News items from the archives of the Reformer

Nov 12 2008 by Jonathan Geddes, Rutherglen Reformer

10 YEARS AGO

IT was announced that parking charges would be considered for Rutherglen and Cambuslang in the near future.

It was revealed that the statue of Dr Gorman would have to remain dirty in the future, as it could no longer be washed as it was now considered a historical building and could not be touched.

Furious fairground workers fighting plans for a waste transfer station on their doorstep accused South Lanarkshire Council of ignoring their health fears.

The second phase of a re-generation programme for Farme Cross was launched, which was set to see improvements to street lighting, roads and pavements.

Council chiefs announced they’d be putting the brakes on Spittal speedsters by introducing a 20mph speed limit in the area for an 18-month period.

20 YEARS AGO

Bogus workmen cruelly conned three Cambuslang pensioners out of several thousand pounds in what police declared to be one of the “worst crimes” going.

Two vital housing projects in Cathkin and Fernhill were left facing year-long delays after city councillors ordered a freeze on tenders.

Rebel nurses at Rutherglen Maternity were set to lodge a mass appeal against controversial health board re-gradings, with some of them threatening to quit or seek jobs with another health authority.

Mystery surrounded the fate of a new £500,000 indoor sports centre which had been planned for Rutherglen as the businessman behind the venture had apparently gone to ground, with rumours circulating that he’d fled abroad.

Despite sports facilities in Rutherglen being given a £250,000 upgrade, staff were disappointed to report that the public had failed to respond and were not using the complex as much as had been hoped.

30 YEARS AGO

IT was claimed that truancy in the local area was a growing concern, with the local children’s panel apparently taking too long to deal with some of the cases.

The row over Whitlawburn’s leaking windows was taken a stage further when local residents raised a petition to send to the district council.

Locals called for Castlemilk to have more amenities, pointing out that there were no cafes or sports centres in the area and that there were only two clubs.

Rutherglen Rep gave a performance of the thriller “Something To Hide” to much acclaim.

Cambuslang Rangers edged past Shotts Bon Accord 2-1, winning their first away game of the seasson.