Latest news with #ChrisGilmour
Daily Record
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Appeal lodged against Renfrewshire Council's decision to refuse plans for service station in Lochwinnoch
The proposal for a pit stop on land adjacent to the A737 and Roadhead Roundabout was rejected in March. An appeal has been lodged against Renfrewshire Council's decision to refuse plans for a roadside services next to a roundabout in Lochwinnoch. The proposal for a pit stop – consisting of a petrol station, electric vehicle charging points and a coffee shop – on land adjacent to the A737 and Roadhead Roundabout was rejected in March. Elected members agreed with a recommendation from the chief planning officer to turn down an application for planning permission at a meeting of the planning and climate change policy board. But Ferguson Planning, working on behalf of EG on the Move, has now challenged the ruling to the Scottish Government, arguing the project would comply with the relevant policies of the development plan. A statement said: "The proposal is for essential infrastructure that is required within this green belt location due to the need to be located on the strategic road network. "The proposed development is of an appropriate scale for a facility of this type and would not have a significant visual impact on the green belt. "The proposed development would primarily serve the existing traffic on the A737 and seeks to support the greater provision of electric vehicle charging facilities, supporting the transition to electric vehicles as part of a net-zero economy. "The proposed development is accessible by a range of sustainable transport modes, has safe walking, wheeling and cycling connections to and from Lochwinnoch, which can be improved through developer contributions if necessary and proportionate. "The proposal is, therefore, considered in accordance with the relevant adopted policies of the statutory development plan and supported by other material considerations. "Scottish ministers are respectfully requested to allow the appeal and grant planning permission." The council previously outlined the reasons for its decision, including that it was not demonstrated the proposal was an "acceptable green belt use" or that there were safe walking, wheeling and cycle connections to and from the site. Additionally, it was argued the location and scale of the development would increase dependency on car travel, which was deemed contrary to policy seeking to address the climate emergency through a spatial strategy that helps cut emissions. In its response to the appeal last month, the council added: "The content of the council's report of handling and the subsequent reasons for refusal as set out in both the report and decision notice remain the council's position on the application and from review, it is not considered that the information and case presented as part of this appeal (including any new and additional supporting information) changes this position in any way." A letter was also sent by Lochwinnoch councillors Andy Doig, Chris Gilmour, Gillian Graham and Emma Rodden to the Scottish Government last week, setting out their opposition to the appeal. It said: "The site under consideration is green belt and development of a filling station, with associated amenities, would increase traffic on a part of the A737 whose infrastructure is sub-standard. This would undermine steps towards a just transition. "In terms of local living, the nearby village of Lochwinnoch is a conservation village with a thriving independent retail sector that lends itself to local living. "Local people can already access a range of local services and do not need corporate branded outlets that sell ultra-processed food. "To allow a filling station and associated amenities at this site would militate against the core principle of rebalanced development. "Contrary to what the applicants say there are other petrol outlets between Johnstone and Beith and with over 60 objectors to the application there is no local demand." A reporter has been appointed to determine the appeal and the planning and environmental appeals division has confirmed a target date of August 28.
Business News Wales
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Cambrian Training Celebrates its 30 Years in Business by Becoming a 100% Employee Owned Trust
Faith O'Brien, Managing Director, Cambrian Training Company, with Chris Gilmour, HR Manager Retail, Keypak, Malwina Caetano, Training Co-ordinator, Keypak and members of CTC's Food & Drink Manufacturing team. Cambrian Training Company (CTC) is one of the leading work-based learning apprenticeship providers in Wales. It was established in Welshpool, Powys, in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mid Wales Tourism to deliver vocational skills that supported the development of the region's tourism sector. Seven years later in 2002, a management buy-out saw the organisation become an independent company, led by an experienced team committed to maintaining its base in Mid Wales while expanding geographically. Today, it is the largest provider of hospitality and food & drink manufacturing apprenticeships in Wales and provides apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors pan Wales. It's headquartered in Welshpool and has five offices covering North, Mid and South Wales. 'CTC's workforce is very much the heart of our business and the reason for its success', says Arwyn Watkins OBE, Executive Oversight Advisor, CTC Group. 'As the company celebrates 30 years in business, the company's previous shareholders thought it was the right time for CTC to become a 100% employee ownership trust; allowing all of its staff to have a personal stake in the next successful chapter of the company's business.' CTC's strapline is 'Engage, Inspire, Succeed'. Its mission is to engage learners including young people and employers in quality training apprenticeship programmes to inspire them to achieve in their careers and life goals and for businesses to succeed and create high quality sustainable employment. In the last 30 years Cambrian Training Company has delivered more than 20,000 apprenticeship programmes across Wales in more than 4,500 businesses. 'At Cambrian Training Company, we believe in leading by example,' says Faith O'Brien, Managing Director. 'We don't just advocate for apprenticeships; we actively engage. Our commitment is demonstrated through our own staff participating within the sectors we deliver and through apprenticeship programmes, ensuring we stay connected to the learning journey we promote. 'We've supported our own staff to take up work-based learning apprenticeships. I've completed four apprenticeships; three of our four Directors are ex-apprentices and over 60% of our workforce are current or past apprentices.' Apprenticeships are transformative in achieving personal and professional aspirations. They help build a highly-skilled and productive workforce to support the growth and success of Wales' economy. CTC strongly believes apprenticeships should be open to all. The company has apprentices from the age of 16 who've just left school all the way up to apprentices aged over 50. CTC has also championed the Supported Shared Apprenticeships programme designed to support Welsh people with special and additional learning needs to enter the workforce. 