Last week I met with the new owners of the derelict site at Wallneuk on Renfrew Road to hear of their plans for the site of the former GX Superbowl complex and Esso petrol station.

As residents will know the land has been empty for a number of years since Tesco ditched plans for a store on the site and has now become an eyesore for people coming in and out of Renfrew and Paisley.

Last year Tesco sold the land to London & Scottish Investment who are now proposing a mixed use development with a retail part at the front and residential properties at the rear.

A local consultation is now under way before a planning application is submitted in the spring.

Renfrew High School

I have been contacted by worried parents of pupils at Renfrew High School regarding issues with the School’s heating system.

My colleague Cllr Bill Perrie has been in contact with Renfrewshire Council to ascertain what the issue is and when it is likely to be resolved.

I hope this can be rectified immediately.

World Cancer Day

On Thursday I marked World Cancer Day 2016, a day in which the world came together in the fight against the disease.

Currently 8.2 million people around the world die from cancer, of which almost half die prematurely (aged between 30 and 69 years).

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and the impact it can have on people’s lives and their families.

The day was not only an opportunity to pay tribute to charities, medical staff and researchers who world hard every day to treat and support cancer patients and their families, and find new treatments, but was also a day to promote awareness of the disease.

Early detection can save lives, and many cancers have visible signs such as lumps or rashes.

It is therefore important that everyone takes the time now and then to check themselves over when in the shower or bath.

Parliament to Dissolve

There are now less than 30 working days until the Scottish Parliament dissolves for the election on May 5.

As part of the dissolution process there will be no MSPs until after the election.

Therefore, as I will no longer be an MSP – albeit hopefully only temporarily – I am under Parliamentary rules unable to take on any new constituency casework from that date.

With this in mind I would urge any constituent who has an issue they feel I may be able to help with to contact my office on 0141 885 2076 as soon as possible.

Alternatively, they are welcome to attend any of my surgeries, please call my office for full details of times and locations.

As you will know I will be standing for re-election as constituency MSP in May and will spend the dissolution period speaking to as many voters as humanly possible to ask for their support and trust again.