music Now Scotland.
Crafty Kids 7 Dec, 2pm to 4.30pmMaking Christmas decorations - first come, first served!
Story Weaving 28 Nov, 4pm to 5pmListen to Celtic stories while creating patches for a winterpaper quilt. This event is open to 8-12 year olds and ispart of the McLean Museum’s Celtic Quilts exhibition.
Celtic Quilts Exhibition30 Nov - 15 Feb, 10am to 5pm
7Autumn/Winter 2013/14
OAK MALL All events are free.
St Andrews Day Shindig30 Nov 1pm to 3pmCome along for face painting, Scottish music and dancing and more!
Santa’s Grotto Opens4 Dec List of opening hours on Oakmall website/facebook pageVisit Santa’s Grotto.
Christmas LightsSwitch OnWednesday 4 December 6pm to 6.30pmGourock Pierhead and Port Glasgow Library
Thursday 5 December 6pm to 7.30pmClyde Square, Greenock Bring canned food to donate to the Inverclyde Food bank, this is the Provost’s Charity.
Friday 6 December 6pm to 6.30pmKilmacolm Community Centre andInverkip Primary School
7pmWemyss Bay Community Centre
Phone: 01475 712032 for more information. All events Free
Whats on in your LIBRARYAll events are free.
Santa’s Storytime7 Dec 9.30 to 10.30am & 11.30am to 12.30pm Southwest LibraryMeet Santa and Mrs Claus - suitable for 4-10 year olds plus parents.Phone: 01475 715667
Christmas Bedtime Stories12 Dec 6pm to 6.45pm Port Glasgow LibraryBe enchanted with some festive bedtime stories, fancy dress optional -suitable for 0-12 year olds plus parents. Phone: 01475 715629
Christmas Craft Cracker Time12 Dec 6pm to 6.45pm Gourock LibraryGet your hands dirty with some festive sparkle! Suitable for 4-10 year olds plus parents. Phone: 01475 712340
Winter Stories18 Dec 6pm to 6.30pm Southwest Library0-12 year olds plus parents.
Beacon Arts CentrePlease phone: 01475 723723 for any queries or to book.
Platypus in Boots, Scottish Opera9 Dec & 10 Dec 10am & 1pmSydney the Platypus has travelled all the way from Australia to seesnow for the first time. Suitable for 3-5 year olds. From £3
Jack and the Beanstalk2 Dec - 4 JanWith its cast of stars, this fun filled family adventure is sure to have to you on the edge of your seat. From £8
It’s a Wonderful Life19 Dec - 21 Dec 7.30pm 22 Dec Sunday matinee 2.30pmPerformed in the style of a 1940s, live radio broadcast. From £7
The Nearly New Year Hogmanay Show31 Dec Show 8pm (Hogmanay Party 10.30pm)Starring Alan Beck (Caledon), Polly Kirwan Beck ceilidh band FlungAboot with beautiful Scottish melodies, Country Dancing andBagpipes. Show tickets from £16 (Party tickets £29.50)
CAROLS and MUSICChristmas Concert (Inverclyde Music Services)4 Dec 7pm Greenock Town Hall
From £3
Inverclyde Voices Christmas Concert17 Dec 7pm to 10pm St Mary’s ChurchCome and listen to the Inverclyde schools junior and senior choirs perform their festive reportoire!Purchase your ticket from 01475 12852. From £7 Children go free
Salvation Army Carol Service22 Dec 3pm to 4pm Port Glasgow Halls
CRAFTS and SHOPPINGSpirit of Christmas Fayre29 Nov 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Kilmacolm Primary & Nursery
RIG Arts Christmas Show30 Nov - 8 Dec 10am to 3pm Ladyburn Business CentreThe annual RIG Arts Christmas Arts & Crafts show. We have prints,drawings, paintings, cards, jewellery, tatting, bespoke furniture byJeanett Sultan and lots, lots more. Please come in for a look with a widerange of work to suit every pocket. Whilst up here you can grab a nicehot cuppa or meal at the Cottage café which is just at our front door.Please visit www.rigarts.org for full details. Phone: 01475 742549
Christmas Fair at the Chartroom1 Dec 2pm to 8pm InverkipExhibitors include artists, crafters and retailers. Entry is free but we are seeking donations which will all go to Ardgowan Hospice.
Christmas Fete7 Dec 10am to 12pm St Michael’s Primary SchoolThe fete will have various stalls and fun activities including beat thegoalie. Tea, coffee and cake will also be available. £1 donation entry
Find out how to contact your Councillor on page 11
8 InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk
news w w w w w
Inverclyde teacher wins achievement award
Autumn/Winter 2013/14
A Greenock headteacher received a lifetime achievement award fromcomic legend Ronnie Corbett at the prestigious Pearson TeachingAwards 2013 UK Ceremony inLondon last month.
