315 JULY 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

ward 9
Cllr Derek Bibby
STREETS & PAVEMENTS: At the June Council
meeting I asked the council and its partners to
look into the matter of street furniture and other obstacles in
our streets and on our pavements, and the impact of this on the
visual impaired, wheel chair users and people with disabilities.
It is evident that this is a problem not only in terms of terms of
permanent installations such as refuse bins, but also through the
proliferation of temporary signs such as A boards and road closure
signs with pavements and pedestrian areas becoming increasingly
congested.
Navigating these is becoming more difficult and I have asked that
a report be brought to the September council meeting to see what
additional safety measures and improvements can be made.
At the same meeting I also raised the issue of the reopening of
Renfrewshire Libraries, for as we continue to ease restrictions it
is important that library services return to pre COVID -19 service
levels.
POST OFFICE CLOSURE: It is to say the least disappointing
that despite strong opposition the closure of the post office
in Lochwinnoch has been confirmed for October 21st. This is a
cold harsh business decision that has taken precedence over the
best interests of the village, and another example of businesses
abandoning rural communities without regard for the outcome
which in this case, will be older people and non drivers having to
travel outwith Lochwinnoch to access postal services.
I will continue to work with other ward councillors and the local
community in Lochwinnoch to look at options to maintain a service
within the village .
FUNDING: On a brighter note the Villages Local Partnership recently
approved grant applications from a number of local organisations
and I was pleased to support funding that was awarded to the Arts
Festival, Food Committee and, Choral Society in Lochwinnoch
and the Kilbarchan Singers. These groups and organisations are
a significant part of village life and it is important that wherever
possible they receive support from the council.
BUSES: The changes to the Kilbarchan to Glasgow bus service have
now been implemented and I continue to receive complaints from
passengers who now have to change buses in Johnstone Town
Centre to travel to Johnstone Station, Paisley and Glasgow
McGills need to respond to these passenger concerns, meantime
I will keep a close eye on the reliability of the new Johnstone
Kilbarchan 32 service.
CONTACT: In common with other councillors I am not currently
holding face to face advice surgeries. I can however be contacted
at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 300
1274 or 07534 156007.
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 19