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


Council Leader

Councillor Stephen McCabe

For more information visit


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


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


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.


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:


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.

[email protected]

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


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


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

Documents

InView - Winter 2013/14