Barrhead News
CONCERN OVER ‘UNDERHAND CHANGES’ TO DEVELOPMENT PLAN
CONCERNS have been raised that a community has not been consulted over a host of proposed changes to plans for a major new housing development. It is understood that Cruden Homes plans to build homes on land at Kirkton Road in Neilston using existing...
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Council’s ‘disappointing’ increase in compensation
A COUNCILLOR has described the increasing number of compensation claims being made and accepted for pothole damage as “disappointing”. A total of 84 pothole compensation claims were received by East Renfrewshire Council in 2024/25, 13 of which had...
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HUGE SUM OWED TO RESIDENTS IN COUNCIL TAX
EAST Renfrewshire Council has confirmed it is undertaking a review of council tax overpayments after it was revealed that hundreds of thousands of pounds are owed to residents. According to statistics obtained by the Barrhead News through a Freedom of...
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FOOTBALL CLUB ‘MAY HAVE TO FOLD’
“IF something doesn’t change, we might fold,” explains football club founder David McKean. Originally launched in 2015, the grassroots club has faced significant challenges accessing local facilities to train and play matches, effectively becoming...
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ROLLOUT OF NEW CARE CHARGES AGREED
THE rollout of contentious new care charges in East Renfrewshire has been agreed, as the council became one of the first in Scotland to declare a ‘health and social care emergency’. Means-tested £20 per hour fees for non-residential care will now be...
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Man, 21, admits brutal assault in city centre
A BARRHEAD man who carried out an attack in Glasgow city centre has been ordered to do unpaid work in the community as a punishment. Gordon McBride, 21, was one of two thugs who dragged a man to the ground before repeatedly punching him. He was...
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COPS ISSUE WARNING OVER FESTIVE SCAMS
A WARNING has been issued over social media scams, with police telling residents: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
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SAFETY FEARS OVER STRETCH OF ROAD
A COUNCILLOR has echoed residents’ fears that it is “only a matter of time” before there is an accident on a busy stretch of road. Cllr Chris Lunday has raised concerns that vehicles are mounting the pavement on Parkhouse Road to avoid potholes and a...
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VODKA BOTTLE THUG THREATENED TO ‘BURST’ COPS
A MAN who had been boozing for 19 hours has been jailed after making derogatory remarks towards cops.
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FOODBANK NUMBERS REMAIN ‘REALLY HIGH’
THE number of people using East Renfrewshire Foodbank remains high with demand set to rise in the coming months. An increasing number of people are likely to access the service as they feel the pinch particularly during the cold weather and festive...
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GRAN CLIMBS ALL 282 MUNROS
A GRAN who started hiking during lockdown has completed all of Scotland’s 282 Munros. Anne Marie Macleod also celebrated the arrival of her third grandchild.
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CONTROVERSIAL CARE CHARGES DECISION DELAYED
A DECISION on the potential roll-out of controversial new social care charges in East Renfrewshire has been pushed back again. The planned introduction of means-tested £20 per hour fees for non-residential care has sparked opposition from families and...
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‘INHUMANE AND CRUEL PROPOSALS’
A WORRIED mum is pleading with councillors to take a stand against “inhumane and cruel” proposals which “target vulnerable people”. Karen Gilligan is one of four mothers who have signed a letter condemning plans to introduce fees for non-residential...
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‘A COMMUNITY ASSET’: CREDIT UNION BRANCH IS LAUNCHED
THE launch of a new credit union in Barrhead has been welcomed by the leader of East Renfrewshire Council. Councillor Owen O’Donnell also revealed that additional support services will be available at the new Pollok Credit Union (PCU) base in Main...
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Special event explores town’s legal and industrial past
AN immersive experience exploring Paisley’s rich legal and industrial past has been hailed as a success. Just under 30 walkers took part in the inaugural Paisley Legal Walk. The event began at Paisley Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Brian Mohan...
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BARRHEAD SET FOR NEW CREDIT UNION
A NEW credit union is to open its doors in Barrhead next month it has been confirmed. Pollok Credit Union has taken over the old Pioneer Mutual Credit Union building.
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BARRHEAD STREET ‘OVERRUN’ BY RATS
A MUM has revealed her Barrhead street has become ‘overrun’ by rats – with issues for nearly a year.
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ANGER AS AURS ROAD PROJ ECT COSTS CLIMB
A COUNCILLOR has said he shares the community’s frustrations at the management of the delay-hit Aurs Road improvement project.
