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Glasgow Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
'Neo-Nazis' disrupt West Dunbartonshire Council meeting
During the meeting, a motion was presented to elected members by councillor Jim Bollan urging them to condemn the "racist" banners, flyers and posters that had been displayed at the Clydebank Bandstand recently by Patriotic Alliance. Similar banners were also attached to railings in front of the council chambers in Dumbarton on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 18. The organisation has been described as a far-right, fascist, neo-Nazi and white nationalist hate group, and have recently used the bandstand at the Clydebank Shopping Centre to demonstrate their views to the public. Councillor Bollan's motion had asked the council to authorise council officials to remove any such items attached to the council-owned bandstand in Clydebank Shopping Centre, that do not have prior written consent from West Dunbartonshire Council as soon as practical. But as councillor Bollan tried to speak, he was interrupted by chanting from the public gallery from at least three or four protesters who kept repeating 'Scotland is for Scots'. They were asked to sit down and be quiet by Provost Karen Murray Conaghan, who also told them to stop filming and taking pictures of the meeting and if they couldn't they would be told to leave. Provost Murray Conaghan said: 'Excuse me, can I ask you to be quiet in the public gallery. It is a meeting in public, not a meeting for you to contribute to. 'You sit there and be quiet during the meeting or I will ask you to leave. If you can't be quiet, you will have to leave and take your hand off the barrier.' The provost was then made aware that filming was taking place. READ MORE: Council urged to remove 'far-right racist' banners from Clydebank landmark READ MORE: Frankie Boyle backs major demonstration in Glasgow this weekend Councillor Murray Conaghan continued: 'There is no filming permitted. If you continue to film, you will be asked to leave now. Please put your phone away.' Councillor Bollan was able to continue speaking on his motion. He said: 'The overt racist posters being displayed by Patriotic Alternative in Clydebank could be a precursor to the racist violent behaviour we are seeing in Ireland at the moment where non-whites are having their homes fire bombed because of the colour of their skin. 'Groups like Patriotic Alternative are cheerleaders for Reform, which is a racist party and use the fact that the two larger political parties are not delivering for the policies needed by our working-class communities. 'That void is being used by extremists to blame refugees and asylum seekers as a divide and conquer tactic, commonly used by racists. By supporting this motion, West Dunbartonshire Council will be sending a clear message that we are anti racist and inclusive of all races. 'Before I came into this meeting, I noticed some of the banners which are outside which are overtly racist. It is unacceptable in West Dunbartonshire.' As councillors started to discuss the motion, the meeting was interrupted again as protesters continued to cause disruption and were asked to leave as a result. Provost Murray Conaghan told the public gallery: 'If you can't put your phone down and stop filming, I will ask you to leave the gallery. 'The recording is available at home so you can listen to it there. You need to put your phone away. We will pause until we restore a bit of public order in the public gallery – sorry members.' The group was escorted out by security and the meeting resumed.
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Group of 'neo-Nazis' escorted out from council meeting
During the meeting, a motion was presented to elected members by councillor Jim Bollan urging them to condemn the racist banners, flyers and posters that had been displayed at the Clydebank Bandstand recently by Patriotic Alliance. Similar banners were also attached to railings in front of the council chambers in Dumbarton on Wednesday afternoon. The organisation has been described as a far-right, fascist, neo-Nazi and white nationalist hate group, and have recently used the bandstand at the Clydebank Shopping Centre to demonstrate their views to the public. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar urged to whip Scottish Labour MPs against welfare cuts Councillor Bollan's motion had asked the council to authorise council officials to remove any such items attached to the Council-owned Bandstand in Clydebank Shopping Centre, that do not have prior written consent from West Dunbartonshire Council as soon as practical. But as councillor Bollan tried to speak, he was interrupted by chanting from the public gallery from at least three or four protesters who kept repeating 'Scotland is for Scots'. They were asked to sit down and be quiet by Provost Karen Murray Conaghan , who also told them to stop filming and taking pictures of the meeting, and if they couldn't, they would be told to leave. Provost Murray Conaghan said: 'Excuse me, can I ask you to be quiet in the public gallery. It is a meeting in public, not a meeting for you to contribute to. 'You sit there and be quiet during the meeting or I will ask you to leave. If you can't be quiet you will have to leave and take your hand off the barrier.' The provost was then made aware that filming was taking place. (Image: Newsquest) Councillor Murray Conaghan continued: 'There is no filming permitted. If you continue to film you will be asked to leave now. Please put your phone away.' Councillor Bollan was able to continue speaking on his motion. He said: 'The overt racist posters being displayed by Patriotic Alternative in Clydebank could be a precursor to the racist violent behaviour we are seeing in Ireland at the moment where non-whites are having their homes fire bombed because of the colour of their skin. 'Groups like Patriotic Alternative are cheerleaders for Reform which is a racist party and use the fact that the two larger political parties are not delivering for the policies needed by our working class communities. 'That void is being used by extremists to blame refugees and asylum seekers as a divide and conquer tactic, commonly used by racists. By supporting this motion West Dunbartonshire Council will be sending a clear message that we are anti racist and inclusive of all races. 'Before I came into this meeting I noticed some of the banners which are outside which are overtly racist. It is unacceptable in West Dunbartonshire.' As councillors started to discuss the motion, the meeting was interrupted again as protesters continued to cause disruption and were asked to leave as a result. Provost Murray Conaghan told the public gallery: 'If you can't put your phone down and stop filming I will ask you to leave the gallery. 'The recording is available at home so you can listen to it there. You need to put your phone away. We will pause until we restore a bit of public order in the public gallery – sorry members.' The group was escorted out by security and the meeting resumed.
