Renfrewshire Blog

Warning over Renfrewshire Council Licence switch

2013-02-07T11:11:00.001Z

Renfrewshire licensing chiefs are warning anyone planning an event locally not to be caught out by upcoming changes to the rules governing public entertainment.

Anyone planning to run a live performance or a fireworks display, among other things, will require a public entertainment licence as of this summer.

The rule-changes are set to come into force on 3 June of this year – meaning anyone organising events for the summer should think ahead now to make sure they get the licence they need.

Current examples of events which need a public entertainment licence include outdoor concerts, circuses, fairgrounds or large fetes, other than those run and hosted by schools, churches or voluntary groups.

As of June, licences will also be needed for video machine arcades, concert halls, fireworks displays, live performances, musical shows, paintball games, bungee jumping and motor shows.

Councillor John Hood, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Regulatory Functions Board, said: “We want organisers to be aware of these changes now so they can make sure all the paperwork is in place for any events they hold in the summer and beyond.

“We are keen to avoid a situation where we have to take action to stop events from happening because those running it weren’t aware the rules had changed and hadn’t got the proper licence.

“Organisers should bear in mind any application for a public entertainment licence will have to go through a four-week-minimum statutory notice period during which the public can make objections.
“Depending on the circumstances, the period for finalising an application could be significantly longer than four weeks – which is why we would encourage potential applicants to find out what they have to do ahead of any summer events.

“The council’s licensing staff can offer advice on what the rule-changes mean. They be reached by calling 0141 842 4499 or by emailing licensing.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk.”

Johnstone Off-Licence robbed twice in 12 hours

2013-01-21T20:05:00.001Z

POLICE are hunting thieves after an off-licence was robbed twice in less than 24 hours.
The first incident took place at the G101 store on Kilbarchan Road in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, at 11.50am on Sunday.

Two female members of staff, aged 28 and 61, were threatened by a man with a weapon who made off with cash and cigarettes.

The suspect, who ran off towards McLaurin Crescent, is white, 5ft 9ins and was wearing a faded red t-shirt, a black beanie style-hat, a black scarf covering his face, a brown Parka-style jacket with a furry hood, brown jogging bottoms and white trainers.

At 10.20am today, the same store was targeted again by a man who threatened two female staff before leaving with a quantity of cash.

He is described as white, 5ft 10ins and wearing a blue jacket, dark-coloured jogging bottoms, a dark scarf around his face and a beanie hat.

Detective Sergeant Gerry McWatt, of Paisley CID, said: "These robberies have been a terrifying experience for the members of staff working at the off sales.

"Any information could prove crucial to helping officers track these men down.

"I'd like to reassure the local community we are doing everything we can to catch the men responsible.
"Officers are carrying out door-to-door enquiries and examining CCTV footage."

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact Paisley police office on 0141 532 5900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Also in the Strathclyde force area, a 35-year-old member of staff at the Express service station, Forest Road in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, was threatened with what appeared to be a gun at 5.20am on Sunday.

Glasgow Demolition Package Announced

2013-01-15T00:05:00.000Z

The Glasgow Housing Association has selected three firms to carry out major demolition jobs over the next four years.
The association has carved up work packages into three pipelines identified for the first two years of the framework arrangement.
GHA’s favoured trio of firms, selected from seven bidders, are: Birkenhead-based Technical Demolition Services, Edinburgh-based Dem-Master and Dundee blow down specialist Safedem.
These demolition contractors have proven track records with the association on major schemes as part of the city’s plans to tear down blighted housing estates.

Value of two-year work packages
- Technical Demolition Services: £4.1m
- Dem-Master: £1.1m
- Safedem: £4.7m

Details of the full four-year programme have still to be finalised, but Glasgow Housing Association expects to clear many more high rise blocks up to 31 storeys high, covering up to 2,000 flats and about 250 low rise flats as part of its social house building programme.
Its collaborative partners: New Gorbals Housing Association, Southside Housing Association and Sanctuary Group, will demolish a further 1,500 flats as they clear sites for redevelopment.

SFR respone to Paisley House Fire ( Gallowhill )

2013-01-07T10:54:00.000Z

Firefighters tackled a blaze at a house in Paisley yesterday afternoon (Sunday, January 6).