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FUNDING BOOST FOR BARRHEAD TOWN CENTRE
WORK to improve Barrhead town centre and a project to enhance events space at Rouken Glen Park are among nine schemes set to benefit from Scottish Government funding. East Renfrewshire Council’s cabinet has agreed to share out £385,000 from the...
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FEARS OVER IMPACT OF A CONGESTION CHARGE
A WORRIED councillor is seeking clarity on the impact a congestion charge would have on East Renfrewshire residents. Glasgow City Council Gillian McPherson [email protected] (GCC) is pressing on with plans for a scheme which would see...
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Politician swings by to sing club’s praises
MEMBERS of a golf club that was recently crowned the best in Scotland have been congratulated on their success. Cochrane Castle Golf Club, in Johnstone, won the Best Golf Club title at the Scottish Hospitality Awards 2025, beating rivals from across...
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GREEN LIGHT FOR BUILDER TO CHOP DOWN EXTRA TREES
A HOUSING developer with plans for 39 homes on the edge of Barrhead can cut down extra trees despite efforts to stop the move.
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WORK ON TRACK FOR £18M TRAIN STATION
WORK has officially started on a new multi-million pound train station in Barrhead. The link at Balgray will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow for work, education and leisure, while also improving access to local destinations...
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KIDS HELP POLICE SEIZE DRUG HAUL WORTH £3K
POLICE were on patrol and went to Aurs Crescent on another matter when they were approached by a group of youngers aged 10 to 12. They said cops might want to look in a backpack there. Inside, there were a total of 7,593 etizolam tablets, also known...
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New NHS workshop offers vital support
A NEW wellbeing workshop is offering support to people dealing with the emotional experiences of pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Launched by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), the 90-minute sessions are led by specialist perinatal...
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SUPPORT FLOODS IN AFTER VANDALISM
KIND-HEARTED locals have been stepping up to support those affected by vandalism at a cemetery. Around 40 headstones were damaged and a large crucifix was set on fire during an incident at St Conval’s Cemetery, in Glasgow Road, last month.
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‘IT’S LIKE A WASTELAND’
SEE PAGE 5 RESIDENTS are urging East Renfrewshire Council to clean up its act and do something about the “absolutely shocking” state of Neilston Cemetery.
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MOBILE PHONE USE IN SCHOOLS COULD BE RESTRICTED
MOBILE phone use in East Renfrewshire schools could be restricted, with guidance for pupils and teachers set to be updated following a consultation. Parents, carers and staff have raised concerns about the use of smartphones in schools, which can...
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‘OUTRAGEOUS’ FLAG LETTER IS SLAMMED
POLITICIANS have hit out at a primary school over a letter sent to parents which detailed the ‘upsetting’ use of a ‘union flag’. East Renfrewshire Council has confirmed that the letter, which was sent out by the head teacher of Cross Arthurlie Primary...
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MUM’S BATTLE TO HELP HER ‘TRUE FIGHTER’ Campaign to aid daughter with brain tumour
A BARRHEAD mum is fundraising for her daughter’s care after a devastating brain tumour diagnosis. Katie Staff needs to generate cash for ongoing therapy and equipment for her daughter River Menzies-Staff.
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FURY AFTER KIDS ‘LOCKED OUT’ OF PARK
HOUSING development residents have hit out at kids being “locked out” of their own park and plans to chop 41 trees including a 60ft-plus sycamore.
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COUNCILLOR HAILS PARK UPGRADE U-TURN CALL FOR BATTERY STORAGE SITE
PERMISSION for a controversial plan to store energy in batteries on greenbelt land in Eaglesham could be revoked by East Renfrewshire Council, it has been revealed.
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Pupils brave the cold in Arctic expedition
STUDENTS from a school in Erskine embarked on a life-changing expedition to East Greenland. Nine students from Park Mains High School are said to be the first from the west of Scotland to participate in The Polar Academy’s initiative since its...
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SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT REPORTER REFUSES BATTERY STORAGE APPEAL
THERE are calls for councillors to resign after a Scottish Government reporter rejected an appeal for an initial planning application for a battery energy storage system (BESS) on greenbelt land. The reporter has now concluded that this first...
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Mum raises concerns over safety
A CONCERNED mum has shared her fears for her family after plans to store energy in batteries on greenbelt land across from her home were approved. Morag Hannan, 41, is deeply concerned because when lithium batteries go wrong, they do so “explosively”...