Isabel Lind OBE of Aileymill Primary
School was among 24,000 nominations
for one of ten awards - often called the
‘Oscars for Teaching’.
She said: “The response I had from
Inverclyde people during the judging
process in June and August was just
incredible. Everyone just rallied round
and that had a significant effect on the
result. It was incredibly touching and
win or lose just to know I was valued
was wonderful.”
Inverclyde’s Education and
Communities Vice Convener Councillor
Martin Brennan said: “Just three years
ago Isabel could have retired at 60.
Instead she stepped up to the plate
and became headteacher of the new
Aileymill Primary and nursery school
in Larkfield.
“Isabel has spent most of her career
in Larkfield and knows the community,
the children, the parents and
sometimes the grandparents.
“Throughout her career she has been
determined that none of her children
should be left behind. Any child
attending one of Mrs Lind’s schools
was going to get an education second
to none. Besides teaching numeracy
and literacy, Isabel was a visionary
giving her pupils a quite remarkable
hands-on experience of the expressive
arts - poetry, drama, music and dance
and the Scots language too. The roll
call of her pupils excelling in the
Greenock festival testifies to that.”
Take an hour now to prepare your home for winter.
In case severe weather strikes,everyone should make a plan fortheir home. Check your pipes andmake sure you know how to turnyour water and power off.
Collect a few everyday things:Emergency phone numbersA torch and spare batteriesA radio and spare batteriesThree days’ supply of bottled water and food that won’t go offEssential medicines, first-aid kit and toiletries
Take an hour to prepare now andsave yourself a lot of trouble later.Find out more at readyscotland.org
PRESTIGIOUS: Ronnie Corbet
presents Isabel with her award.
Normal day Revised day
of collection of collection
Mon 23 Dec Sun 22 Dec
Tue 24 Dec Mon 23 Dec
Wed 25 Dec Tue 24 Dec
Thu 26 Dec Fri 27 Dec
Fri 27 Dec Sat 28 Dec
Mon 30 Dec Sun 29 Dec
Tue 31 Dec Mon 30 Dec
Wed 1 Jan Tue 31 Dec
Thu 2 Jan Fri 3 Jan
Fri 3 Jan Sat 4 Jan
If refuse collections are delayed
due to adverse weather, put
your bins out by 7am every
day to allow collection at the
earliest opportunity.
Christmas and New Year bin collections
9InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk
news w w w w wAutumn/Winter 2013/14
Early Years Nursery places... see page 12
Inverclyde Council’s roads teamsare on full alert to deal with severeweather 24 hours a day this winter.
With 5000 tonnes of salt stockpiled in
the new salt barn at Pottery Street and
up-to-date weather forecasts three
times a day, teams are well-placed
to predict and react to freezing
temperatures and snow as and when
they happen.
Environment & Regeneration Convener
Councillor McCormick said: “We have
learned the lessons from previous
years when some of the worst winter
weather in decades took its toll on
transport across Scotland. We are well
prepared to do all we can to ensure
transport links will be used safely
and to keep Inverclyde moving.”
Inverclyde Council’s winter strategy
is based on trying to prevent the
formation of ice on road surfaces.
Experienced winter controllers analyse
data from weather forecasts and road
surface temperature sensors to predict
when the road will freeze and what
action to take.
A fleet of gritters and snowploughs
allow the Council’s team of operatives
to treat the road network and clear
footpaths and access routes as and
when required.
When necessary labour, vehicles,
plant and equipment from other council
services combined with local farmers
and private contractors can be called
on to supplement existing resources.
Councillor McCormick added: “The
effectiveness of salt reduces rapidly at
temperatures below minus 5C and the
distance gritters are able to cover
during prolonged periods of snow and
ice is shorter because of the increased
amount of grit that needs to be put
down.
“People can do a lot for themselves
such as regularly clearing paths and
pavements outside their homes and
making use of the grit bins we have
strategically placed across Inverclyde.”
During the worst winter in recent years
- 2010/2011 - Inverclyde Council
spread approximately 4000 tonnes of
grit on its roads network. An average
full grit of our priority routes uses
approximately 20 tonnes.
When snow and/or ice affect roads they
are gritted or salted to a priority
Garden waste takes a winter break
Council is geared up for severe winter weather
The areas garden waste collectionservice will resume in March 2014.
The service is temporarily suspended
each winter. This year it ended on
Friday 22 November.