'We recently celebrated a number of remarkable businesses, training officers and apprentices in our CTC Awards,' says Faith. 'These awards highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations who have excelled in our apprenticeship programmes across Wales.' There were two winners in particular that highlight the value of following the apprenticeship route for both learners, employers and the Welsh economy. Cameron Long was named Foundation Apprentice of the Year. Cameron is autistic neuro diverse and has difficulty with his hearing and his mobility. He recently completed his Commercial Cleaning & Support Services Level 2 apprenticeship on Cambrian Training's Supported Shared Apprenticeship programme and as a result has secured a part-time job with Elite Clothing Solutions. Kepak received the Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships award, that was selected on the basis of a company's apprenticeship programme's impact on the local community, their innovation and leadership and sustainability and legacy. The family-owned, globally operating meat producer is the largest meat processing facility in Wales, employing over 850 staff and playing a critical role in UK food supply chains. It offers apprenticeship qualifications from Level 2 through to Level 5 in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills, Food Manufacturing and Management. Since the introduction of the apprenticeship programme with Cambrian Training, Kepak has reported a 15% reduction in staff turnover and improved staff engagement across the business. Apprenticeships are helping to close vital skills gaps, build future managers, and reduce recruitment costs by developing talent from within. The business contributes over £200 million annually to the local economy and supports job security in Merthyr Tydfil and strengthens the future of one of Wales' most important food sector employers. 'CTC's business philosophy is Dream it. Learn it. Live it. As a 100% employee owned trust, CTC looks forward to training and supporting the next generation of apprentices in Wales to achieve their career dreams.'
Glasgow Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Renfrewshire Council carries out 'extensive tree works'
A red weather warning saw strong winds cause severe disruption in the area towards the end of January, with clearance and survey works ultimately required in all cemeteries. Elected members welcomed the progress made by council workers as they applauded the 'hard work' that has been done by the team. A paper, which was considered at Wednesday's infrastructure, land and environment, shed light on the range of jobs that have been undertaken. READ MORE: Listed building in Paisley to be transformed into apartments The update said: 'Over the past few months, there has been extensive tree works across the cemetery estate following Storm Eowyn, this included the removal of fallen trees and debris and then re-surveying all trees within the cemetery grounds. 'Following the storm clearance, a programme of proactive works was created to target trees identified as requiring specialist arborist attention. 'To date, the service has completed clearance works in all cemeteries in Renfrewshire, fully surveyed trees in the estate and has completed preventative works in Arkleston, Hawkhead, and Kilbarchan cemeteries. 'The service anticipates full completion of tree works in cemeteries by June 2025.' Reflecting on the report, Councillor Chris Gilmour, Labour group environment spokesperson and representative for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, said: 'I just want to acknowledge the hard work done by the cemetery team and look forward to seeing further improvements going forward. READ MORE: Plans submitted to turn shop into hot food takeaway in Paisley 'I think sometimes it's easy to criticise but if we look a bit deeper we see how much hard work is actually going on within that environment.' Councillor Andy Steel, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, added: 'I also echo Councillor Gilmour's point on the work being done on the cemeteries, sensitive and difficult work, and I'm really pleased to see it moving forward.' Meanwhile, Councillor John McNaughtan, an SNP representative for Paisley East and Central, took the opportunity to highlight recent upgrades to Hawkhead Cemetery, which have included roads and drainage improvements. He added: 'There's been significant investment over recent years by this administration, still more to be done, but I very much welcome the improvement.'
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire Council carries out 'extensive tree works' across cemeteries after Storm Eowyn
Weather event saw strong winds cause severe disruption in January, with clearance and survey works required in cemeteries. Renfrewshire Council has carried out "extensive tree works" across its cemetery estate in the local authority following the impact of Storm Eowyn. A red weather warning saw strong winds cause severe disruption in the area towards the end of January, with clearance and survey works ultimately required in all cemeteries. Elected members welcomed the progress made by council workers as they applauded the "hard work" that has been done by the team. A paper, which was considered at Wednesday's infrastructure, land and environment, shed light on the range of jobs that have been undertaken. The update said: "Over the past few months there has been extensive tree works across the cemetery estate following Storm Eowyn, this included the removal of fallen trees and debris and then re-surveying all trees within the cemetery grounds. "Following the storm clearance, a programme of proactive works was created to target trees identified as requiring specialist arborist attention. "To date, the service has completed clearance works in all cemeteries in Renfrewshire, fully surveyed trees in the estate and has completed preventative works in Arkleston, Hawkhead, and Kilbarchan cemeteries. "The service anticipates full completion of tree works in cemeteries by June 2025." Reflecting on the report, Councillor Chris Gilmour, Labour group environment spokesperson and representative for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, said: "I just want to acknowledge the hard work done by the cemetery team and look forward to seeing further improvements going forward. "I think sometimes it's easy to criticise but if we look a bit deeper we see how much hard work is actually going on within that environment." Councillor Andy Steel, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, added: "I also echo Councillor Gilmour's point on the work being done on the cemeteries, sensitive and difficult work, and I'm really pleased to see it moving forward." Meanwhile, Councillor John McNaughtan, an SNP representative for Paisley East and Central, took the opportunity to highlight recent upgrades to Hawkhead Cemetery, which have included roads and drainage improvements. He added: "There's been significant investment over recent years by this administration, still more to be done, but I very much welcome the improvement."
