ILE Service Update Report
Renfrewshire Council · 21 January 2026
Back to Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board — 21 January 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC To: Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board On: 21 January 2026 Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Heading: Service Update Report 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an overview of key service activities since the last Policy Board report on 5 November 2025 and an update on the services and key projects delivered during this period. 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board: 2.1 Notes the wide range of activities provided in the service update. 2.2 Approves the updated Assisted Collection Service Policy outlined in Appendix 2.
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PUBLIC 3. Background 3.1 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure provides essential services to every household in Renfrewshire and works in partnership with the local community, other service areas and Community Planning Partners, to deliver key Council priorities and initiatives. A progress update on the main activities delivered by the services in respect of the areas of activity delegated to this Policy Board, is detailed below. Updates for Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board 4. Community Development 4.1 Team Up to Clean Up 4.1.1 The Team Up to Clean Up Winter Warriors campaign continues to compliment the #RenReady programme by providing salt and grit spreaders to community volunteers on their request for kit. Each Winter Warriors kit includes a spreader, snow shovel, waterproof gloves, and two 25kg bags of salt. Kits are delivered directly to volunteers along with a risk assessment to support safe working practices. Spreaders can be replenished using grit from community grit bins located across Renfrewshire, these locations are available to view online. 4.1.2 A joint initiative led in partnership with Community Learning and Development’s Youth Services and Environment, Housing & Infrastructure’s Sustainability Team delivered high- school presentations throughout November and December. These interactive sessions provided pupils with information and practical advice on improving sustainable behaviours around littering, recycling, and wider climate impacts. Feedback from both pupils and schools has been very positive.
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PUBLIC 5. Fleet, Roads, and Transportation Fleet Services 5.1 Fleet Investment 5.1.1 Fleet Services has recently introduced seven new vehicles as part of the Vehicle Replacement Programme, supporting fleet modernisation and Renfrewshire Council’s Net Zero ambitions. The new additions include an 18-tonne Narrow Track Refuse Collection Vehicle for Waste Services to improve access on restricted routes, three 26-tonne Refuse Collection Vehicles replacing older and hired vehicles, a 16-tonne truck-mounted road sweeper for Neighbourhood Services to maintain road cleanliness, and two Renault van- mounted access platforms for Street Lighting. All vehicles are equipped with the latest Euro 6 emission engines, contributing to lower emissions and aligning with Renfrewshire Council’s sustainability and Net Zero objectives. 5.2 Fleet Safety Initiatives 5.2.1 A programme of health and safety initiatives has been delivered, with a focus on driver safety and fatigue management. Key initiatives include the installation of digital tachographs downloaders across all 70 HGVs to monitor compliance, introduction of a fatigue-awareness toolbox talk and online learning module, and continued Driver CPC training covering critical topics such as First Aid and Fire Safety. Additional measures include new tachograph and load security training, enhanced daily vehicle check procedures. Additionally, an external audit of vehicle maintenance records confirmed high compliance and provided positive feedback. Roads & Transportation 5.3 Roads Capital Investment Programme 5.3.1 As part of the Roads Capital investment programme, in 2025/2026 we have so far resurfaced 47 carriageways, 12 footways and surface treated 38 carriageways. 5.3.2 The Roads Capital team are compiling the resurfacing programme for 2026/2027 with major resurfacing schemes at Hillington Road (Burger King Roundabout to M8 West Bound on Slip both sides), the junctions at George Street, Canal Street, Maxwellton Street and Lounsdale Road Paisley, and High Street Paisley scheduled for March, April and May 2026 respectively. 5.3.3 Roundabout improvements as part of the Roads Capital programme for 2025/26 has continued to upgrade Hurlet Road at Grahamston Road, Barrhead Road at Hawkhead Road, Beith Road at Cochranemill Road, Newshot Drive at Parkway, Greenock Road at India Tyres, Ferry Road Bishopton and Inchinnan Road at Sanderling Road Glasgow Airport. The roundabout upgrade programme, which looks to transform, tired, overgrown roundabouts, into tidy, easily maintained assets, that will enhance the road network, rather than detracting from the road network.