Environment and Regeneration
Convenor Councillor Michael McCormick
said: “The demand for green waste
collections reduces greatly during the
winter months so it makes environmental
and financial sense to defer the brown
bin collections from late November until
March. Residents can still recycle their
garden waste at Pottery Street and Kirn
Drive recycling centres and both sites
are open from 8am to 6pm.’’
For more details contact
the Recycling Helpline
on 01475 715901 or
visit the council
website.
During severe winter weather, regular updates on roads and services will be
published online at: www.inverclyde.gov.uk/winter and on Twitter: @Inverclyde
TRUE GRIT: Inverclyde’s new salt barn and gritters are ready.
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schedule. Gritting routes are arranged
to ensure that during ‘routine’ winter
conditions the majority of public roads
are treated. In more extreme
conditions, gritters may have
to concentrate on the
higher priority roads
until resources
can safely be
transferred to
other roads.
CLIMATE CHALLENGE FUND GRANTS UP TO £150,000/YR FOR COMMUNITY GROUPSAdditional £10.3 million to extend fund until March 2016. Monthly funding decisions for applications under £30,000
What type of project would help your community?
St. Ninians Old Parish Church Hall, Stirling received a CCF grant
(insulation, windows and lighting), reducing local carbon footprint and bills, while improving facilities.
Shettleston Community Growing Project, Glasgow received CCF grants to reduce carbon footprint through locally grown food at a community allotment scheme.
Maryhill Climate Challenge project, Glasgow received a CCF
bringing the community together to tackle climate change and reducing fuel poverty.
A ‘Better Way to Work’, run by Glasgow Bike Station has received CCF funding to provide free bike checks, travel planning advice, cycle training and trial bus, rail and subway passes.
Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) grants could provide funds and support for your community group to run a project that reduces their community’s carbon footprint, saves money and improves facilities. All groups applying for CCF funding can count on support from independent charity Keep Scotland Beautiful who manage the CCF on behalf of the Scottish Government. Additional support is available for disadvantaged communities, ethnic minority communities and young people to develop their CCF or Junior CCF application through £750 Development grants.
See www.climatechallengefund.org call 01786 468245 or email [email protected] Please quote how you heard about CCF grants.
Keep Scotland Beautiful is the independent charity which is committed to making Scotland clean and green, today and tomorrow. Keep Scotland Beautiful is a registered Scottish charity. Number SC030332. Registered Company Number SC206984.
APPLY NOW! The next draft
application deadline is 6th January 2014.
InView is available in other formats, on request. For more information call (01475) 717171.
10 InView www.inverclyde.gov.ukAutumn/Winter 2013/14
news w w w w w
A pupil at Inverclyde Council’sClydeview Academy in Gourock hasbeen chosen to play for Scotland.
Second year Amy Muir (13) has been
selected for Scotland’s under 16
Women’s football team and will travel
to the Sportzentrum Mulheim to play
Germany in an International Challenge
Match.
Amy said “I’ve always wanted to play
for my country, so I am delighted to be
going to Germany to play for Scotland.
Rangers is my favourite football team
and I feel privileged to be playing for
them too.”
Amy plays in midfield and started
playing football when she was seven
years old. She now plays for Rangers
under 13 girl’s team and YAC under 14
boy’s team. Amy also trains weekly with
the West Region Squad.
Education and Communities Vice
Convener Councillor Martin Brennan
said: “Amy has done wonderfully well
to be selected and I am sure she will
be bursting with pride when she pulls
on the dark blue jersey for the first time
at the end of the month. It is a
tremendous achievement and one that
she and all of us in Inverclyde can be
proud of.”
Amy has recently been notified that she
is also through to the next trials for the
Scottish Schoolgirls under 15 squad.
Inverclyde schoolgirl chosen to play for Scotland
Vice Covener Councillor Martin Brennan and Amy Muir.
11InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk Autumn/Winter 2013/14
Your Councillors
If you have a comment to make
about any Council Service or you
have concerns about your
neighbourhood you can contact your
Councillor during office hours on:
(01475) 712727 / 712020
You can write to your Councillor at:
Inverclyde CouncilMunicipal BuildingsClyde Square Greenock Inverclyde PA15 1LY
Councillors’ surgery information is
available on our website at:
www.inverclyde.gov.uk
Ward 4, Inverclyde South
Conservative Independent Labour
Liberal Democrat SNP
Colour codes to political parties
Gourock
Inverclyde
Greenock
Inverkip
Wemyss Bay Kilmacolm
Port Glasgow
Quarrier's Village
Ward 5Inverclyde West
Ward 3Inverclyde North
Ward 6Inverclyde South West
Ward 2Inverclyde East Central
Ward 1Inverclyde East
Ward 4Inverclyde South
We are always interested in obtaining feedback and would like to hear your thoughts on this publication. Please email your comments to the address below quoting InView Feedback in the subject line.
