277 October 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

october 2017
bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir
Well it’s been a whirlwind fi rst few months as your local
Labour Councillor and my thanks yet again go to everyone
who voted for me. As a local resident Elected Member it has
been enlightening to hear the issues raised across the three
villages and to get a good grasp of the challenges facing our
communities.
I have so far been out to meet most of the local Community
Councils and tenants and residents associations in the area
and have been interested to hear their views on a range of
issues. I would encourage residents to get involved in these
groups as far as they are able, particularly those with young
families, so that all views of the community can be heard on
matters such as planning, development, schools and other community issues.
Whilst there is a vibrant online community with regards to these issues, the
Community Councils offer a formal pathway for consultation on such issues.
I have been representing the community on a number of issues, ranging from
the restoration of pavements following works by Virgin Media, the ongoing works
at Deafhillock Roundabout at Brookfi eld, overcrowding of schools and adoption
of privately owned pavements and roads across the villages. On the latter, the
Council has been willing to adopt where the existing owners bring the pavements
and/or roads up to standard. A recent motion by Council stated willingness for the
Council to assist owners in doing so through advice and signposting for funding,
but ultimately the Council has made it clear to me that they will not directly fund
improvements to privately owned areas due to budgetary constraints. On the
Deafhillock roundabout, the new delays are due to the need to install water mains
for the new houses being constructed. Why this wasn’t co-ordinated better by the
Developer and the statutory bodies is of great concern to me and I have asked for
assurances that further delays will not follow.
I note with interest also that the Council has instigated “Team Up to Clean
Up”, to encourage communities to get together and tidy up areas. Community
involvement is of course admirable and should be encouraged, but I feel that
the Council ought to have made it clear that they expected residents to do it
themselves!
On a fi nal note, I was relieved to see common sense prevail and the whole Council
agree to protect the services currently offered by Capability Scotland at the West
Lane Gardens and Whitehaugh centres, giving some security to service users
and staff alike. Services such as these are vital lifelines to vulnerable people
and I hope that a permanent solution can be found by the Health and Social Care
Partnership Integrated Joint Board.
I currently offer surgeries every third Saturday of the month, at Cargill Hall in Bridge
of Weir and the Community Library in Bishopton. In addition, I’m happy to meet at a
mutually agreeable time and place. Keep an eye on my Facebook page for updates
also.
Food Bank -
Urgently Needed
in October
Renfrewshire Food Bank donation
bins in CO-OP STORES –
KILBARCHAN, HOUSTON, BRIDGE
OF WEIR and BISHOPTON.
*CEREAL*
*SOUP*
*TINNED FRUIT*
*TEA*
*COFFEE*
*TAMPONS & SANITARY TOWELS*
Many thanks for your kindness –
Renfrewshire Food Bank
bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir
Bridge of Weir
Lace Group
Bridge of Weir Lace Group meets
fortnightly on Tuesday mornings
(10 am - 12 noon) during the winter
months. If you’d like to try lacemaking
we can provide materials & tuition.
For further details phone (01505)
613967.
bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir
Senior Citizens Club
We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd
and 4th Wednesday 7 - 9.15pm.
Subscriptions are only £6 per year
and £1 each week pays for your tea
and biscuits. Entertainment provided.
Previous entertainers include a male
voice choir & live music. Contact Sheila
Patterson for further information on
01505 690521.
@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk
bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir
Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents
Association
41
The fi rst TARA meeting after the summer break was well attended, and our
thanks go to Cllr. Natalie Don, Housing Offi cer Chris Smart and the Police for their
attendance.
The Police report for the last two months showed there were nine crimes
committed within the village. Included amongst these was the attempted theft of
a trailer, the theft of the back and front number plates off a vehicle, a breach of
the peace and three road traffi c offences.
While TARA has had a break from meetings during the summer, it has still been
active around the village working with local Councillors and Renfrewshire Council
to try and get the improvements in services which the village needs.
One of the areas where TARA has been active is by having direct talks with
Renfrewshire Council regarding Houston Road Park. Discussions have been
around the repair of the zip slide, the replacement of the big swings, and the
general upkeep of the park. The zip slide has now been replaced, although it
took much longer than was anticipated. TARA has been informed by Community
Resources that the procurement process for the replacement of the big swings
is now taking place.
A number of issues have also been taken forward by our local Councillors, around
pavements, fencing, steps, overgrown foliage and road signage.
Livery Walk car park is currently being monitored by Renfrewshire Council in
an attempt to get to the bottom of the congestion ensuing there, and there are
currently patrols by the Wardens Service regularly in the vicinity.
The drop curb at the top of Lintwhite Crescent is regularly being obstructed by
inconsiderate drivers parking their vehicles across it. This facility is intended to be
used by disability scooters, etc. Please let it be left accessible for this.
With the nights drawing in, it’s another time to remind people to cut back their
trees around street lighting around the village. If you’re a tenant report any
offending foliage to your landlord, and if you’re a house owner check and cut
back any foliage on or emanating from your land.
The next meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association is on
Tuesday 17th October in the Pirie Centre, Freeland Church at 7.30pm. So if you
got an issue within the village why not come along and air your views.
bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir
British Legion Bridge of Weir
Shortly Poppyscotland’s annual collection will be upon us. The poppy symbol has
always had a dual purpose. It is both a national symbol of Remembrance and a
means to raise vital funds for our Armed Forces community.
The Royal British Legion Scotland’s Bridge of Weir Branch will be placing
collection tins in various premises throughout the Village and sales of poppies
and Poppyscotland’s merchandise will be on sale from the front door of the Legion
Club on the mornings preceding Remembrance Sunday.
We are all inspired by those who have gone before
us so please support the appeal.
Club News: MUSIC EVENING
A date for your diary an evening of live easy
listening music provided by Pete West on
Saturday 21st October from 8 till late cost £5
come and dance the night away visitors welcome.
Annual memberships are now due, new members are welcome. It’s a perfect
time to consider joining by being a member; as well having use of our excellent
club facilities you will help the Legion Scotland charity to support veterans through
comradeship befriending and much more.
As part of your membership package you receive discounts with Glenton Holidays
as well as access to Legion Scotland Branches and Clubs across the country.
For more information talk to us on 01505 613530.
bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir