Regarding the drinks curfew -- [See http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=3846] -- I think it would be a great idea if the curfew was lifted in Inverclyde.

Why should the majority of people who enjoy going out and having a good time be punished because of the handful of idiots.

Like me, there are a lot of people who work out of town and do shift work -- by the time you get home it’s too late to get into a pub or club.

Come on Inverclyde Council move with the times.

Re car with frozen locks. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=3828]  If it is possible to purchase Methyl Hydrate in either your chemist shops or automotive supply stores, spray it into your car door locks and they won’t freeze.

Frankly, the figures would make you weep. The council should hang it's head in shame. As should our MP and MSPs.

People deserve better - and that is putting it mildly. A very high percentage of people in Inverclyde (well, Greenock and Port Glasgow) are in poverty/deprivation. How many children are in poverty?

Yet, what do we get from the councillors? Just a load of meaningless words/promises. The people deserve better than such blatant spin and so on.

Yes, I want to weep when I hear MORE mission statements, catchphrases and idiotic buzz words.

I live in Broomhill and have lobbied several councillors over a lack of playparks and so on. The responses were at best pathetic and at worse treating people like rubbish.

How much have the council spent for a French boules pitch in Gourock?

The answer? A train out of the place never to return? It looks that way to me and a great many others.

Inverclyde's welcome to QM2 was spine tingling. The response at South Queensferry did not happen. Was she an irritation? Well done for your excellent coverage and photos. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=3510]

Let’s take the driving - the number of times I've seen taxis fly past in a 30mph area are too many to count. Parking dangerously? Just take the Tesco car park in Greenock - taxis queue wherever they feel like.Condition of vehicles? I laugh at the age of some taxi's still out there, it's absolutely shocking! There are many taxi's that are over 10years old that would fair very very badly in safety tests compared to new vehicles. The very fact taxi drivers do not need any special test is very worrying, even more so when the representatives of the people don't want to put their own people first by demanding modern, safe vehicles with fully trained drivers.

The very fact the accident rate is no higher is little comfort - theoretically it should actually be lower (think about it).

Everyone can read up about illnesses online - does that make them a doctor? Most people can pass a driving test - does that mean they should be allowed to carry people for their job without further tests? Not in my book.

Should I be surprised at the attitude of our councillors - allowing old, cars driven by untrained persons to carry the Inverclyde public? Probably (and sadly) not....

I have often wondered why the speed limit was increased in the short section of road that passes the French Cross. The road had been restricted to a 30mph. limit which made sense as there has always been a steady flow of traffic from the west end of Greenock and from the Grieve Rd end.
It made sense too as the French Cross and that particular area continues to attract visitors to admire the beautiful view over both Greenock and Gourock and towards the River Clyde and hills.
Now we have a road safety problem as drivers are permitted to drive up to 60 mph. on this small piece of road which is by no means straight and as you near the French Cross/viewpoint, having manoeuvred through quite a sharp bend from the west end side, one often finds slowing traffic waiting to park there or join the road, or pedestrians crossing from one side to the other.
Due to the hill from the west end side you do not see the slowing traffic or the pedestrians until more or less upon them.
Local people will be aware that Craig’s Top is on the other side of the road from the French Cross hence the pedestrians who often cross at the top of the road.
Should we not be trying to improve road safety and not encourage faster driving particularly on roads where there seems to be no requirement for it?
Furthermore, if the speed limit had not been increased, there would not have been a need for a no doubt expensive electronic sign on the eastbound side of the road warning motorists to SLOW DOWN!
Ah....forethought.

A question or two for councillors. It is proposed to create an all-weather pitch at Broomhill Park.  

Who will gain from that park?  Will it be enclosed whereby one must hire the pitch say?  How does Broomhill gain from that?  It seems to me that they taking something away - namely an open pitch local kids can play in - as opposed to giving the people of Broomhill something.

Also, when they pull down the secondary school at Dempster Street, what will happen to the two attached pitches?
A bit of land for a community centre or kids play park?  Or houses? 

What will happen to the Highlanders School?  More houses and another sale of a public building? 

How much do they spend on flowers for the Esplanade?  How much for the raised beds at Broomhill Way? 

Have they seen the wee kids’ park on Mill Street?

I refer to your article "SCHOOLS Admission Policy Problems Exposed". [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=3272]

I have been interested in "education" for a very long time.  A primary reason for that interest was/is simple;  in my humble view, our education system is extremely plastic.  Put another way, I believe image and spin/propaganda is endemic within our system.  The term "smoke and mirrors" comes to mind.  

