Crime, bin collections and news all on agenda

The latest meeting of Ralston Community Council heard that there were five crimes reported in the area since the last meeting in December.

Police officers attending the gathering at Ralston Community Centre said two of the incidents were house break-ins, one of which had been detected.

There was also a theft from a motor vehicle, a breach of the peace and a fraud by telephone.

Renfrew District Councillor Neill Graham told the meeting a further recycling bin will be introduced to homes next year.

This is intended to separate paper from other products and help reduce costs to Renfrewshire Council.

The new bin will now mean four bins per household –black, brown, blue, and green

The black bin will be emptied every three weeks, the brown bin every two weeks, and the blue and green on alternate fortnights.

Mr Graham told the meeting that bin changes are not open for public consultation.

Community council member Hugh Sherry asked if fines for incorrect bin usage are being considered, and Mr Graham said they are not.

Ralston resident Rod McLelland raised the potential for a community directory featuring events such as clubs that are open to the community.

The community council agreed this was a good idea and that a Facebook page would be the most appropriate location for this information.

The meeting heard that Mr McLelland will gather information from all those who may be interested in supplying their details, such as St Mark’s Church, the community centre, the Scouts and other groups.

Community Council treasurer Alison Scott said its coffers currently held £1,996.53.

Sandra Reynolds, Carolyn Ward and Fergal McCauley all completed nomination forms to join Ralston Community Council.

The meeting was told that Simon Hall is now a member of the community council.