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PUBLIC 5.4 Ready for Winter 5.4.1 The service commenced winter resilience arrangements on the 1 October 2025, and this will run through until May 2026. To the 12th of January 2026, the Winter Maintenance programme has used a cumulative total of over 1,400 tonnes of salt gritting Renfrewshire roads. The service has gritted primary network routes 68 times and our secondary network on 9 occasions with gritting teams working around the clock to keep Renfrewshire moving throughout this recent winter period. The start of 2026 provided a period of particularly challenging weather, the service has additionally carried out gritting of side streets to assist communities during this time. 5.4.2 In addition, the Road Operations team are principally responsible for the maintenance of over 32,000 road gullies and ensure that the requirements of the Renfrewshire Council Winter Maintenance and Severe Weather Plan are met. This includes the maintenance of our flood prevention schemes and pumping stations, clearing priority grids, and monitoring river levels. Road Operations take the lead role in our proactive and reactive maintenance approach to dealing with drainage issues, flooding incidents and pothole repairs. 5.4.3 When a flood alert is received of a severe rainfall event, the Road Operations team implement the flooding operational plan and have defined duties that are carried out within the limited time afforded by the weather alert. The principal duties are: • Inspection and clearance (where appropriate) of flood prevention schemes and pumping stations, • Grids at the priority culverts are cleared, • Gully hot spot locations are attended, • Priority sweeping routes, particularly those in high leaf fall areas are swept, • In severe weather episodes e.g. amber or red alerts communications are issued to elected members and the public, and • River levels monitored where appropriate. 5.5 Street Lighting Capital Investment Programme 5.5.1 New street lighting installation on Main Street Lochwinnoch commenced on site in January 2026, after the festive lights were removed. 5.5.2 New lighting installation at Cullen Erskine is scheduled to complete during January 2026. 5.6 Festive Lighting 5.6.1 The lighting team have supported the Renfrewshire Christmas lights switch-on events for 2025. They are responsible for the safe installation, ongoing maintenance, and removal, while ensuring compliance with all safety regulations. Their expertise is crucial for both visual impact and public safety.
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PUBLIC 5.7 Active Travel & Infrastructure Improvement Update Red Smiddy, Inchinnan to Erskine Active Travel Route 5.7.1 The Council has received £1.6million in funding from Transport Scotland for the Red Smiddy, Inchinnan to Erskine Active Travel Route. A tender process concluded in December 2025 with construction work due to be starting on site in the coming weeks. This will create a shared use footway for walking and cycling expanding the network in the area. 5.7.2 The first phase of works will be construction of 1.4km of shared footway & cycleway from the end of the existing shared footway/ cycleway on Greenock Road, round Red Smiddy Roundabout, north onto Southbar Road to Southholm Roundabout. There is an existing footway at Red Smiddy Roundabout which is widened, and new construction footway on Southbar Road. 5.7.3 The second phase will see the construction of 0.6km of shared footway & cycleway from Southholm Roundabout to the overbridge on the A726 on the northbound verge. Associated relocation of street lighting columns, road signs and installation of new drainage. The works will involve the construction of a ramp to create a connection to the existing footway overbridge over the A726 providing direct access to Park Mains High School and Erskine shopping area. 5.8 Renfrew Bridge Update 5.8.1 Since the bridge was officially opened in June 2025, there have been over 560 bridge openings to allow the safe passage of vessels. In addition, there have been more than 1.2 million cars crossing the bridge, as well as over 30,000 cyclists and over 50,000 walkers and runners, with the bridge becoming a vital travel link enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable travel across the region. 5.9 Elderslie for Everyone Project 5.9.1 The developed design is continuing on from the concept design stage which has been completed. Within this stage we will continue to gather feedback on the design from the community and prepare more technical information to inform the developed design stage. Ongoing public communication will happen throughout the process. 6. Neighbourhood Services 6.1 Arterial Routes Roundabout Programme 6.1.1 As reported at the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board in May 2025, Neighbourhood Services are working in partnership with Roads to improve the aesthetics of an initial 20 identified roundabouts, with the aim of enhancing their visual appeal. To date, works have been completed at the following roundabouts and include vegetation clearance, weed removal and planting, also pressure cleaning and chevron enhancement. • Barnsford Road at Inchinnan Drive, Inchinnan • Hurlet Road at Grahamston Road, Paisley
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PUBLIC • Barrhead Road at Hawkhead Road, Paisley • Beith Road at Cochranemill Road, Johnstone • Newshot Drive at Parkway, Erskine • Greenock Road, Inchinnan • Ferry Road, Bishopton 6.1.2 The following roundabouts are scheduled for works in January 2026: • Inchinnan Road at Sanderling Road, Glasgow Airport • A761 at John Neilston Avenue, Paisley 6.2 Play Park Update 6.2.1 The play park renewal programme is progressing well, and improvements are expected to complete by late Spring 2026 for the following play areas: • Robertson Park (Main Play Area), Renfrew • Stuart Road, Bishopton • Poplar Avenue, Johnstone • Campbell Street, Johnstone • East Fulton, Linwood • Ferguslie Gardens (Bottom Play Area), Paisley • Red Blaes BMX track, Barshaw Park, Paisley (conversion to pump track) • New outdoor gym at Lochwinnoch public park. 6.2.2 Further contracts for upgrades at KGV Playing Fields and Robertson Park (Craigielea Road) in Renfrew, a new play area at Braehead Road in Glenburn, and outdoor gym equipment at Poplar Avenue, Johnstone are scheduled to be awarded by the end of January 2026. 6.3 Cemetery Update 6.3.1 The Bereavement & Burial operational teams began their winter maintenance programme across cemeteries at the end of October 2025, with a primary focus on Abbey Cemetery. As one of the oldest cemeteries, its extensive tree cover and dense vegetation present ongoing maintenance challenges. Targeted works are currently underway to deliver noticeable improvements, including pruning back overgrown vegetation, clearing paths, and carrying out only minor tree works where necessary. 6.3.2 The annual St Mirin Mass, organised by St Mirin Cathedral, took place in Hawkhead Cemetery on Sunday, 23 November. The event was attended by over 100 people.