I can give umpteen examples.  Take league tables.  Let's say a given school claims that 70 per cent of their pupils, in a given year, passed Higher English. What does that NOT tell us?  How many pupils sat the exam TWICE (in fifth and sixth years say?).  How many sat the exam after TWO years of study versus one?  AND how many pupils were prevented from sitting the exam by the school say?  

As for staff, a Marks and Spencer power suit, a pair of intellectual specs and prize hen mannerisms does not necessarilly equate with a quality teacher.  

Now, as to the aforesaid article, it is stated that "There are four different versions of the admissions and placing request policy in circulation in the authority"   Of course, that meant the officials at the Education office could spew forth the version that suited them. 

The bottom line?  Does anybody believe anything these people say?  As for the images, NOBODY believes them.

The bulldozing of any school is sad for a great many people.

I recently watched my old school being pulled down. It's as if a part of you has been taken away.

Thus, I am sure that former pupils of St Columba's will feel the same (Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=3241) 

BUT what really matters is not buildings but education.

The new schools and refurbished buildings have a new history and hopefully those who go to them will be our doctors and vets and so on of the future.

And they pupils will be proud of their schools. Just as we were.

What mattters is that pupils get good buildings and staff and take advantage of both. In other words, they work hard to achieve. 

I applaud the Scottish Government.

How many of the objectors have mobile phones? How many of them have bought their children mobiles?

Not in my back yard phenomenon?

Anyway, well done the Scottish Government.

More generally, do councillors think the masts pose a risk? Yes? So, will they be removing the one on top of Prospecthill Court? WHY did the councillors not object to that?

How many councillors have mobiles? I know where I would site a few masts.

I write to express my outrage that Ian Fraser, Corporate Director of Education and Social Care in Inverclyde was suspended and has taken early retiral. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=2916]

Ian Fraser has a superb reputation in Education circles and his appointment in 2006 was celebrated in Inverclyde and across the length and breadth of Scotland.

HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

His energy, hard work, commitment and encouragement of children, young people and staff in Inverclyde is renowned.

His quest for excellence in all schools was applauded by all.

I would ask why the Chief Executive took the decision to suspend a Corporate Director of such integrity?

I would also ask if the Leader of the Council knew and approved this decision?

News of Ian Fraser’s early retiral has caused huge dismay and resentment amongst parents and staff across Inverclyde.  Indeed, numerous letters in defence and support of Ian in the Glasgow Herald prove that this dismay is far reaching.

Ian Fraser, Corporate Director of Education and Social Care was a Champion for children and young people across Inverclyde. Ian demonstrated daily values of Honesty, Respect and Tolerance.

What values have John Mundell and Stephen McCabe  demonstrated to the residents of Inverclyde?

Mrs N Weir

It is generally accepted that parking is an issue for those working and visiting the town centre, I have made several approaches to the Traffic Wardens’ department on this subject. Could this land not have been adopted as parking facilities until ready for redevelopment? This frequently happens in other towns and cities often on sites not even fit for purpose.  

There is a safe entrance to the land from the junction of Kerr Street and West Blackhall Street.  The former forecourt is near ready for use as a car park without cost. Certainly there would be issues in regard to ownership, liability and insurance etc. however these are normal business matters and can be resolved. If a charge was set for parking, costs could be covered provided of course that redevelopment is not to start immediately.

In summary, a little interaction with those parking vehicles and the land owners rather than just shutting off the ground may have helped business and those whishing to access services. I know the use of land and liabilities connected with such are not simple however they are not insurmountable.

What do you think?

Ken McArthur, Ulla Jewellery, West Blackhall Street, Greenock

I got a letter from my child's primary school asking parents to join the "Parent Council".

According to the letter there were very few parents willing to "join" it.

The letter then said that the school were grateful for the support of the parents who were on the "council".

Now, therein lies the reason parents will not join such bodies. A Parent Council is NOT there to support the school/teachers. It is there to support PARENTS and CHILDREN. The parents are supposed to REPRESENT other parents.

As for "supporting the school", they really mean supporting the teachers.

Put simply, they want stooges. They want crawlers. They want "yes" people. They want people/parents who will say lovely things about staff -- especially senior staff.

Parents KNOW that and thus will not join such bodies.