Crews from Paisley and Renfrew Community Fire Stations rushed to the Gallowhill area around 12:15pm, responding to reports of a fire at a Schaw Road property.

Arriving less than four minutes after receiving an emergency call from a member of the public, firefighters entered the building in full breathing apparatus.

The team used a high pressure hosereel jet to douse the flames, which had taken hold in the kitchen of the property.

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue personnel treated one man for slight smoke inhalation, with an ambulance called to take him to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

A woman and small child were also taken to the hospital for precautionary check-ups.

The incident shows how fire can strike anywhere and is a stark reminder of the need for every home to have at least one working smoke alarm.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the Director of Community Safety for Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, said:" "In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm will give you, and your family, vital life-saving minutes to escape safely.

"If you, or someone you know, doesn't have a working smoke alarm I would urge you to fit one immediately or call Strathclyde Fire & Rescue on 0800 0731 999. We will supply and fit long life smoke alarms and a heat alarm free of charge."

To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit for you or someone you know, call Strathclyde Fire & Rescue on 0800 0731 999 or text "check" to 61611. You can also get in touch by calling your local community fire station.

Sad end to 2012 as police probe Paisley Suicide

2013-01-02T20:51:00.000Z

It was a sad end to Paisley's 2012 as police were called to George Street to probe a death, its now our understanding that the body was found hanging from the rafters within the attic.

Its happened only three months after another George Street resident was found in the same circumstances said one resident.

Shocked neighbours and friends leave tributes

Massive blaze during the night in Paisley

2012-12-28T09:35:00.001Z

A fire broke out at a warehouse containing potentially explosive materials and forced the closure of a train line.

The scene during the night

The blaze broke out at around 3.30am on Friday in a building in Clark Street in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

Around 30 firefighters from Paisley, Johnstone, Renfrew, Clydebank and Milngavie stations battled the flames that could be seen coming through the roof of the building, while they received reports that a person may have been inside an adjacent property at risk of catching fire.

SFR Govan on standby as forensic work takes place

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the burning building where they discovered cylinders containing acetylene, which when heated can become "extremely volatile and explode violently", according to Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.

A fire service spokesman said: "Due to the risk of the acetylene cylinders exploding an initial 200m cordon was put in place for the safety of the public and the nearby main railway line serving Paisley Gilmour Street was closed. Clark Street was also closed to allow firefighters to deal with the incident.
"Firefighters immediately started to use large amounts of water to cool the acetylene cylinders to prevent them from heating up any further.

SFR Govan on standby at the scene this morning

"Due to the quick actions of firefighters in dealing with the acetylene cylinders the main railway line was reopened at 5.20am this morning ensuring train commuters were not affected and the exclusion zone reduced to the confines of the building that was on fire."

Fire service personnel managed to search the adjacent building where they confirmed that no one was present.

A joint investigation into the cause of the fire is being undertaken by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and Strathclyde Police.

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION – BRIDGE OF WEIR

2012-12-24T13:25:00.001Z

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION – BRIDGE OF WEIR

Strathclyde Police are continuing enquiries and appealing for the assistance of the media and the public in identifying and tracing a young woman seen in Bridge of Weir earlier today, Monday 24th December 2012.

Around 0230 hours this morning, police were called by a concerned member of the public after they saw a young woman standing on the bridge over the River Gryffe at the A761 on Main Street, Bridge of Weir.
...
The young woman is described as white, aged between 16 and 20 years of age with dyed blonde hair which was tied back. She was wearing a dark blue jacket or tracksuit top with ‘Paul’s Boutique’ on the back and grey or light-coloured trousers.

Inspector Willie Paterson of Johnstone Police Office said today:

“Extensive enquiries have been carried out since we received the call earlier this morning to try and locate this young woman and establish her identity, as clearly we are concerned for her welfare.

“Although there is nothing to suggest that she has gone into the water, searches are being carried out in the River Gryffe and the surrounding area. I must also stress that no-one matching this description has been reported missing. Other resources including the police helicopter and dog unit are being used to assist in the search.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen this young woman earlier today in the Bridge of Weir area, or indeed the woman herself to come forward to police so that we can make sure she is safe.”

“Anyone with information, no matter how trivial it may seem should come forward to police as a matter of urgency.”

Those with information that may assist police enquiries should contact Johnstone Police Office on 0141 532 2000.