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PUBLIC 6.3.3 The Doulton War Memorial, previously removed from the walls of Hawkhead Cemetery in 2023 for extensive repair and conservation, remains under restoration due to the specialised nature of the work required. More recently, it was discovered that a sister memorial exists, associated with the former Royal Doulton factory in Stoke-on-Trent. Officers are now liaising with the War Memorial Trust and counterparts in England to share aspirations and explore collaborative approaches to restoration. 6.3.4 Following a conservation inspection of the Glen Cinema Memorial in Hawkhead Cemetery, several areas for enhancement were identified. A conservation specialist has been appointed to carry out the enhancements, with work commencing in December 2025. 6.4 Country Parks 6.4.1 Gleniffer Braes Country Park - Paisley and District Scout Groups are contributing to the ‘Better World’ project through volunteer activity days. Supported by their leaders and park staff, the scouts have repaired paths, cleared ditches, created habitat piles, and planted trees and shrubs, showing great enthusiasm while learning about the environment. 6.4.2 Castle Semple Country Park – The team are working with Economic Development to progress the replacement of the original toilet block. Demolition was completed late last year, and groundworks for the new building are now well underway. 6.4.3 2025 was a busy and successful year, we have proudly hosted over 4,500 people in a range of outdoor activities, creating memorable experiences and strengthening community engagement. 6.5 Weed and Detritus Removal 6.5.1 Our Environmental Impact team have been busy working within communities across Renfrewshire. Their efforts have included weed management, cleaning, scraping, and detritus removal, helping to keep our open spaces clean, tidy and welcoming. To date, improvement works have been completed at over 200 locations. We continue to prioritise areas based on feedback from communities, staff, and councillors, and we welcome additional requests. 6.6 Christmas Tree Displays 6.6.1 In November, Neighbourhood Services and Street Lighting teams delivered and installed 16 Christmas trees and lights across various locations. The feedback was positive from communities which is always great for the staff involved to see the work recognised but more importantly to see how Christmas light switch of events bring communities together. The service did received feedback regarding Christmas trees at a couple of locations this year. The health and safety of both staff and the public remains our highest priority. Tree sizes must correspond to the strength of their fixings and there is a maintained consistency across towns and villages. Additional measures are also now required to enhance staff safety during installation, including equipment to install.
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PUBLIC In the coming months, the service will review arrangements in collaboration with the Events team, focusing on tree locations and switch-on events. We will also explore the feasibility of planting permanent trees in suitable areas, ensuring Renfrewshire continues to provide safe, vibrant, and welcoming festive displays for our communities to enjoy. 7. Waste Services 7.1 Waste Service Website Update 7.1.1 In November, the new online collection calendar was launched and has been well received by residents. So far, there have been over 75,000 postcode searches, 33,000 PDF calendar downloads, and 12,500 iCalendar downloads, providing residents with a simple, flexible, and accessible way to access their bin collection information. The system provides a clear four-month view of collection dates and updates in real time to reflect any changes, such as rescheduling due to severe weather, ensuring residents have access to the most accurate and up to date information. 7.1.2 To support the transition, a comprehensive awareness campaign ran from 8 December to 5 January 2026. This included targeted activity across social media channels, posters, and advertisements to ensure all residents were informed about the new tools and options available. While residents are encouraged to access their calendars online for environmental benefits, the service recognises that not everyone has access to digital tools. To ensure inclusivity, paper calendars remain available for those who need them. These can be: • Downloaded and printed directly from the website • Requested via an online form • Requested by contacting Customer Services by telephone 7.1.3 This approach ensures that residents with limited digital access or specific accessibility needs can still receive the information in a format that works for them. 7.2 Assisted Collection Service 7.2.1 There are approximately 5,467 households currently receiving the Assisted Collection Service. As reported to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board in November 2025, the service is undergoing a review to ensure assistance is provided only to households that genuinely require it. This review focuses on eligibility and accessibility requirements, bin storage locations and improving service reliability and fairness. 7.2.2 Currently, residents are eligible for assisted collections if they meet the following criteria: • Have a physical or medical condition preventing them from presenting bins, with no support from anyone to put the bins out for collection AND • Bins must be stored at an agreed location that is safe and accessible for collection crews.