Regarding [population figures] at http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=2831:

Do you think the number of people leaving has actually decreased, or is it the case that they are all just queued at any one of the many new sets of traffic lights which have sprung up in the last six months? [There are more to come! Ed]

I'd have thought there were more people than ever leaving the area now as:

a/ There is little quality employment left

b/ It is near impossible to commute from Inverclyde as the road system is absolutely dire, and about to get worse when St. Columba’s decants. [to the former Greenock High building in Inverkip Road]

Re - Nursery  Gets Top Marks [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=2830]

After attending Kelly Street for four years I am not in the least bit surprised with the outcome of the HMIe audit.  I can say from the first day my little one attended it felt like one big happy family.  My children and their friends started off extremely shy and by the time they “Graduated” they had become Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, Responsible Citizens and Effective Contributors and most of all Happy. 

I have witnessed Mrs Boyd and her staff members go above and beyond the call of duty on many occasions and cannot thank them enough for helping my children have such a wonderful start to their education.

Many a tear was shed and many a sleepless night had when my little ones were moving on to the “big bad world” of primary school, and again there were Mrs Boyd and her staff helping to make the transition painless; again a huge thank-you.

I’m not sure that many nurseries can say that, even when the children move on to school, the parents still go along to the Parents’ Group, not because they feel obliged to but because they want to! 

Well done to all at Kelly St -- keep up the great work!!

A very thankful parent.

I have driven and cycled for many a year in this area and do not recollect our roads being in such a terrible condition.

Normally you would find side roads, access roads and the like in need of repair but presently our main roads are in dire need of attention.

You have to have the eye of an eagle to avoid the many potholes and deep ruts as you manouvre your way through the district of Inverclyde.

Cardwell Road, Gourock is particularly bad but I'm sure many local road users could come up with their own "favourite" piece of Tarmacadam laid on a surface made to resemble a road.

[For some background info about Inverclyde roads, click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=2681. Editor]

Readers, I sent the following email to David Cairns MP concerning the proposed giant banners on the Belville Street high flats. [See http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=2741]

River Clyde Homes were plannning to put giant banners on flats in Belville Street. Where was the money coming from to do that? Was it coming from rents?

How many of the houses in these flats are in dire need of repairs? Why was the money for the banners not spent on these repairs?

Are these flats to be demolished? What was the point to these banners? Who decided to put these banners up?  

Would any board member or official of RCH accept a giant banner on their house?

I trust you will help me gain answers, Mr. Cairns. The money that tenants pay in in rent should not be squandered in this way. How many dumps are there within RCH's stock? And they are wasting money like that? It's idiotic.

As for their "local hero" initiative WHO is paying for it? WHERE is the money coming from? Is it coming from rents?

When I get answers to to the above I will post them here. Is someone at RCH losing the plot? Think of the many houses that are in dire need of repair.

Having read this article [See http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=2734] I can only think of one thing to say to Mr. Fraser. The Council will lose at court. And he must know that.

All the smokescreens and nonsense talk under the sun will not prevent that. People are not stupid.

Mr. Fraser, it is the Sheriff who will decide this issue - not you or some councillor. And the council are going to look idiotic. AGAIN!

As for Councillor Iain McKenzie, would you accept this scenario if it was your child? WOULD YOU?

Also, Mr. McKenzie, do you accept the idea of your child's name being in a ballot that you were not informed about? Surely, if one's child is in such a ballot the parent should have the right to witness the ballot taking place?

Councillor McKenzie, show sense and decency mate and reverse this repulsive decison before a Sheriff does it for you.

You recently publicised a Race Night for Gourock High School to be held in Gourock Bowling Club.   The article stated that admission is £2 and tickets can be bought at the door on the evening.   Gourock Bowling Club expressly prohibits charging admission and entry to the function is only available to members of the bowling club and their guests.   The organiser of the function has been asked to get the article removed and this letter emphasises the Bowling Club’s position.

It would be appreciated if you could withdraw the article and publish the bowling club’s position

Yours faithfully

Denis Moore

Hon. Secretary.

