LINWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCILMINUTES 21 MARCH 2017

Present:Mary McElhinney, Anne McElhinney, Chris Connor, Jamie Garamanli, Tillie Toland, Anne Ironside, Annette Campbell

In attendance:Cllr Audrey Doig, Inspector Cassie Glass & two local Police Officers

Apologies:Terry Feenney, Mary Bowman

Police Report:Inspector Cassie Glass attended the meeting, and introduced us to two of the four police officers who will be based in Linwood, Houston and Crosslee but mainly Linwood for their entire shifts, starting in April. The officers will be using bikes and so will be able to reach all areas of Linwood speedily. They will be going into local schools to speak to the pupils and staff also, shop owners in the local vicinity. Inspector Glass asked that members of the community speak to these officers about matters of concern, particularly with the lighter nights approaching, and the associated problems of youths loitering, and anti-social behaviour generally.

Inspector Glass also asked us to highlight to the community a current wave of bogus crimes in the area. She asked if we could all alert those who do not have access to social media to this problem, particularly the elderly. Please warn elderly relatives *never* to pay cash up front to callers at the door who offer to do odd jobs for them. There have been incidents reported in Bridge of Weir, none yet in Linwood, but she stressed the need to make sure our elderly relatives and neighbours are warned about this.

Lastly, the crime report since the last meeting consisted of mostly petty vandalism. 95 crimes were reported, 42 have been detected in the past two months. Inspector Glass asked the community to report any intelligence of suspicious activity to the police, in order that future crimes can be prevented.

Councillor Report: Councillor Audrey Doig was in attendance and asked if members had been able to read the updated Renfrewshire Council Town Centre Strategy for Linwood. (This can be found online at http://buff.ly/2nbqHTy) Councillor Doig said she has been pushing for priority to be given to a cleanup of the Lade.

Constituents are also advised that reporting faults/potholes/lighting issues to the Council can now be done online using the "My Account" facility on the Council's website.

Councillor Doig also encouraged local residents to attend the Taylor Wimpey Consultation Event at the Tweedie Hall on 26 April , 2-7pm, to see the proposals for the new homes to be built on the old Johnstone Hospital site.

Linwood Active are hoping to hold a "Fun Run" from Kintyre Park (no details as yet) although hoping for a full day event. Also, a litter pick up to be arranged. Linwood Active are also highlighting that younger children and parents are encouraged to get involved as present children are getting older and moving on.

Lastly, the new Scout Group is doing well. Held in Our Lady of Peace on a Thursday night, the Beavers are from 6.30 to 7.30 and Cubs from 7.30 to 8.45.

Secretary's Report:Continuing with forwarding relevant emails to members also dealing with community emails received and any other matters arising.

Treasurer's Report:Anne advised that she had only just received the online password for the Bank Account and would forward details as soon as available.Update: Yearly accounts have now been forwarded to Renfrewshire Council.

Chairperson's Report:Mary has requested again to following the correct procedure and speak only through the chair with any issues.

The Traffic Management on Clippens Road and new Pelican Crossing over to Kintyre Park is underway, with disruption happening for approximately six weeks.

Also looking for ways to improve how we gather the public views on local issues with the maximum results.

Any other Business:There has been an interest over the past two years with Linwood Community Council for a Commemorative Paving Stone to be laid in Linwood in honour of Hugh McIver who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1918.

"Private Hugh McIver, from Linwood, was killed in action in September 1918 at the age of 28.

There is already a memorial to Private McIver in France, where he died, and his medal is displayed at the Royal Scots Museum in Edinburgh.

He was awarded the VC – the highest honour a soldier can receive – for acting with “conspicuous bravery and devotion” while employed as a runner with the Army.

As one of Renfrewshire’s bravest heroes, he will be given recognition at a ceremony marking the 90th anniversary of the events that won him Britain’s highest military honour for bravery.

In 1919, Hugh’s parents travelled to Buckingham Palace, where they were presented with his VC by King George V."

The Centenary of Private Hugh McIver's VC award will be August 2018. Anne Ironside (and hopefully others) will research funding and a suitable place for this Commemorative Paving Stone to be laid. Details to follow at a later date.

NEXT MEETING TO BE HELD16 MAY 2017

LINWOOD HIGH SCHOOL7PM