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PUBLIC 7.2.3 The Waste Service has received enquiries from residents, Councillors and staff regarding the management and eligibility criteria for the Assisted Collection Service. These enquiries have provided an opportunity to review the current approach and identify improvements that will enhance the service for those who need it most, and ensure the policy meets the requirements of GDPR regulations and Council procedures. 7.2.4 At present, residents are not required to provide evidence when applying for the Assisted Collection Service. While this has made access straightforward, the number of requests received has grown significantly, which has placed additional pressure on resources. Introducing updated eligibility criteria and a clear process will help ensure the service remains fair, consistent, and focused on supporting residents who genuinely require assistance. A copy of the current Assisted Collection Service Policy is included as Appendix 1. 7.2.5 To align with other Council services that provide specialist support and to ensure the process is evidence-based and equitable, the proposed updated eligibility criteria are set out for approval in Appendix 2. 8. #YouDecide 8.1.1 Seven of the fifty successful #YouDecide projects remain. Work is ongoing and completion reports will be submitted individually as each project reaches its conclusion. #YouDecide projects currently in progress are: • Roundabout improvement schemes in Bishopton and Kilbarchan • Activity/Heritage trails in Inchinnan and Kilbarchan • Car park and path improvements at Gleniffer Braes • Outdoor Gym installations at Poplar Avenue, Johnstone and Lochwinnoch Park. 9. Public EV Charging Infrastructure Update 9.1.1 Renfrewshire continue to work alongside all Glasgow City Region partners to expand public use EV charge points across each local authority partner area including Renfrewshire. The programme will involve the migration of around 600 existing charge points in and the installation of around 3,000 new charge points. 9.1.2 The updated programme timeline highlights that the procurement process to appoint a commercial Charge Point Operator has now commenced with an appointment of an operator due to be concluded by September 2026. 10. Biodiversity Areas Update – Main Road, Elderslie 10.1.1 Under the Scottish Biodiversity Duty, Renfrewshire Council is legally required to further the conservation of biodiversity when carrying out their responsibilities.
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PUBLIC 10.1.2 Biodiversity areas in Renfrewshire were publicly consulted on in the summer of 2020 and a report detailing the outcomes and proposed locations approved by the Climate Change Sub Committee on 28 October 2020. Following this, 37 biodiversity sites have been fully or partially delivered at the agreed locations. 10.1.3 One of the sites located at Main Road, Elderslie was only partially delivered due to internal resource and adverse weather challenges at the time of seeding. The Council has received some recent enquiries relating to the site with requests for it to be returned to a standard grass panel. 10.1.4 As the area would require investment and given that it is subject to discussion around the Elderslie for Everyone project, it is proposed that the site is reinstated to a grass panel whilst that project is ongoing. 10.1.5 A more detailed update on future Biodiversity plans will be brought to a future board. 11. Public Protection 11.1 Environmental Health Radon Compliance Monitoring Programme 11.1.1 Officers have been progressing the radon monitoring programme, as detailed within the board paper approved at the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board on 21 May 2025. 11.1.2 Radon monitoring kits were sent out to 290 ground floor Council housing properties, ten Council (including OneRen) operational workplaces and five schools/early learning centres. Kits from workplaces and educational centres have all been returned to the UK Health Security Agency for analysis. 11.1.3 To date, approximately 50% of kits sent to Council housing tenants have been returned to the UKHSA for analysis and work had been undertaken by Officers to make contact with tenants who have not returned kits to encourage their return. This resulted in a small additional number of kits being returned. This rate of participation is higher than experienced by other local authorities who have undertaken a similar monitoring programme. 11.1.4 Letters are being issued imminently to tenants with their monitoring results and those who did not take part in the programme will also be issued with letters confirming they had been issued with kits initially and as they have not engaged, no further action is proposed but allowing them to come back to Officers should they decide at a future date to participate in the programme. 11.1.5 Overall, results to date have been positive, with all being far below the action level of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3); meaning there is no requirement for any remedial action to be taken across the Council estate at this time.