[THE item has been removed as requested. Editor]

I have just read the news regarding the child who was refused entry into Gourock High. [See http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=2686]  To say that I am appalled is to put it mildly! This has opened a Pandora's box. As a mother of three, two of whom are in Ardgowan Primary and one in the Greenock Academy, I am very very concerned about their future. When a child is of school age WE ALL have the opportunity to send them to the school of our choice (providing we live in the catchment area). To allow Roman Catholics to switch from Roman Catholic education to non-denominational when they choose is not only unjust but down right cruel to the poor little mite who has now, through no fault of her own, been told she has to face one of the most daunting things to a child ALONE. My worry is also for my own children because if a large number of Roman Catholic children apply for the Greenock Academy when ny children are ready to go they could be told they can't get in. As a Human Being surely Mr Ian Fraser cannot think that this situation is just and fair! IF A CHILD'S PARENTS AT SCHOOL-GOING AGE DECIDE THEY WANT THEM EDUCATED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH THEN SO BE IT BUT OTHER CHILDREN SHOULD NOT HAVE THEIR WORLDS DESTROYED BECAUSE THEY CHANGE THEIR MINDS HALF WAY THROUGH. I would very much appreciate Mr Ian Fraser's comments on this matter and clarification that my children will not fall victim to the same fate as the little girl from Moorfoot.

I have seen/heard some quite ridiculous things in my life. We all have.

But the idea of the parent council of Greenock Academy wanting a second vote on what to call a new Inverclyde secondary school – leaving out the name that was runaway winner in the first ballot, is totally bizarre and incredibly sickening. [See http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=2666]

If the Education Committee accept this idea they are just as idiotic as that Parent Council. What was the point to the ballot?

As for this Parent Council, who will listen to them now? They have terribly undermined themselves. It's embarassing stuff. 

I was looking through the book (Old Greenock) that my sister Rosemary sent to me some time ago. I wonder if anyone else who has this book noticed the photo on page 43 bottom. Caption says Dalrymple Street looking east from Brymner Street. Those old bombed buildings were my playground. Born and raised 26 Cathcart Street (Wide Pen). Anyway looking east from that location the Victoria Tower can not be seen. It is west of Brymner Street. I hope some other Greenockians observed this error.

Sincerely Arthur Cullen.

Totally genuine off-the-cuff comment by Greenock guy about the high school [Inverclyde Academy] that has the huge white wind turbine standing outside, to power it.

We were talking about Princess Anne's visit to open the school and the guy says: "Where is it? Where is that new school?"

"It's out at Branchton, right where the Smithdon football pitches used to be."

"Izzat a school?? I thought it was a Mercedes factory!"

[Photos of the school. Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowGallery.asp?ID=81]

I refer to the "Inverclyde Now" story on the phone mast. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=2502]

The article makes reference to the fact that the council refused a similar mast at Brisbane Street on "safety grounds".

Let me offer an obvious question. If the council think there are safety implications WHY did they allow such masts elsewhere? They even allowed masts on top of high rise flats.

I hope the applicant in the current case appeals. Are masts in the west end and Gourock "safety hazards" BUT not so anywhere else?

Finally, there is a mast on top of Prospecthill Court. Will the council be seeking to remove it on health and safety grounds? WILL they? How many children live up that flat?

How many of those who objected to the mast have mobile phones?

So, it's ok for my children to be exposed to a health and safety hazard that comes from their mobiles?

The article mentions a nearby school. How many of the teachers and children have mobile phones? Think about it reader. It really is stomach turning.

Eugene Mehat and the museum have made an ex pat very happy. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=2484] The pictures brought many happy memories. Maybe I am biased, but I think the old heart of town,[Hamilton Sreet] had more buzz, than the new Greenock, nice though it is.

I read with "interest" your article on a proposed new library at Barrs Cottage. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=2453]

Where is the money coming from? Pie in the sky stuff from councillors?

Also, how many people are going to use a major library at Barr's Cottage? Time for councillors to get real?

Once again the young singers of Inverclyde have proved themselves winners by the way they performed in the Choir of the Year, category finals, in Liverpool on Sunday. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=2207] Well done,congratulations also to conductor Gemma McLean and accompanist Mark Macdonald, Thank you for the music.

Sometime ago I made some suggestions regarding the youth set up at Greenock Morton. (Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowReplies.asp?TopicID=26) I have watched in utter disbelief at the lack of quality that is present in the youth system. I and many others are astonished that the coaching staff seem to know little or nothing about some of the outstanding talent within Inverclyde that are either being missed by Greenock Morton or dismissed as not good enough.

Let’s look at some players locally who are plying there trade at other clubs, all of the players mentioned are local people. Craig Molloy -- Stirling Albion, Paul Quinn -- St Mirren, Sean Crighton -- St Mirren, Mark Miller -- Glasgow Celtic, Sean Fitzharris -- Glasgow Celtic, Gary Harkins -- Partick Thistle,  David Barron -- St Mirren. There are many more young local players playing for other teams and a lot of players who are good enough.

