FROM THE ARCHIVES

1996

THINK again - that was the uncompromising message that anti-motorway extension campaigners had for Scots secretary Michael Forsyth. Mr Forsyth was set to decide whether the motorway should be routed through the Kelvin Valley or extended along the route of the A80 along Cumbernauld. It transpired that no fewer than 11 environmental groups had written to him saying that neither option was acceptable. They proposed instead that minor improvements should be carried out to the existing route and that more investment should be made in public transport to keep cars off the road. Nigel Doar of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “This would be an act of gross environmental destruction.’’

1986

a HUMBLE tin of beans provided an Abronhill family with the trip of a lifetime. Craig White (12) plus mum Mary, dad Andrew and brother Andrew (16) would jet out to Florida’s Disney World after winning a Heinz competition. Yet the occasion would be doubly special for the Pine Close family as it would pave the way for a family reunion. Mary had not seen her brother John for 25 years as he had emigrated to San Francisco – but they would finally meet again when the Whites hit American soil.

1976

PLANS to create a hostel for young offenders in Abronhill did not meet with widespread approval. The Strathclyde Association wanted to rent two neighbouring houses where six to ten youths aged 16 to 21 would stay with ‘house parents’ or wardens. No particular street had been identified for the project but this seemed to heighten fears from locals. However the association’s committee member Sheriff Alastair Stewart said: “We are trying to work closely with local residents. A similar plan in North Lanarkshire failed because people imagined they’d have murders and rapists living next door to them.’’

1971

DAME Jean Roberts who retired as chairwoman of Cumbernauld Development Corporation was the toast of the New Town at a special dinner held in The Golden Eagle Hotel. The popular venue was crammed with CDC and district council staff who wanted to pay their respects with a slap up meal and presentation – which included a selection of records for music-loving Dame Jean. She quoted Lord Byron in saying to guests: “Please do not judge me by my failings but my achievements.’’The evening was also a means of welcoming her successor, Sir Donald Liddle.

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