STV News
2 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Group of 'neo-Nazis' escorted from council meeting
A group of 'neo-Nazis' had to be escorted from West Dunbartonshire Council's HQ after disrupting their last full council meeting ahead of the summer recess. During the meeting, councillor Jim Bollan presented a motion to elected members urging them to condemn the racist banners, flyers, and posters that the Patriotic Alliance had recently displayed at the Clydebank Bandstand. Similar banners were also attached to railings in front of the council chambers in Dumbarton on Wednesday. The organisation has been described as a far-right, fascist, neo-Nazi and white nationalist hate group, and have recently used the bandstand at the Clydebank Shopping Centre to demonstrate their views to the public. Councillor Bollan's motion had asked the council to authorise council officials to remove any such items attached to the Council-owned Bandstand in Clydebank Shopping Centre that do not have prior written consent from West Dunbartonshire Council as soon as practical. But as councillor Bollan tried to speak, he was interrupted by chanting from the public gallery from at least three or four protesters who kept repeating 'Scotland is for Scots'. They were asked to sit down and be quiet by Provost Karen Murray Conaghan, who also told them to stop filming and taking pictures of the meeting, and if they couldn't, they would be told to leave. Provost Murray Conaghan said: 'Excuse me, can I ask you to be quiet in the public gallery. It is a meeting in public not a meeting for you to contribute to. 'You sit there and be quiet during the meeting or I will ask you to leave. If you can't be quiet you will have to leave and take your hand off the barrier.' The provost was then made aware that filming was taking place. Councillor Murray Conaghan continued: 'There is no filming permitted. If you continue to film you will be asked to leave now. Please put your phone away.' Councillor Bollan was able to continue speaking on his motion. He said: 'The overt racist posters being displayed by Patriotic Alternative in Clydebank could be a precursor to the racist, violent behaviour we are seeing in Ireland at the moment, where non-whites are having their homes fire bombed because of the colour of their skin. 'Groups like Patriotic Alternative are cheerleaders for Reform, which is a racist party, and use the fact that the two larger political parties are not delivering for the policies needed by our working-class communities. 'That void is being used by extremists to blame refugees and asylum seekers as a divide and conquer tactic, commonly used by racists. By supporting this motion West Dunbartonshire Council will be sending a clear message that we are anti racist and inclusive of all races. 'Before I came into this meeting, I noticed some of the banners outside, which are overtly racist. It is unacceptable in West Dunbartonshire.' As councillors started to discuss the motion, the meeting was interrupted again as protesters continued to cause disruption and were asked to leave as a result. Provost Murray Conaghan told the public gallery: 'If you can't put your phone down and stop filming, I will ask you to leave the gallery. 'The recording is available at home, so you can listen to it there. You need to put your phone away. We will pause until we restore a bit of public order in the public gallery – sorry, members.' The group was escorted out by security, and the meeting resumed. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
West Dunbartonshire's early learning progress revealed
A recent report to West Dunbartonshire Council's Educational Services Committee has shown an 18 per cent increase in literacy and a 10 per cent rise in numeracy since December. Councillor Clare Steel, convener of educational services, said: "It is very encouraging to see the increase in the number of children meeting the benchmark in both literacy and numeracy. "This increase is due to the commitment the staff have to the children they look after. "I want to thank our dedicated staff at all our centres who are determined to deliver exciting and engaging learning to our youngest residents." Read more: Victim support organisation grateful for new wave of Dunbartonshire volunteers The report highlights that those not yet meeting the benchmarks are expected to do so by the time they enter primary one. Attendance is also being monitored closely, with the average rate across council-run settings at 86.9 per cent. In addition, 138 pre-school children will defer starting primary one this year, a 64 per cent increase compared to 2021/22. Councillor John Millar, vice convener of educational services, said: "I am delighted to see this progress and also that children are on track to meet the level by the end of primary one. "It is also reassuring to know that while we have seen the highest number of deferrals in five years, our centres have the capacity to accommodate every child whose family want their child to remain in early education for another year." Read more: New heating controls installed in multi-storey council blocks The report also highlighted continued support for staff development in the sector. Twenty-five modern apprentices are currently supported in early learning roles within council centres. Seventeen have achieved a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 3 and secured employment, while five more are working toward the qualification. Since 2022, the council has also supported 23 career changers into early learning, with 18 completing their qualifications and five still in training.