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HOMEOWNER HITS OUT AT COUNCIL OVER ROOF REPAIR
A RESIDENT has been left at his wit’s end due to water ingress at his flat when it rains heavily – a problem which has been going on for 15 years.
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BUS ATTACKS PUT ‘LIVES AT RISK’
A SPATE of dangerous attacks on buses has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and is putting lives at risk, a worried councillor has said. In the past few weeks, five separate incidents have been reported involving missiles being thrown at...
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‘CREDIT UNION IS OUR BEST HOPE’
THE council is in discussions about the return of a credit union to East Renfrewshire as time marches on towards the scheduled closure of a town’s last bank. The Barrhead Main Street branch of Bank of Scotland (BoS) is set to shut on May 21 with its...
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ANGER OVER LATEST AURS ROAD SETBACK
EAST Renfrewshire Council has been blasted for revealing a second huge delay to the Aurs Road project despite providing assurances that everything was on track merely a month before. It has been revealed that the estimated completion date for the...
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THE ULTIMATE SPA DAY FOR TWO
RESIDENTS are up in arms about heavy HGV traffic from a new quarry being routed through their quiet village and past a school campus. Neilston Community Council said the situation has sparked concerns regarding noise pollution, emissions pollution and...
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CAMPAIGNERS KEEP UP PRESSURE IN BID TO SAVE TOWN’S LAST BANK 1,000 leaflets handed out in fight to keep the branch open
CAMPAIGNERS have handed out hundreds of leaflets and met with Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur as they continued their fight to save Barrhead’s last bank. The move follows a protest outside the bank by campaign members earlier this month.
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PLEA FOR ACTION OVER ‘ATROCIOUS’ SPEEDING Bereaved pet owner fears a child could be struck next
A BEREAVED pet owner has called for urgent action to be taken to tackle “atrocious” speeding on village roads amid fears that a child could be hit next. Emma Fulton’s beloved cat Poppy sadly died after being struck by a vehicle last month on the...
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Opening date revealed for new bridge
THE opening date for the new Renfrew bridge has been revealed. It is now proposed that the route will open in late April/early May, but this is subject to change. The project is funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the £1.13 billion...
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Deflation as cycle route plan is axed
DISAPPOINTMENT has been expressed over the cancellation of a proposed active travel route after the investment of £200,000 of public money. The Link aimed to offer a safe and scenic walking, cycling and wheeling route along the old railway line which...
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COUNCIL TAX SET TO RISE BY 8%
COUNCIL tax is expected to rise by eight per cent in East Renfrewshire to help plug a spending gap of just over £7million. East Renfrewshire Council will meet today to agree a budget for 2025/26, with teacher numbers set to be protected and a tax...
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Controversial plans for house rejected
EAST Renfrewshire Council has refused planning permission in principle for controversial proposals to construct a detached house. A decision was made on the application to subdivide the existing site at 31 Holehouse Terrace, in Neilston, into two,...
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Mum hits out at parking on pavements
A FED-UP mum has hit out at inconsiderate drivers who are making people in wheelchairs and those with prams “risk their lives”. Concerns have been raised about parking on pavements around Neilston FC’s Brig O’Lea Stadium on matchdays, particularly on...
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EX-ADDICT ON HOW VITAL SUPPORT CHANGED HER LIFE PLEA TO SAVE BANK
A PETITION has been launched following the news that the last bank branch in Barrhead is to close later this year. It has been revealed the Bank of Scotland (BOS) at 112 Main Street will shut its doors on May 21. East Renfrewshire MP Blair McDougall...
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Councillor ‘extremely disappointed’ with new figures NUMBER OF POTHOLE REPORTS MORE THAN DOUBLES 500££ Beat the January blues with our super competition
A CONCERNED councillor has said he was “extremely disappointed” to learn the number of potholes reported in East Renfrewshire more than doubled during the last financial year. Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests show that 3877...
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Residents react over delay in rolling out new rules COUNCIL SLAMMED OVER LACK OF ACTION ON PAVEMENT PARKING BAN 500££ Beat the January blues with our super competition
A DISABILITY campaigner and a frustrated resident have hit out at the council for still not revealing when they will begin enforcing a ban on pavement parking.
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FRUIT FLY ‘INFESTATION’ AT SCHOOL SPARKS FEARS FROM PARENTS
PARENTS at a top secondary have expressed concern about a fruit fly “infestation” in the school’s toilets and classrooms.
