Lorraine Tinney

Community councillor Brian Seatter warns that increased traffic on Belville Street, used as a diversion during major Greenock town-centre roadworks, could lead to further crashes. He cites previous vehicle write-offs, speeding, limited pedestrian crossing opportunities and concerns about children near King's Oak Primary School. Inverclyde Council says the works are essential to replace failing infrastructure, that the diversion was planned with relevant partners, and that traffic volumes and pedestrian safety will be monitored. The council has introduced limited double-yellow-line restrictions and plans to deploy school crossing patrols at the Ratho Street and Belville Street junction.

Lady Alice Bowling Club's annual summer fete in Greenock attracted roughly 300 to 400 people and raised £3,100 after expenses. The community event featured children's activities, live music, bowls, food, refreshments and numerous stalls, with external stallholders contributing £400. Club treasurer Joe Stevenson credited the community, volunteers, sponsors and local businesses for the event's success.

Flower Vogue in Greenock has served Inverclyde customers for decades, with co-owners Ann Darroch and Brenda Hainey producing around 150 bouquets a week alongside funeral and event orders. The owners credit loyal customers and a long-serving, close-knit staff for the business’s longevity. Floristry has evolved through social media-driven demand for bespoke arrangements, while the shop continues to compete with supermarkets by emphasizing quality, personal service and tailored designs. The team sources flowers from a Dutch market and works extended hours during peak periods such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Greenock Coastguard Rescue Service assisted a woman with an injured arm aboard a sailing vessel at James Watt Dock at about 3:45 p.m. on August 6. The woman was transferred into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service for medical attention.

Archie Shearer has retired as organist at Greenock’s Wellpark Mid Kirk after 34 years of service. A lifelong musician who also sang with the Greenock Philharmonic, Shearer played for weddings, baptisms, funerals and major church occasions, while contributing quietly to the local community with his late wife, Eileen. Congregation members and former minister Alan Sorenson celebrated his musical talent, generosity and enduring role in the church family.

More than 100 children from Craigend's summer holiday club in Greenock boarded the historic PS Waverley for a trip to Largs. The three-week play scheme, open to children aged eight to 12, offers twice-weekly outings and activities at All Saints Primary. Organisers said the trips provide affordable childcare, help children stay active and socialise, and revive traditional community summer schemes; the excursion cost families just £1 or £2 per child.

Around 50 primary-school children took part in St John’s Church’s “On Holy Ground” holiday camp in Gourock, with about 45 attending each day. The sessions combined games, songs, activities and talks about Inverclyde landmarks including Cloch Lighthouse, the Sugar Boat and the French Memorial. Lighthouse resident and former seafarer Duncan Telfer spoke about his career and the lighthouse’s history. Minister Teri Peterson said the camp aimed to help children meet peers, learn new skills and appreciate Inverclyde’s history, scenery and community.

Greenock writer John Chalmers and his creative partner Sandra Marrs, who work as Metaphrog, will launch their children’s graphic novel Wilomina: The Land of Dreams and Nightmares at Waterstones Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow on August 11. The event will include a short presentation, questions, drinks and book signings. Metaphrog’s previous work has received Eisner Award nominations and other Scottish recognition, while the pair have conducted more than 700 author visits and workshops.

Greenock athletics coach Mark Pollard discusses supporting Scotland’s elite athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He says the home setting could provide a competitive advantage and helped preserve the Games when their future was uncertain. Pollard reflects on the coaching, school and club support that shaped his own career, highlights Greenock’s history of developing endurance athletes, and praises Scotland’s current generation of global medallists and the younger talent emerging behind them. He also notes that social media is increasing interest in athletes’ sporting journeys while athletics continues to evolve.

Inverclyde SNP councillors Chris Curley and Elizabeth Robertson have proposed changes to ease parking problems in Greenock town centre. Their suggestions include altering traffic flows, removing central barriers to create additional spaces, reviewing residents' parking zones, introducing one-hour parking on West Blackhall Street, and offering longer free parking in nearby car parks. The proposals do not necessarily call for removing the controversial cycle path, despite traders' concerns about its effect on accessibility and takings. Inverclyde Council says a report on technically feasible measures will be submitted to the Environment and Regeneration Committee.

Port Glasgow civil servant Catherine Soulier describes how Greenock Art Club has helped her sustain a lifelong passion for art alongside her career. Inspired by mentor Grace Donnelly, she has developed confidence, exhibited at local pop-up shops and sold paintings and art prints on products including mugs, cushions and coasters. Soulier hopes to expand her business, hold a solo exhibition, pursue art full time and eventually run classes supporting mental health, while encouraging others to begin exploring their creativity at any age.

Children and parents gathered at Greenock's South West Library for a pop-up picnic, storytelling and activities as part of the nationwide Read to the Beat summer reading challenge. The session featured readings of Paddington Goes to the Circus and Madame Badobedah, along with games and teddy-bear activities. Librarian Jennifer Horan said the events support literacy, confidence and relationship building. Weekly Read to the Beat sessions for four- to eight-year-olds continue at St Margaret's Church on Tuesdays until August 11.