Daily Record
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Lidl confirms opening date for new Alexandria store - and customers can get freebies
Lidl has confirmed its new store in Alexandria will open on Thursday June 5 and shoppers can get their hands on some freebies over the opening weekend Lidl has announced that its new store in Alexandria will open its doors this week. The budget supermarket chain is inviting locals to join them for the store's 'grand opening' weekend. Throughout the opening weekend, Lidl shoppers will be offered complimentary food tasting and some special prizes via Lidl Plus. The new store in Mitchell Way opens its doors for the first time on Thursday, June 5. The store will be open between 8am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 8am until 8pm on Sundays. The store spans 1,251-square metres and includes Lidl's popular in-store bakery, iconic Middle of Lidl, and customer facilities - including toilets with baby-changing stations. Outside, there will be plenty of parking for bicycles and cars, including electric vehicle chargers. The multi-million pound investment is also set to boost the local economy by creating around 40 new jobs, with the retailer saying that staff receive one of the highest rates of pay in the sector. Ross Jackson, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, expressed his enthusiasm about the supermarket's new outlet in Alexandria, saying: "We're thrilled to be joining the community in Alexandria and are excited to welcome the first shoppers through our doors. "For three decades we've been creating Lidl fans across Scotland and are excited to now bring our second store to West Dunbartonshire so even more households can enjoy our much-loved products. "Thank you to everyone who has played a part in helping to make this store a reality. It's always an exciting moment when we're finally able to see our plans come to life and make a difference to local communities." In preparation for the grand opening of its latest store, Lidl is inviting Primary schools in the vicinity to partake in the Lidl Foodies Programme. This complimentary programme, backed by a £500,000 investment from the retailer, provides teachers with resources to inspire children throughout the nation to develop a passion for healthy eating. Back in April, shoppers got their hopes up when it was revealed that the store was to finally open on May 15. However, Lidl later clarified that this date had been provided in error and customers would have to wait a bit longer as the official opening had "yet to be finalised". Work on the construction of the new store got underway last June. The long-awaited new store is key to plans aimed at breathing new life into the heart of the Vale - replacing the eyesore Mitchell Way. The supermarket giant had been targeting a move to the Vale for almost a decade, with proposals taking a major step forward in November 2022 as it applied for planning permission. Plans were approved by West Dunbartonshire Council in June of 2023. Demolishing Mitchell Way and the new Lidl store are key components of £12million plans to transform the Vale. However, the move has faced criticism with the new store built at the back of Mitchell Way, on Bank Street - leading to fears it will divert more people away from the already struggling Main Street. In November 2022 Janice Ross of the Vale of Leven Trust said: 'We're not saying no to Lidl, that's fine. 'The issue is where it is. All they are doing is continuing to extend the town centre - to the detriment of the other traders. 'It feels like that approach of doing something rather than nothing. 'But no thought has been given to if this something is what the Vale needs.' After being approved last year, the SNP's Ian Dickson said it would 'be remembered as the day Labour signed the death warrant' for the town – after councillors agreed to slash the car park's time limit to just 90 minutes.
