On 9th February, the Council’s Policy & Resources
Committee met to agree adjustments to the budget for
the next financial year, 2010/11. As Council Leader I
was delighted to be able to announce a number of new
investment proposals that will strengthen key services
and directly benefit communities across Inverclyde,
including:
• an extra £800,000 to increase provision of aids and
adaptations, to support the elderly and vulnerable
and enabling people to stay in their own homes in
their local community;
• £105,000 to improve access to leisure facilities and
community facilities for young people and uniformed organisations,
promoting and supporting the valuable role played by community and
voluntary groups in Inverclyde;
Following a complaint from the Civic Trust the shrubs at
• £350,000 to significantly improve play area provision across
the Pullman have been cut back. I know it looks rather
Inverclyde;
bare but in the view of the Parks Manager, the Dogwoods
• An initial allocation of £500,000 to address some of the flooding
and Cherry Laurel were badly in need of severe pruning;
problems that have affected the area recently; they recover very quickly. West Glen park has also been
• £400,000 to repair damage caused to roads and footpaths by the
tidied up and I have asked for regular dog warden visits as
recent severe weather conditions;
a minority have not been using the dog bin provided.
• £750,000 to establish a Challenge Fund that will enable local I have received many complaints about pot holes and
communities that have already secured funding for community
consequently we have allocated an extra £200k for
facilities from other sources to seek additional support from the
emergency pothole and pavement repair this financial
Council;
year. On this subject, following complaints, the pavements
• An Increase in the annual funding for Riverside Inverclyde by £487,000
at Leperstone Rd/Ave are in the process of being resurfaced.
to £2.1m in 2010/11 to strengthen the ability of the area to respond
I met with residents of Leperstone Ave regarding extending the No 1 bus
to the challenges of the Economic Downturn.
service from Quarry Drive. There are issues but it will be investigated.
We were also able to freeze the Council Tax for the third year running,
Our administration’s budget has passed and among the key programmes
with this proposal being formally approved the Council meeting on 18th
are £800k for household aids and adaptations, an increased allocation to
February.
Riverside Inverclyde of £2.1M to assist in the waterfront and town centre
regeneration, £500k to alleviate flooding and £350k for rundown play areas.
At the same meeting, the Council, acting as the Birkmyre Trust,
There will also be no council tax increase.
approved in principle the construction of a new multi-use games area on
the site of the former tennis courts in Birkmyre Park. I know that some
I spoke at the Inverclyde initiative “ No Knives Better Lives” with Kenny
local residents have concerns about this proposal. They will have the
MacAskill the cabinet secretary for justice, this is phase 2 of a programme
opportunity through the planning process to make their concerns known.
with youngsters throughout Inverclyde to dissuade them from knife carrying.
The youngsters who stole the show were wonderful.
People who are in favour of the proposal should also make their voices
heard.
Port Glasgow High School parent council are consulting on the Kilmacolm
pick up points and I would encourage parents to contribute.
Finally, congratulations to everyone at Kilmacolm Primary School on their
successes at the Inverclyde Festival; the award of a second Eco Flag; and
Surgery dates: Sat 6th Cail Bruich, Quarriers Village 11am-12pm. Come
achieving ‘Dyslexia Friendly School’ status.
along for a chat and a coffee. Tues 23rd at Boglestone Leisure Centre
5.30pm-6.30pm. I can be contacted on office 01475 712727, home 01475
Details of my surgeries can be found on the Council’s website www.
741969 and mobile 07766992296.
Inverclyde.gov.uk.
You can also contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern
to you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) and 871368
(home) or by email to Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively
you can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL.
You can keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting my new
blog: http://councillorstephenmccabe.blogspot.com
4 MARCH 2010 | send your ARTICLES & PHOTOS to info@advertizer.co.uk www.advertizer.co.uk| 01505 874385 | www.theadvertizer.co.uk
186_MAR10_04-09 GEN+COUNCIL.ind.indd 4 19/02/2010 11:24:49
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