BUSINESSES are being warned not to try to save money by skipping vital gas maintenance checks.

North Lanarkshire Council's Business Regulation team say maintaining gas and electrical appliances properly can save lives.

Officers averted a potential disaster recently in a takeaway shop by serving a Prohibition Order on a boiler that was leaking gas and carbon monoxide.

Councillor Helen McKenna, convener of the environmental services committee, said: "If anyone thinks not maintaining gas appliances can save them money, they should think again."

MICHAEL McCann MP is urging aspiring rock musicians in his East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow constituency to take part in 'Rock The House' a nationwide competition promoted by MPs.

The winners will strut their stuff at a unique venue in front of legendary guests.

Mr McCann said: "Any British musician or group can enter – contact rockthehouse@luther.co.uk for more information. The winners will play a concert on the House of Commons Terrace. Among this year's patrons are Alice Cooper, Brian May and Ian Gillan."

YOUNGSTERS at a North Lanarkshire school have made celebrating Lanarkshire a fine art.

Chapelhall Primary pupils, in Airdrie, have been learning about the history and people of their area.

As part of the Celebrating Lanarkshire 2013 programme, pupils delivered an art show featuring their themed studies.

Their work included portraits of David Livingstone and pict-ures of Cumbernauld's Arria sculpture.

Head teacher Suzanne Brown said: "The pupils have all enjoyed finding out about Lanarkshire."

SCOTTISH Labour's Kevin Docherty has been elected as one of the three members for Ward 9 (Coatbridge West) of North Lanarkshire Council.

The number of votes polled at the by-election was 2748, giving a percentage poll of 24.11%.

The figure for first preference votes was: Ashley Baird, Scottish Conservative and Unionist – 71; Kevin Docherty, Labour – 2145; John Love, Scottish Liberal Democrats – 19; Billy Mitchell, UK Independence Party – 34; Patrick Rolink, Scottish National Party – 452; 27 ballot papers were rejected.

THREE of South Lanarkshire's young netballers and two of their coaches are heading to Malta this month for the U17 European Netball Championships.

Katie Gallagher and Jacqueline Murphy, of Duncanrig Secondary and East Kilbride Net-ball Club, and Sophie Rooney of Holy Cross High and Cadzow Netball Club are all 16.