259 April 2016 - Gryffe Advertizer

44 the advertizer t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk
kilbarchan
& lochwinnoch
.....................................................
PLANNING: Renfrewshire Council has received a planning
application proposing a housing development in the area
north west of Kilbarchan quarry - Branscroft.
This was the subject of a public event in the Old Library in
October last year hosted by the applicant. The application
falls into the category of a major development. The formal
consideration of the application within the planning process
will now take effect, which in all probability will be referred to
the full council rather than the Planning and Property Board.
There is now the opportunity for residents, near neighbours,
the community council and other parties to make
representations to Renfrewshire Council as the responsible
planning authority. Following a plea, and to take account of the Easter holidays,
the deadline for representations has been extended to the 14th April. Whatever
your views on the application, I would strongly recommend that having considered
the proposals, you make those views known to the planning authority in order
that it has an appreciation of the issues raised by villagers.
A final point of clarification is that this application is separate from the public
exhibition which took place in the Old Library on 15 March, which was in regard
to a possible future application to develop land adjacent to Barrhill Crescent. I will
let you know of any news on this front.
TRANSPORT: I sincerely hope, that the genuine frustration felt by rail passengers
in Lochwinnoch, arising from recent severe flooding of the access road to the
station will be a one off. Following approaches to Scotrail and Network Rail
regarding what was an unacceptable situation, work has been undertaken to
clear the surface water, and do remedial work on the roadway, I hope that this will
help prevent further problems.
GRANTS: Kilbarchan is set to benefit from decisions made at the March meeting
of the Finance board of Renfrewshire Council. As a board member, I was delighted
to approve, respectively grants to the Community Council and Kipco for additional
Christmas lights on the cherry trees at the scout hall, and a replacement boiler
in the Old Library.
My surgeries are on the first Saturday of every month except January and July at
9am in the Mckillop Institute and 10am in the Steeple Hall.
Meantime please contact me on any matter at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.
uk or, phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534156007
Scottish Country Dance Classes
Tuesdays in the McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch at 7.30pm.
We always have great fun and it's good exercise too! Phone Lorna Black 01505
843048 for more info.
BUDGET: Since the last Gryffe Advertizer was published
Renfrewshire Council has had its annual Budget meeting
at which the decision was made that Paisley is to get a new
£15 million Sports Village, and town centres like Paisley and
Renfrew are to get free Wi Fi.
These are positive developments for the leading town in
Renfrewshire but Paisley is only 75,000 residents whereas
100,000 people live outwith Paisley, and there was little
in this budget for them. There were some new monies for
community halls so I have written to the Chief Executive of
Renfrewshire Leisure asking for an upgrade to the fabric
of the Steeple Hall, Kilbarchan, and the McKillop Institute,
Lochwinnoch. I am also continuing to work with Mhairi Black MP to improve the
Broadband service in both Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch.
EVENTS: Over the last month my wife, Audrey, and I have enjoyed many of the
events at the Lochwinnoch Arts Festival, which is a magnificent event for a small
village in Renfrewshire. Managing to attract the folk singer, Dougie McLean,
author of the seminal song Caledonia, was a credit to the organisers, Morag
Thow, and her team. A key problem for Lochwinnoch has been the flooding of the
slip road into Lochwinnoch railway station, and my colleague, Stewart Maxwell
MSP, and I, have approached Abellio/Scotrail who have drained the slip road and
pledged to resolve the issue for good.
SURGERIES: My advice surgery in Kilbarchan is on the 2nd Wednesday of the
month in the Steeple Hall at 7.45pm, and my advice surgery in Lochwinnoch is on
the 4th Wednesday of the month in the McKillop at 7.30pm, excluding July. But
I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224,
tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8 or email me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
Kilbarchan Parish Church
During the month of April, services continue on Sunday mornings at 11am,
conducted by Rev. Stephen Smith. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be
observed on Sunday 24th April at 11am and 6.30pm. All are welcome to any or all
of these services. Sunday School and the crèche meet from 10.45am in the hall.
All details about the church, worship and the many organisations can be seen by
visiting the website: www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk
After worship on Sunday 3rd April, there will be a produce stall in the hall and it is
hoped that many people will come along to donate and buy fresh produce-baking,
preserves, fruit, vegetables, flowers. Looking ahead to May, the Plant Sale will
take place on Saturday 21st and forms are available from any church member or
by phoning 704502.
Gryffe Scottish Country Dance Club
Wednesday 13 April - We will be holding a Scottish Country Dance in the
Kilbarchan Guide Centre from 7.30pm - 11pm. Music by Marian Anderson.
Come along for a great evenings dancing, lovely music, good company, a supper
and a raffle - all for £7. Proceeds from the dance will go this year to the R.N.L.I.
Contact Les Lambert for details, tickets etc at 01505 704398.
Habbie Tat
Kilbarchan’s popular Habbie Tat event resumes with a fresh sale of clear-out
goods, including bric-a-brac and many collectables at the Performing Arts Centre
in Steeple Square, on Sunday 1st May.
“We have some new stallholders participating and there is guaranteed to be a
very interesting selection of items offered,” said organiser Brenda Temple.
The Habbie tat events began after several friends spoke about wanting to clear
the attic or tidy out the garage and generally de-clutter.
Each time, there is a different selection presented and there will be several new
stallholders bringing along items for sale in May.
“We have some paintings and prints this time, and even some smaller items of
furniture, and a local picture framer is clearing out his workshop too, with many
really beautiful frames for sale at a fraction of the usual price,” added Brenda.
Doors open at 12noon and all of the admission money collected (tickets are 50p)
go to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club
The club recommences after the break for Easter, on Monday 11th April from
9.15-11.30am in the hall, where tots with their parents, grandparents etc will
be made welcome. There are many toys to play with and a bouncy castle. The
cost remains at £1 for adults, which includes tea/coffee. The group is once
again participating in the Paisley Express Wish campaign and will be happy to
receive vouchers collected from the paper-there is a box in the hall kitchen for
the vouchers.