Early morning Fire at Johnstone High street

2012-12-23T19:39:00.002Z

The second incident involved a fire in a tenement property in Johnstone again around 6am this morning.

The fire broke out at the property in High Street - with reports of people being inside the properties.
Appliances from Johnstone and Paisley Community Fire Stations attended and again the crews donned full breathing apparatus and fought their way through the smoke finding that discarded material had been set alight in the close of the tenement building.

One female resident was led to safety and was suffering from slight smoke inhalation. Firefighters administered oxygen therapy whilst awaiting the arrival of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Firefighters also administered oxygen therapy to a Strathclyde Police Officer who suffered from slight smoke inhalation after entering the close of the tenement whilst trying to assist the householders before the arrival of SFR. The officer was passed to the care of the paramedics and was taken to hospital as a precaution. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring combustible material is never stored or left in communal stairways of tenements and flats.

These incidents, which struck in the early hours of the morning, show how fire can strike anywhere at any time. Strathclyde Fire & Rescue is urging the public to Join the Fight against Fire and help prevent tragedy over the festive period.

A Paisley nightclub has had its licence suspended for 10 weeks

2012-12-21T20:42:00.000Z

A Paisley nightclub has had its licence suspended for 10 weeks after police reported it was rife with violence and drug-taking.

Incidents included a fight that left a teenage girl covered in blood and another reveller suffering a head injury after falling on the dance floor at Club 69.

Renfrewshire Licensing Board also heard stories of problems with CCTV and security, drug taking and drunkenness at the New Sneddon Street venue.

Police also reported an alleged lock-in at the club and issues with the licensing of door staff, both of which are the subject of reports to the procurator fiscal.

Councillors were also told the club had never logged on to the Paisley Town Centre Radio Link, which is a condition of its late-hours licence.

The board voted to impose the suspension after reading a letter to the board from Strathclyde Police chief superintendent Alan Speirs.

Councillor Alex Murrin, Convener of Renfrewshire Licensing Board, said: “Our licensing objectives are to prevent crime and disorder, secure public safety, prevent public nuisance, and protect and improve public health.

“It was considered the premises were operating in a manner inconsistent with these aims.

“We appreciate that the vast majority of premises in Renfrewshire do take their responsibilities seriously, but we will take action against any premises which continually fails to do so.”

Chief Superintendent Speirs added: “We work hard to ensure all pubs and clubs are safe places for people to socialise and enjoy alcohol responsibly.

“Despite guidance and support, the running of Club 69 fell well short of the standards expected.
“Public safety is always our focus and we will continue to ensure licensed premises stay within the law and the terms of their licence.”

£500k cash boost to help restore fountain

2012-12-19T17:19:00.002Z

A historic Paisley landmark is set to be returned to its former glory thanks to a lottery cash boost of more than half a million pounds

The money will go towards the restoration of the Grand Fountain – the centrepiece of Paisley’s Fountain Gardens park.

The eight-metre-tall Category A-listed monument is considered to be one of Scotland’s finest remaining fountains.

The project to restore it is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has awarded a grant of £527,100.

Councillor Terry Kelly, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Economic Development Policy Board, has welcomed the news He said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. “This money will go a long way towards ensuring this link with Paisley’s rich industrial past will be kept alive for future generations to enjoy.

“The project will also provide a community benefit, in that local volunteers and tradespeople will be encouraged to learn more about the traditional skills needed to restore and maintain the fountain.

"The community have already been involved in the efforts to secure this funding and it is great to see their efforts rewarded."

The fountain dates back to 1868, having been gifted to the people of Paisley by Thomas Coats of Ferguslie, joint-owner of the once-massive J&P Coats textile firm.

It still stands as a proud reminder of the town’s rich industrial heritage but is currently fenced off for safety.

The work will restore the cast-iron fountain’s surfaces and decorative detail as well its original colour scheme.

The council is still awaiting the outcome of an application for funding to Historic Scotland.

If successful, this will be added to the Heritage Lottery money and council funding to meet the full £660,000 cost of the project.

Fountain Gardens – recognised as Paisley’s oldest public garden – were created in 1797 by John Love, a local textile manufacturer after whom the adjoining Love Street was named.

Thomas Coats bought the park in 1866 and redesigned the open space before gifting it to the townspeople two years later.