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ACTION DEMANDED OVER SCHOOL STAFF ATTACKS
ACTION is being demanded after incidents of violence towards high school staff in East Renfrewshire spiked. Data obtained from East Renfrewshire Council by Labour MSP Paul O’Kane shows that, between the academic years 2019/20 and 2024/25, there have...
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LIFELINE CHARITY MARKS 15 YEARS Award- winning team have made major difference
A BARRHEAD charity has shared its pride at becoming a lifeline for the community as it celebrates its 15th year and reflects on its success. Include Me 2 Club (IM2C) was formed in August 2009, with its first activity taking place in December that year...
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REVEALED: THE STREETS WITH MOST NOISE COMPLAINTS
HAVE you ever wondered, while listening to to noisy partying or a yappy dog, just how many noise complaints there have been on your road? We have put together the noise complaints which were submitted to East Renfrewshire Council in the 2023 calendar...
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MOVE TO CUT OPENING HOURS OF TICKET OFFICES SLAMMED Councillor hits out at ScotRail decision
A FUMING councillor has hit out at plans to drastically reduce ticket ket office opening hours at a train ain station. ScotRail recently revealed its intention n to cut hours at 54 stations, including Neilston. on.
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MUM SPEAKS OUT OVER REPEATED ‘ASSAULT’ OF YOUNG SON ON TRAIN
A WORRIED mum whose teenage son with autism and ADHD has been repeatedly “assaulted” on board a train is calling on his school to take action to ensure pupils’ safety. Lisa Thomson says the Eastwood High pupil has been attacked several times during...
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INSPIRING ISABELLA DONATES HER LOCKS TO HELP CHILDREN WITH CANCER ‘GUT FEELING’ MAY HAVE SAVED STUDENT’S LIFE 21- year-old Dylan diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after waking up with a ‘massive lump’ on his neck
A STUDENT has told how a “gut feeling” may have saved his life, after waking up with a “massive lump” on his neck.
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Play areas set for upgrades
EAST Renfrewshire play areas are to receive a £350,000 facelift. The money is set to be invested in improvement works, which includes the council’s annual renewal programme, to ensure the parks and play areas remain safe and well-maintained. The...
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UP AFTER-SCHOOL CARE FOR PUPILS WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS HEARTFELT TRIBUTES PAID TO MUCH-LOVED SCHOOL SANTA Gerald helped to bring joy to lives of many
TRIBUTES have been paid to a muchloved Barrhead man who made life magical for thousands of schoolkids by playing Santa. Gerald McGettigan brought festive cheer to pupils at St John’s Primary for many years by donning a big red suit at Christmas...
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FIRMS SIGN PETITION AGAINST BUSINESS DISTRICT LEVY
FIRMS in Barrhead have questioned the “impact” of payments they are being “forced” to pay to support the local business improvement district (BID). A petition against the All About Barrhead BID levy has garnered 52 signatures from the owners of more...
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FURY OVER COUNCIL HOUSING BIDDING SYSTEM
FRUSTRATED residents long-seeking a move to a more suitable council property in East Renfrewshire have hit out at the local authority’s “hellish” housing bidding system. Fiona Paton led a protest outside the council’s Barrhead offices against the...
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Theatre date for ex-Voice contestant
A CLARKSTON singer is set to return to her roots for a homecoming gig at the Eastwood Park Theatre. Nyree Huyser moved to New Zealand 10 years ago, and has appeared in several shows at Eastwood Park before her move. She reached new heights in her...
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Family fun at pumpkin trail
SOME spook-tacular fun is on offer as a Hallowe’en pumpkin trail returns. Paisley’s Pumpkin Halloween Trail will be in the town centre from now until Thursday, October 31. The free trail consists of 12 brick pumpkins placed in the windows of town...
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Police name man killed in crash on M74
TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Linwood man who died in a motorcycle crash. James Martin suffered fatal injuries during the smash on the M74 motorway, near Abington, last month. His black Harley Davidson motorcycle collided with a blue Ford...
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ON THIS DAY
LAST YEAR Two days on from a massive earthquake in Afghanistan, the death toll was nearing 3,000, officials said. BIRTHDAYS Steve Ovett former athlete, 69 David Cameron Former Prime Minister/ leader of the Conservative Party, 58 PJ Harvey rock...
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ON THIS DAY
Simon Gregson, actor, 50 today LAST YEAR Two people and their dog were killed in a rare grizzly bear attack in Canada’s Banff national park. BIRTHDAYS Anna Ford broadcaster, 81 Don McLean folk singer, 79 Sir Trevor Brooking football pundit,...
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