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Park life in full swing across Inverclyde


Park life is a whole lot more fun for children across Inverclyde, thanks to Council investment of more than £2m over the past five years. Larkfield in Greenock now boasts an


exciting new £175,000 play park with top quality facilities and local youngsters can also enjoy a new £69,000 play area at Wellpark in Greenock, which was opened recently. More than £200,000 was allocated for


the refurbishment of Birkmyre in Port Glasgow, which include a new play area. Upgrading work is also planned for Battery Park in Greenock, which will include the installations of some units suitable for children in wheelchairs and the existing play area at Ashton Promenade in Gourock is to be expanded. Other projects include two


fully equipped play parks for Barrs Brae in Port Glasgow and Braeside in Greenock at a cost of £69,000 each. Environment and Regeneration


Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: “When we set up our investment programme our priority was to bring sites that were in a poor condition up to scratch. That has now been achieved and we are now turning our attention to filling in the gaps in provision. We recognise how important it is for children to have attractive and safe areas in which to play and I am delighted we have been able to approve this significant investment. “It's great to see children of all ages


enjoying these play areas. I would encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun.”


Ramping up road repairs


A £5 million programme of road, footway, structures and lighting improvements in Inverclyde is on track to be completed this financial year. Inverclyde Council’s roads team has completed


27 of the 28 planned roads projects for this financial year, as part of the ongoing roads and maintenance plan, known as the Roads Asset Management Strategy. In addition, eight reserve projects are complete, with a further 5 projects, including Glen Avenue and Clynder Road, on course to be completed by the end of March. In addition, 36 roads have also had the application of a protective treatment to enhance their lifespan. 12 footway resurfacing projects are complete,


with a further 2 due to be completed by the end of March. Two projects have been postponed due to planned utility works. Additional projects at Broadstone Avenue, Duchal Street and B788


Support for SMEs


our business development team within economic development, assists companies in Inverclyde to grow, develop and succeed through programmes providing specialist business advice and funding support. The Inverclyde Employer Plus Partnership comprises


Kilmacolm Road will also be completed by the end of March. Inverclyde’s Environment and Regeneration


Convener, Councillor Michael McCormick, said: “The roads team have pulled out all the stops to get these repairs and road resurfacing improvements completed. The approved programme and additional funding aimed to tackle the long standing issues of roads maintenance and it is clear that Inverclyde is making great progress.


Inverclyde secures £1m regeneration funds


Two Inverclyde projects have been successful in securing national regeneration funds totalling over £1m. A new Horticultural Training and Community


Facility has received an indicative award of £397,308 and the Riverside Inverclyde project to deliver an enterprise workspace at the Custom House building is set to receive £649,332. The Horticultural Training and Community Facility


aims to develop a community and training centre in the Broomhill area of Greenock, to provide facilities and activities to promote and enhance wider regeneration and community cohesion. The facility is expected to create seven new jobs, support six existing jobs and house Inverclyde Association for Mental Health.


Inverclyde’s Environment and Regeneration


Convener, Councillor Michael McCormick, said: “This is welcome news - the delivery of these projects will help to deliver physical regeneration, create jobs and secure existing jobs in the area.”


of a range of public and third sector agencies working together to provide support to local businesses to access a wide range of services, including recruitment support (including candidate screening and work trials), staff training and upskilling. The team will assist and support individual


businesses and local community regeneration with advice and funding initiatives through the following:


Business Informal Training Support Graduate Program Investment Fund Marketing Grant New Start Growth Fund Property Assistance Scheme Regional Selective Assistance Small Business Assistance Grant Small Business Loan Scheme Tourism Grants West of Scotland Loan Fund Ltd Young Company Development Fund


For further information visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/business-and- trade/business-development/ or email us at eds.enquiries@inverclyde.gov.uk or call us on 01475 715555


Find out more about Inverclyde’s glass recycling on page 10


Spring 2015


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