Fire devastates Paisley housing block

2012-12-13T23:30:00.001Z

Fire earlier tonight ravaged no 19 Blackstoun Road in the towns Ferguslie Park in what residents have called " an incident awaiting to happen " .

At the height of the blaze firefighters broke down the door of a neighbouring flat amid fears of residents being inside whilst black thick smoke exited every available exit that it could .. windows, doors and roof spaces.

The travelling of the smoke was made worse by Renfrewshire Council not fixing a earlier problem of a fire wall that was previously damaged weeks ago, by residents of the fire ravaged flat after they broke into a neighbours address via the fire wall.

One of the residents of the flat were rescued the others were seen laughing and jokeing when firefighters arrived and when residents were forced to flee there houses.

Unfortunately the residents were a problem that Police, Firebrigade and Renfrewshire Council were all to aware of after Renfrewshire Council moved them into the area after they did the same in Renfrew at there previous address.

Police are to remain on scene the rest of the night amid a fire investigation unit in the morning.

man dead after being run over in foxbar

2012-12-07T20:09:00.001Z

Police last night closed off Waverly Road in Foxbar after what is currently being described as a tragic accident after a 42year old man was killed by his partner and son.

It's reported that 42 year old George Pope had been getting taken home by his partner after an argument had developed between the pair in the Glenburn area, after Mr Pope had been taken home its reported that he jumped or staggered in front of the car being driven by his partner and another source has confirmed that the couple's son was in the car at the time of the accident.

Its reported that Mr Pope was still alive and being attended to on the road under the car by his son, but sadly passed away before reaching the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Paisley late last night.

Kylie, Doctor Nutini and a touch of Gerry Rafferty for paisley all in 48 hours

2012-11-23T17:43:00.003Z

Well it certinaly was a crazy 48 hours for Paisley which started off with Kylie Minogue being here on Wednesday morning ahead of going to Stirling castle to do a xmas special with Rod stewart for STV and if that wasn't enough we had Doctor Paolo Nutini here the same afternoon and next day we had Gerry Rafferty Drive opened by martha and mark rafferty, a crazy 48 hours for Paisley this week.

As usuall all the photos on Flivkr and the Kylie photos on the website under the members area, for members of the site.

Python found on Paisley Toilet seat

2012-11-21T17:18:00.002Z

An elderly couple were left "shocked" after they found a snake wrapped around a toilet seat in their home in Paisley.

The couple discovered the young royal python in the bathroom of their flat on Storie Street on 17 November.
They contacted the Scottish SPCA, which rescued the snake and named her Lulu.
A spokesperson for the charity said it was believed that the snake had got in through a gap in the wall by the toilet pipe and then wrapped itself around the seat.
It is being cared for at the charity's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald.
Ch Insp Fiona Henderson said: "The lady who found her got quite a fright, but did the right thing by containing the snake in the room and calling us for help.
"Pythons are generally known for their placid nature and relatively small size, so although they can look a bit scary, they aren't dangerous.
"We're keen to reunite Lulu with her owner, who probably lives close by.
"She's in good body condition and well fed, so we're sure someone is missing her."
Anyone who recognises Lulu is asked to contact the Scottish SPCA.

Man arrested in Paisley shopkeeper Murder Hunt Named

2012-11-07T14:00:00.001Z

31-year-old Lee Anderson of Foxbar was arrested in connection with the death of the shopkeeper in Paisley.

Javaid Ali, 48, was stabbed in his Sunshine Grocers shop in Green Road on June 15. He died in the town’s Royal Alexandra Hospital on June 29.

Around 60 police officers visited more than 700 homes during the investigation and took around 800 statements from people.

Police launched a fresh appeal two months after the stabbing, when advert trailers were stationed at Phoenix Retail Park, Renfrewshire and Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow and Paisley town Centre urging people with information to contact them.

Thousands Flock to Erskine Fireworks Display

2012-11-02T21:36:00.003Z

Erskine seen a crowd of about 2,500 tonight for there now yearly fireworks display.

Paisley Hydroponics " Drugs equipment " Centre set to open

2012-11-01T21:44:00.002Z

Last night on all hallows eve was the first time in a year that ive wandered the Westend of Paisley and still been able to spot the junkies from the people dressed up for Halloween - and unfortunately its becoming more of a regular sight in the area.

