Wednesday 28 November 2012

this month - December 2012

The heavens opened in November with massive flooding on many roads. However, no sign of floating cars at Scart Farm as we had last winter. Therefore hopefully the extensive works carried out earlier in the year have sorted out the problems there.

With the deluge a huge pothole opened up overnight on the stretch between the top car park at the Knapps and the Quarriers Road on the A761. It was reported to Inverclyde Council early in the morning and they had it repaired that afternoon. Unfortunately, in between times, several drivers fell victim of the "crater". Please report road faults ASAP; you will save others a great deal of grief and might even save a life. You can report a road fault or pothole by phone or online. Visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk or www.inverclyde.gov.uk depending on the location, or call Renfrewshire on 0300 300 0300 from Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm. Out-with these hours, you can call 0300 300 0144 to report faults. For Inverclyde call 01475 714800 or out of hours contact RALF (Roads and Lighting Faults) 0800 37 36 35.

Our local Christmas Lights switch-on events in December are listed on our village news pages, apologies if we’ve missed anyone.

Once again, the Bridge of Weir Festival Committee is busy organising Santa’s Sleigh to visit Houston, Bridge of Weir, Kilmacolm, Brookfield and Quarriers. We take this chance once again, on behalf of all those Santa is due to visit, to thank Gordon Lethorn and his magnificent Gala Team who organise the event. Various local organisations take turn-about to follow the sleigh each night with a door-to-door collection. The group doing the collection that night benefits from the proceeds. The collections taken at Morrisons (Johnstone) and the Co-operative (BoW) are donated to local charities. See the dates for each village and please give Santa your support.

Finally, a reminder that our deadline for January 2013 will be Friday 14th December. Delivery will be starting from 27th December. Please make sure we receive your articles, etc., in plenty of time!

Wishing everyone a merry and, hopefully, a restful festive season!

Rona

Wednesday 7 November 2012

this month..... our November 2012 issue

We are concerned about reports from some of our clients that a company has been cold-calling them asking them to advertise in a charity magazine, using The Advertizer name as reference. The Advertizer is not associated with any other publication - so please don’t be taken in by impersonators!
There have been more problems on the cycle track - the name itself is mis-leading. It’s a "Sustrans way" - meaning sustainable transport (SUS-TRANS)... walking, and any other non-motorised motion, as well as cycling. Cyclists absolutely should slow down when approaching pedestrians. And, some cyclists seem unaware just how ‘silent’ a bike can be to most walkers. Equally, walkers should keep an awareness of who is around and what is coming. And if walking your dog or children, please try to keep them under some element of control (easier said, I know!).
And while I’m on a rant - headphones! Those of you who like to listen to music while out running or cycling take heed. I was driving along the main road through Kilmacolm when a jogger appeared from a side road and then ran along the pavement to my left side. As I approached nearer, the jogger gaily decided to jog out across the road, with not a glance over her shoulder. Luckily I had anticipated her action and was already slowing down when I had to hit the brakes. Keep your headphones for the gym please!
Also, there has been some concern over call-out fees from tradespeople. You should always get a price before getting a job done, and a call-out will tend to be more expensive. If you are querying the costs, ask for an itemised bill to check what you are paying for - any reputable tradesperson will be happy to clarify their fees.
Lastly, most of the news in the press this month is about the perils of telling untruths. The truth has an uncanny way of finding its way into the public domain. And once a person, or establishment, is uncovered as a liar, how can anyone expect to ever believe a word they say.
Rant over. Now off to a darkened room to relax...............