Ian McAlpine, the Director of Govan Community Organisations Council reported that, "On Wednesday 10^th of December the C.O.C. launched its new 1998 Greater Govan Community Directory." It contains over 320 voluntary and community organisations and has been completely updated since 1994 when the last one was published.

Due to tremendous support from local business and charities it is completely Free of charge for all organisations in the G51 area. So if you haven't got your copy yet call into the C.O.C. offices at unit 31, Six Harmony Row, to get your own free copy.

Last month saw Mr Sarwar MP attend court in private facing charges of fraud, perverting the course of justice, and two charges of Representation of the People act in connection with election expenses. After leaving the court, Mr Sarwar addressed the Media, stating, "I am naturally disappointed that charges have been brought against me. However, I am also to some extent relieved because, after police enquiries lasting more than seven months, the intense speculation engendered by those enquiries, much of it ill-informed, should now be over. I reaffirm that I have done nothing wrong and I maintain that I am innocent of all charges."

The affair has led to certain camps, including Ian Davidson MP and SNP candidate Nicola Sturgeon, calling for Mr Sarwar's resignation. It is also believed that the SNP are running a petition calling for the MP to resign due to the recent allegations against him thus forcing a by-election in Govan.

The Greater Govan News decided to go out on the streets and ask the people of Greater Govan what their views were on the subject. The feelings were mixed but the general overall feeling was that he should resign now. One man said, "I think he should resign in the light of allegations towards him. It is unfair to the people of Govan surely he can't represent us properly if he's spending time defending himself in court."

Another person, who said they voted for him in the election said, "I wouldn't vote for him again if there was another election here. The Labour party seem to be dragging their heels over this and should be seen to be doing more." One man commented, "I think this represents Labour as a whole. Just look at the recent events in Paisley and the strife within the District Council and we see that the problem is just not in Govan but possibly Britain as a whole." On the other hand, one woman said' "it could be a set up. I don't think he has done anything wrong and it's up to the Labour party to sort it out." Mr Sarwar commented that, "Politically, I note that there have been calls in some quarters for my resignation. However since I have done nothing wrong, it would be entirely inappropriate for me to resign and I have no intention of doing so. Finally, as the Crown Office advised in its statement yesterday(16 December), court proceedings are now live, so no further statement can be or will be made."

Like Mr Sarwar, the people of Greater Govan and the rest of the country will have to wait and see the outcome of the trial and the verdict of the courts over the matter. In Greater Govan the people feel mis-represented and most want something done. Mr Sarwar states he is innocent and if he was to resign surely this would not look good for him. It's up to Mr Sarwar what he should do and whatever he decides to do he should do so with the interests of all his constituents.