Keith Brooks
Ward 3, Inverclyde NorthWard 1, Inverclyde East Ward 2, Inverclyde East Central
Ward 5, Inverclyde West Ward 6, Inverclyde South West
Gerry Dorrian
Innes Nelson
Ciano Rebecchi
Ronnie Ahlfeld
Terry Loughran
Chris McEleny
Jim MacLeod
Stephen McCabe
James McColgan
David Wilson
Jim Grieve
Michael McCormick
Robert Moran
Martin Brennan
Math Campbell-Sturgess
Jim Clocherty
Kenny Shepherd
Vaughan Jones
Joseph McIlwee
news w w w w w
We want to hear your views on this newspaper. Visit our online survey and tell us what you think.
www.surveymonkey.com/s/Inview2013
12 InView www.inverclyde.gov.ukAutumn/Winter 2013/14
Crisis Grants A Crisis Grant may help if you are
in crisis due to a fire or flood, or an
emergency such as being robbed
or burgled. It may help with costs that
have arisen as a result of the disaster
or emergency, to keep you and your
family. Usually you will be on benefits
before you can get a Crisis Grant.
If you qualify for a Crisis Grant, the
help you receive will depend on the
particular difficulties you face. You may
be given money or another form of
support. For example, a voucher, fuel
card, travel ticket or furniture.
Community Care Grants A Community Care Grant may help
if you are about to leave care to live on
your own in the community or face
going into care because you don’t have
the support you need to continue living
at home. A Community Care Grant may
also be able to help if you are a family
facing exceptional pressures and need
an essential item like a cooker or
washing machine but don’t have the
money to buy it. Usually you will be
on benefits before you can get a
Community Care Grant.
As with the Crisis Grant, if you qualify
for a Community Care Grant the help
you receive will depend on your
circumstances. You may be given
money or you may receive support
another way. For example, a voucher,
fuel card, travel ticket or furniture.
What is the Scottish Welfare Fund?
If you think you might be
eligible, or just
want more information
contact 01475 714 444.
Local schools sportsambassadors
Senior pupils from Inverclyde aretaking on the role of motivating andinspiring school pupils to participatein sport through regional and localsports ambassador programmes.
All six secondary schools were
represented at both the regional Young
Ambassador conference and the local
Sport Captains/Vice Captains
networking event.
The 12 local Young Ambassadors
were privileged to attend the Regional
Conference earlier this month held
at Tollcross in Glasgow.
The key role of the Young
Ambassadors is to motivate and inspire
other young people to participate in
sport, through raising awareness of
opportunities to participate in sport
while promoting an active lifestyle.
Through the course of the conference
the Ambassadors had the opportunity
to meet Olympic and Paralympic
athletes, Robbie Renwick and David
Smith, to hear about their sporting
journeys.
In order to support the Young
Ambassadors, Active Schools/Sports
Development created Sports
Captains/Vice Captains to promote and
increase participation in sport. This
years networking event at Greenock
Wanderers saw 40 pupils from the
six secondary schools taking part in
workshops to gain ideas of how to
motivate and inspire the next sporting
generation.
The Sports Ambassadors have been
set key tasks to fulfill over the coming
year. The main tasks are to run a
sporting event and to sign up their
school to Sport your Trainers on
Commonwealth day in March to
raise awareness for Glasgow 2014.
Inverclyde Council Education & Communities
Early Years Nursery Places for children aged 3 - 5 years Session 2014 - 15
Will your child be three on or before the 28 February 2014?
If so, your child is entitled to a free pre school nursery place and applications must be submitted before the end of February 2014.
Children born between Admission to nursery1 March - 31 July August
1 August - 31 September October
1 October - 31 December January
1 January - 28 (29) February March
Application forms are available from any Inverclyde Council or
Partnership Nursery or can be downloaded from
www.inverclyde.gov.uk
If you require information regarding nursery places please contact
Inverclyde Council on 01475 712894 or
Inverclyde Childcare Information Service on Freephone 08000529126
A new scheme called the Scottish Welfare Fund is now being delivered
by Inverclyde Council and provides two types of grant:
Crisis GrantsProviding you with a
safety net in the event of
a disaster or emergency.
Community Care GrantsHelping you to leave care
and live independently, or
to continue living independently.
Building Inverclyde through excellence, ambition and regeneration