It really frustrates me and a lot of others that Greenock Morton has no proper youth system structure. People have offered help and assistance yet nearly all the people have been rejected.

If you look at Davie Irons statement at the top of the page, it is the same rhetoric used in the past. "Give us a bit of time. We will get it right, across the board, on the field and off the field.” 

Well unless I am very much mistaken it seems to me that all that is happening is the wrong people are being put in place from the outset.

The youth system is neglected, it is nothing more than youths being assembled to create a team.

Maybe some of the readers could enlighten us.

1. Who is the head youth coach?

2, Who is the head of scouting for players?

3. Who are the scouts?

4. How many local youths have gone on to serve Greenock Morton or alternatively been transferred for financial gain?

I recently spoke with members of St Mirren scouting and coaching staff who regularly monitor emerging talent in Inverclyde. They are delighted at the quality of players they are getting from the Inverclyde area and are only too happy to have a foothold within Inverclyde.

So it seems "One team’s loss, is another team’s gain"

Finally myself and other coaches have more experience, are better qualified and are more successful than all of the youth coaches at Greenock Morton put together! What would any of us local coaches know!!!!!

Hi there, I would just like to publicly congratulate Inverclyde Junior Choir for their stunning performances in Graz, Austria. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=1779]

I would not have missed it for the world. It has been a very exciting time and the young people were a credit to Inverclyde. Palma Allan, Colin Laird and all of the leaders were first class. The whole trip was a huge undertaking and all have retuned home exhausted and delighted with their incredible success of a silver medal. Thanks to all who organised and a huge congratulations to all. A real credit to Inverclyde.

Now I read not only did they not achieve contracted outcomes but they have reserves of more than £160,000!!!! This is public money. Why has it not been directed to services, who gave permission for this money to be kept in reserve?? What is going on in this service? Who manages the service and is accountable for the awarded grants? Why did they not achieve agreed goals.
 
Why was this underspend not given back to funders to be redistributed to local services. This is scandalous, I am outraged and will be contacting my councillor for answers!!

I am retired now and may require services depending on my health needs. I no longer support Phoenix Health Project.

Why is this not being investigated?? What is this underspend being kept for -- staff salaries when they do not provide sufficient services which are further supported. There is a real story here and I suggest someone gets to the bottom of this as soon as possible.
 
I am a tax payer and a long standing supporter of voluntary organisations until now.

Really disappointed with our local club for refusing their park to Port Glasgow. [See http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=1419] Has Killie played any more games or is their park any worse than Cappielow?? This was a chance for our local club to see two good teams and, who knows, a player that might interest them!! Davie irons wants to start an u19s next year so it's common sense that this would be a great place to start or do we let local lads leave the town again to play for their rivals!! This port team has had players at St Mirren, Partick Thistle (who took the centre half this year) and other clubs but NO Morton.

I'm writing regarding the proposed closure of the birthing suite at the community midwife unit at IRH. [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=1376] It's a great shame that the NHS feel the need to do away with this facility.

As a mother who is looking to expand her family in the future, I really would rather there was a facility in Inverclyde. That way I'd be close to my family and my daughter whilst in hospital.

I'm sure going to Paisley won't greatly inconvenience me, but I do feel slightly annoyed at having to travel when there used to be a perfectly good facility on my doorstep. Isn't that why I pay my taxes and NI?

Anyway, I just think it's a great shame and I will be saddened not to have the opportunity to give birth in Greenock. Maybe I'll consider a home birth instead!!

Regarding the recent public meeting with Greenock Morton [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/morton-detail2.asp?ID=46] --

Youth Policy – “We haven’t talked about the youth set up yet. My ambition is to get Morton into the SPL. We have to have a youth structure in place that meets their requirements and I hope that can provide Morton with players in the future. We will be building it up and will be looking to play at under-19 level. Give us a bit of time. We will get it right, across the board, on the field and off the field.” – Davie Irons

 I find it somewhat odd that, despite numerous managers, Greenock Morton still do not have an adequate or proper Youth Policy set up. Every new manager that seems to join Greenock Morton comes back with the party line that they are looking to win the league, stay in the league etc.

It is really quite strange given the amount of local talent who are actually plying their trade with other teams in Scotland, and quite a few who are at professional level in the current SPL league.

There seems to be no long-term strategy in place, in fact there is no strategy in place at all!