Paisley Hydroponics Centre getting ready to open in town

Now the junkies etc are set for a massive boost with the opening of the Paisley Hydroponics Centre in Broomlands Street very soon, the shop shall be selling everything it legally can such lamps to help grow your weed... oh yes thats in an area thats already seen flats going on fire and raids resulting in the deportment of Chinese back to there country - and as one old lady said today just as well that gas secape happened in linwood and not the westend as with the amount of heatlamps in operation the gas would have been ignigted with no problems.

Police launch Festive Crackdown

2012-11-01T11:55:00.000Z

Police were out to launch the festive crackdown today in Paisley.

Glen Cinema Survivor passes away aged 88

2012-11-01T11:43:00.000Z

Sad news as we hear Peter Smith one of the few remaining Glen Cinema Survivors has passed away aged 88 on 20th October 2012.

New B&M Store Set to Open Next Week

2012-11-01T09:14:00.001Z

It's been announced this morning that B&M , Bargains and Madness for those who dont know what it stands for are planning on opening the Renfrew Road store on the 7th of November if everything goes to plan.

Linwood Gas Main Causes Chaos

2012-10-31T23:51:00.005Z

Just before 5pm tonight on land between Burnbrae Drive and Hillman Road opposite ASDA on the A761, Contractors who have been working there the last six weeks accidentaly hit a large gas main, as i passed at the time it was like water rising into the sky with the large amount of gas escaping.

The A761 was quickly closed down by police and Strathclyde fire and rescue have been on stand by located in Hillman Road whilst gas engineers work to repair the pipe in an operation thats expected to last most of the night and into the early hours according to a person on site.

The ingoing operation is causing problems for nearby businesses including TNT, Malcolm Logistics, John Menzes and others.

Staff locked in - staff in local businesses within the Phoenix were locked in there premised and some were unable to get out till after 9pm - with reports of staff still having difficulties in getting out but some have left via emerging from the rear of the former bingo hall and into ferguslie Parks Barskiven Road, the current works were taking away the base of the former Roots car factory

Paisley Business in a Hot Lather over supplies

2012-10-23T14:01:00.002+01:00

Police this morning raided the Pro Car Wash and Valeting Service in Lonend ( formerly the Westline Motor Co ) after reports had been made that the Company were fiddeling the Electricity Supplies.

Scottish Power were seen turning up after police had everyone accounted for within the premises just after 12 o ' clock this afternoon and with reinforcements summoned from Scottish Power a further Two Vans turned up on the premises.

Scottish Power representitives were then seen switching the power supplies off to the building. Its our understanding that similar operations are being carried out within the area and other areas - with still more in the coming days.

Glasgow Airport Jet2 Plane " smoke fills cabin "

2012-10-19T12:57:00.002+01:00

Glagow Airport was the scene this morning of a Jet2 plane having difficulty in a statement released - a spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: "At approximately 07:45 flight LS177 from Glasgow Airport to Alicante was forced to make an emergency stop on the runway just prior to take off.

"The 737-800 Jet2.com aircraft was forced to curtail take off due to smoke in the cabin.

"All 189 passengers were disembarked. Glasgow Airport had to suspend flights until 10am when the runway was reopened.

"This has resulted in delays and passengers are advised to check with their airlines."

Glasgow Airport has confirmed that as a result of the incident, 14 flights have been delayed.

We watched this morning as crews from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue arrived with a fleet of Ambulances which were dispatched from Paisleys Craw Road Depot, we could clearly see passengers being treated on the tarmac and in Ambulances on scene as they arrived.

Just after 9.45am the Jet2 plane was able to make its way to the arrivals followed by the Airport Fire Service so that further investigations could take place.

Clean up team remained on the runway and the Airport was re-opened just after 10am.

Driver finds body on Popular Paisley Roadside Route

2012-10-19T12:41:00.001+01:00

A driver yesterday found a body lying at the side of the road on a popular Paisley route, the body of a 51year old man was found in Ferguslie Parks Blackstoun Road just after 10am.

Police at yesterdays body find in blackstoun road

Princess Royal visits Paisley Abbey

2012-10-15T17:16:00.001+01:00

Princess Royal Anne made a visit today to Paisley Abbey on the Occassion of the 850th Anniversary of Paisley Abbey.

Princess Royal given guard of Honour by Guides and Scouts earlier this afternoon