Key council position for John
Published 24 May 2012 09:30
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A JOHNSTONE councillor will sit at the heart of the newly-elected Renfrewshire local authority administration.
Councillor John Caldwell has been made Deputy Provost of the new Labour authority and is also expected to take on a key role on the area's licensing board when it meets again next month.
He joins Councillor Anne Hall, who was thrilled to don her gold chains of office and take on the role of Provost.
Their new positions were confirmed last week alongside the widely-trailed appointment of new leader Mark MacMillan.
Councillor Chris Gilmour, meanwhile, has taken key roles in the Environment and Infrastructure Board and the Johnstone and Villages Local Area Committee.
The new appointments suggest Mr MacMillan's promise not to forget smaller towns and villages of Renfrewshire in last week's Gazette do carry some weight.
Cllr Caldwell, 62, who represents Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood works at Bridge of Weir Tannery where he transforms raw hides into finished leather products for the motor industry.
The dad-of-three has strong connections with the area and his family previously lived in the nearby village of Kilbarchan before he moved to Elderslie.
He told the Gazette: "My role will cover the whole council and I'm looking forward to fulfilling that. I've already been to Lochwinnoch rowing regatta and was asked to give out some medals, so I'm enjoying that ceremonial aspect of it.
"I may be quite busy, but I'm really there to deputise for the Provost and I hope to do that to the best of my abilities."
Council chiefs, meanwhile, have created a new post of 'jobs tsar' to tackle youth unemployment and develop Renfrewshire's economy.
Councillor Roy Glen has been made convener of the Employment and Economic Development Task Force.
Mr MacMillan said: "It's highly significant that the first act of the new Renfrewshire Council is to recognise and address the challenge of tackling unemployment and growing the local economy.
"We are sending out a message that one of this council's top priorities will be to support individuals, businesses, and organisations in any way we can to create employment - particularly for 18 to 24 year olds who are facing particular difficulties in getting into and sustaining employment.
"Our approach will be developed further over the coming months."
Councillor Glen said: "Young people in Renfrewshire have a lot of talent and potential.
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