It seems that every NEW Morton manager is besieged by short term pressures. Insecurity breeds this short-term look at what is required. The single most important component of a Youth Policy structure is the appointment of the staff to support the manager. They should be assembled with members that have vision and determination.

Central to a long-term strategy in an industry that relies on its human resources is the development of an excellent Youth System. Great emphasis should be placed on educating young recruits in the ways of the organisation from the start. Not only does it protect the organisation against defection but is also highly cost effective

Again not only does a Youth System produce relatively cheap assets (the players), it also feeds and sustains the stakeholders base (the supporters). Most importantly it tightens the bond between community and club which is necessary to the long-term viability of the club.

Finally, locally Inverclyde has some excellent coaches and managers with proven track records with children and youth level. There is an abundance of skills and knowledge available to Greenock Morton if the club would have a bit of vision. These coaches and managers know the grassroots game inside out. They know all the emerging talent unfortunately for Greenock Morton they also know there are better Youth set ups with other clubs and quite shockingly most of the local Boys clubs have better Youth Policies in place. The coaches have vast knowledge and experience, they are also national governing body-qualified.

This type of system can be achieved with hard work and ambition. I hope that Greenock Morton Football Club start to tap in to the already available emerging talent within Inverclyde. The coaches, managers, and kids themselves.

Have you ever noticed how many able-bodied drivers (and their passengers) like to occupy the disabled parking bays at our local supermarkets? And those who prefer to utilise parent and child bays without having with them the essential ingredient i.e.child!

Just to be that wee bit nearer the entrance….far too much exercise.

Well a new development has surfaced. Those lazy inconsiderate drivers will soon be able to drive into the store and make their way around the aisles taking their goods on the way but “may have to stretch a wee bit” while placing arms out of the car window to reach their intended item.

Sorry, I’m being a touch cheeky.

Never worry, there is an alternative…home shopping/deliveries…..oh…I forgot…need to get out of the armchair to answer the door!

Please be more considerate of those who qualify for the bays in question….the exercise will do you good

I have just looked at the artist impressions for the new schools and I have to ask WHY OH WHY do they all have flat roofs?????? Has no one learned from past mistakes that flat roofs in Inverclyde do not work!!!!!!!!!! [For the images, click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowGallery.asp?ID=200]

Could you please highlight the issue which really annoys me: dog owners who allow their pets to foul in the Battery Park and not pick it up. It's both disgusting and a health hazard. I have two children who love to play in the sandpit area of the park and the sight of this dog poo which is only 10 yards from the kids' play area is disgusting. I have spoken to the environmental officers who patrol the park and issue fixed penalties for dog fouling. They are trying very
hard but there are only two of them and they can't be everywhere at once. Please help.

I really enjoy the readers' pics section [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/interact-readerspics.asp] and wanted to let the contributors know that their pictures are truly enjoyed.

I love to see scenes of home and the one with the wee dog playing with the bit of wood made me laugh out loud [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/popup.htm?upload-files//GalleryPictures/driftwood-dog.jpg].

Thank you.

Lynne

By way of a comment for the message-board concerning the educational proposal to site St. Columba's in Gourock High [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=917], let me offer readers a few thoughts.

Mr. Fraser, the education director, says it is an affordable option "subject to other considerations in the school estates programme.” What does that mean?

It means Lady Alice, Highlanders Academy AND the Overton will have to merge.

THREE non-denominational primary schools will merge in order to save money for the denominational in Gourock. Is the non-denominational sector being sacrificed in order to build a 600 capacity denominational? That's what it looks like.

Will the proposal also sound the death bell for the two secondary schools in the Port?

Mr. Fraser admits that the costs of this new school will ALSO impact on other Inverclyde services. Surely the tax payer will reject this lunacy?

It is also of note that they will require land from Tower Hill. Surely the people of Gourock will reject that and take the matter to court.

This idea of a sixth secondary school is looking dafter by the day. Note the capacity of the proposed school is 600. That does NOT mean 600 will attend it. The population of this area is declining day on day.

I trust the people of Inverclyde will see what this proposal REALLY means and reject it.

A sixth secondary will also mean higher running costs. AND note Mr. Fraser says the costs involved will also impact on special needs schooling.

This MUST lead to a complaint to the Audit Commission. I trust the Liberal Democrats will launch such a complaint. It is a blatant misuse of public funds.

Peter Campbell

Founder member of Mothers Against Drugs

Does anyone know what the history is behind the concrete "bothies" on the beach just west of Cloch Lighthouse? [FOR photos, click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowGallery.asp?ID=128]

There's also a couple at Lunderston Bay. People obviously own them and visit at weekends, etc. It seems to me that their function now is that of rustic holiday home -- "concrete static caravans". My gut tells me they were something to do with World War 2, perhaps associated with the Dunoon Cloch Boom or Cloch Point Battery. I know that there is the concrete remains of the base of a searchlight battery there, but these "bothies" are of different construction. 

Not that I'm interested, but how does one acquire one of these "bothies"? Did the government sell them off at some point? How much do they cost? Do you rent one? What're they like inside? Are the people that own them WW2 afficianados or just-like-to-get-away-from-it-all-and-spend-some-time-on-the-shore-away-from-it-all-type people?

As a recent "ex pat" from Inverclyde who tries to keep up to date with news from the area, I was very disappointed to see that "Inverclyde People's Day" is the name given to an event for people with alcohol and drug addiction. To me the implication is that all Inverclyde people have some sort of addiction problem, not just the small percentage of the overall popultation, that the IADF try to help.

Surely "Inverclyde Alcohol and Drug Day" would have been a better name. An Inverclyde People's Day would be a good idea for an event that reflected a vibrant cosmopolitan community, ready for the challenges ahead. (perhaps once the Riverside Inverclyde project is finished), rather than another chance for alcohol and drug abusers to have a day out at the expense of the general populace.

Dear Inverclyde Now,

I have just found an article on the internet and on Cunard's website [Click http://www.cunard.co.uk/news/default.asp?Cat=&View=ViewArticle&Mode=News&ContentID=6858&Page=2&main=&catID=] stating that Cunard are to build a new ocean liner called "Queen Elizabeth". She will cost 500 million Euros and carry just over 2000 passengers. She will be built in Italy by Fincantieri at their yard in the north of the country.

This is great news but must be very sad news indeed for all the older shipyard workers on the Clyde. The magic in that name will have gone forever from these shores.

I am interested to know what local people think about the options being considered for our schools.

I have heard that Ardgowan primary may be part of a joint school with St Marys and that Highlanders academy primary may be merged with Overton and Lady Alice Primaries. [Read our story at http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=628 for background]

I do not support this and can't believe that this is being considered. Is it just me who feels this way or are other parents concerned?

Hi Ed,

I thought having had my moan a couple of weeks ago regarding Cunard [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowReplies.asp?TopicID=3]  it was time for a few good points about the QE2's visit on Thursday.

What a day for Inverclyde. I have not felt that buzz about the place since the Tall Ships visit. It was fantastic even with the gloomy weather. The whole day was something else. The Red Arrows display was amazing to say the least and up to their usual high standards of total professionalism and entertainment at its best.

The highlight of the day for me personally was being lucky enough to get tickets for me and the family to cruise on MV Saturn courtesy of our own Caledonian MacBrayne. We spent a couple of hours sailing alongside the great liner as she left the river and the hospitality on board Saturn was fantastic as well as the atmosphere. I also had the pleasure of the same cruise when the Tall Ships left the Clyde and that was every bit as good: So well done again to Cal Mac and particularly their smashing staff on board Saturn that evening.

I would also like say a thank you to all the police and traffic wardens who did their best in a situation that was always going to be at the very least difficult. I don’t see that they could have done anything else to improve the situation.

I won’t even attempt to list all the other people and organisations that deserve a thank you as there are too many to mention. Suffice to say: Well done to you all and let's see if we can all do the same for the great liner's last visit next year. (Maybe I will get an invite then!)

Gawn Yersel Inverclyde!!!

Tom Mc

I READ, with interest, of Mr. Owen Derrick, Nebraska, U.S.A., of his citizenship and his loss of Scottish citizenship [Click http://www.beatricedailysun.com/articles/2007/09/18/news/news1.txt]

I feel I should remind him that he will not lose this prized gem, as I was, each time I came through immigration, in the U.K., with my wife Elspeth McNeill, formerly of Mount Pleasant Street, with an American passport, born in Greenock, and, although I was born in New York and grew up in Greenock, I was reminded that she could stay as long as she wanted and I had to be gone in six months.

I truly enjoy reading InverclydeNOW each night, just before bed. Yours sincerely, George Holland, formerly of 16 Kelly Street, across from The McLean museum, and Waverley Street.

I reside on Staten Island, one of the five boroughs in New York City.  The  southernmost part of the state of New York. It is located in New York harbour, about five miles south of Manhattan. It is connected to Brooklyn by the Verrazano Narrows bridge, where I worked for the telephone company, for 35-years. Have been retired for over fifteen years. I left Greenock in 1953. Served my time as an apprentice with the former Hurry Brothers, West Blackhall St. and Dalrymple  St..

Clune Park primary was not in the Labour administration’s plans for closure during the elections but now appears to be. [See http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=628 Editor]

Regarding the school’s small number of pupils, I have asked the director of education to provide me with information about its present catchment areas and what the roll would be if this was broadened out to take in certain other areas.  Concerning the school not presently being DDA (disabled) compliant, all I can say is that some others schools have been refurbished to make them compliant so if the will is there it could be done for Clune Park too.   

If the school closes this would mean that St John’s primary would be the only school left in the lower part of Port Glasgow, and I fear it could then be next to come under threat, [See http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=635, Editor]  and at a time when there are new houses being built in the lower half of the town at the new waterfront development, and soon to be at Woodhall and Robert Street itself.  There will be families in these new homes and their children will need to go to school, only thing being is that they could all end up going to schools in upper Port Glasgow.

Other concerns I have about this are that the new school on the old Boglestone primary site will not now be two primaries being rolled into one but instead will be three into one, with the school roll of this new super school being almost 600 children.  What will this mean for the class sizes at the new school especially at a time when the new SNP Scottish Government are bringing primary 1, 2 and 3 classes down to no more than 18 pupils?  Will the new Newark primary school be able to cope with the additional Clune Park pupils and also fulfil the 18 pupils per class for P1, 2 and 3?

Another fear I have is regarding the children’s safety at the new school and at the nearby St Michael’s which I believe has 350 children.  What problems will be created by having almost 1,000 primary school children being dropped off and picked up each day or having many of them crossing busy main roads next to the schools?  I am also extremely concerned by the fact that many children may have to walk up and down busy Clune Brae in order to get to and from school and I genuinely fear for their safety.  I was knocked down on the Clune Brae as a child which means that I require a wheelchair to get around and I would hate to see that happen to another child.   

A lot of money has also been spent completing the excellent Neighbourhood Centre behind the school and because it is adjoined to it we have to ask if an empty school could then become a target for vandals and so effect the centre.  Remember the school building is also listed so we would have to ask would it then be left to become derelict like the nearby church?

I hope the Labour administration scrap their plans to close Clune Park primary.  It really is a case of them not thinking things through clearly.          

I find the Rev James Munro's, comment as reported on Inverclyde Now [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=657], refreshing. Why?

He tells the truth -- albeit in slightly coded language.

I was baptized into the C of S [Church of Scotland]. I left the church long ago for particular reasons. Rev Munro out lines them in the report.

Frankly, far too many people are there for the wrong reasons. I refer to the showy and arrogant sorts. Far too many of these people don't care about anybody never mind the poor.

A great many talk about "revival" and then hinder that potential movement by virtue of social class bias, for instance. They reject the young and the poor and the young and the poor know it and reject them and their church. Fact.

The idea of presbytery and democracy are a nonsense. How many votes are ever cast?

Are churches just about social shenanigans now? Were they always that?

Far too many people condemn our young BUT do nothing for them minus show them contempt.

I have found it very very sad the way the C of S has gone.

Liberalism? Anti-scriptural liberalism?

I honestly could weep thinking on the Church my family supported and baptized me in.

People are now trying to subvert the wishes and sense of the Ministers. Where is the church going - what has it become?

A talking shop and so on for the middle class libertarians and so on? Or have the usual culprits taken it over?

Mr. Munro, I too believe in miracles. I also believe everything must die. The C of S is dying. People are not going to return to it.

Human agency has destroyed it and so has gimmick like strategies and outpourings and so on. Too many Ministers even are falling into that trap. Gimmicks are simply making a fool of the Church.

Morality, incidentally, is a mere point of view. Too many people think their version is "right" irrespective of that fact. Morality to suit? Hiding behind suits? Too easy to see through nowadays and people are rejecting it.

I refer to the article dated 2.9.07 "women pushing prams involved in robbery". [Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail4.asp?ID=619]

Is it not heartening to see our delightful young mothers and their "companions" having a midnight stroll, taking in the night air and teaching their offspring a sense of caring for one another?

Perhaps they needed the prams for the stolen property!