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PUBLIC 11.1.6 Whilst current radon test results indicate low levels, there remains an ongoing requirement to periodically re-test properties. This is particularly important where improvement works have been carried out to housing stock, such as upgrades to insulation, which may increase the potential for radon accumulation. Officers are taking steps to embed this monitoring requirement into standard business processes to ensure appropriate follow-up. In line with UKHSA guidance, properties with low radon levels should be re-tested approximately every 10 years. 11.1.7 To support the ongoing requirement to monitor property for radon, the Corporate Health and Safety team, with input from Environmental Health, is currently drafting a Radon Policy.
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PUBLIC Implications of the Report 1. Financial – Any financial elements referenced in this report will be progressed through the Council’s financial & budget planning process. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – The report details a range of activities which reflect local community and council planning themes. 4. Legal – None 5. Property/Assets – None 6. Information Technology – None 7. Equality & Human Rights - Any potential impact arising from the updated policy outlined in Appendix 2, which requires the provision of evidential information, will be mitigated by ensuring that all service users have equitable access to clear and comprehensive information. Applicants who do not meet the criteria, or who may be affected by changes to the policy, will be considered on an individual basis to ensure equity. Clear guidance will be provided on the application form and the Council website. Waste Services will offer support to ensure that all information is available in accessible formats, promoting inclusion and equal opportunity for all applicants. 8. Health & Safety – None 9. Procurement – None 10. Risk – None 11. Privacy Impact – None 12. Climate Change – there are a range of actions and activities throughout the Service Update Report which support the Council’s Plan for Net Zero. 13. Children’s Rights – None 14. Cosla Policy Position – None List of Background Papers: None Author: Gordon McNeil, Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Email: Gordon.mcneil@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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PUBLIC APPENDIX 1 – Current Assisted Collection Service Policy 1.1 As part of the Council’s approach to empowering our communities, residents who would normally need this service are encouraged to ask a relative or neighbour to help with bins. 1.2 An assisted collection service will be provided when, due to age or a physical or medical condition, no member of a household is able to present or retrieve their own bin(s) and have no other means of support to do this. This service is free of charge to people who qualify for it. You may be visited by a Council Officer to check your eligibility for the scheme. 1.3 Bins will be collected from an agreed location within the boundary of the property. All properties are risk assessed by a Council Officer to determine the manual handling risks associated with uplifting bins. Should a perceived risk be identified, it may necessitate a change to a sack uplift collection service. In instances of this nature, appropriate sacks will be provided to the householder. 1.4 Residents are required to ensure the bin storage area is easily accessible to the bin crews. Gates should be unlocked and in good working condition to allow access. Dogs should be secured elsewhere to allow staff safe access to the property. 1.5 When moving to a new property, it is important that residents who receive an assisted collection inform the Council so that records can be updated. 1.6 Assisted collections will be reviewed on a regular basis and may be removed if the criteria are no longer met. If a household’s circumstances change and, as a result, they no longer need an assisted collection, residents must inform the council. 1.7 Householders receiving an assisted collection service will be supplied with stickers to help collectors identify containers that are to be collected. It is the householder’s responsibility to affix the stickers to their bin(s).
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PUBLIC APPENDIX 2: Proposed Updated Assisted Collection Service Policy 1.1 Eligibility Requirements Applicants must: 1. Permanently reside at the property 2. Have a physical or medical condition preventing them from presenting bins, with no support from physically able persons aged 14 or over in the household who can put the bins out for collection 1.2 Supporting Evidence Applicants must provide: • Medical evidence or a supporting letter from a Social Worker, Paid Carer, Health Worker, or Housing Officer Acceptable evidence includes: • Evidence of receipt of benefits, for example: o Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Mobility Element o Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Mobility Element o Adult Disability Payment (ADP) – Mobility Element o Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) (for physical/mobility health issues) o Universal Credit with the limited capability for work related activity element o Pension Age Disability Payment o Attendance Allowance • Hospital/GP letters detailing condition • NHS delivery notes for support equipment • Personal receipts for purchased support equipment AND: • Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., Birth Certificate, Passport) • Proof of Address (e.g., Utility Bill, Hospital/GP/Dentist appointment letters) 1.3 Exceptional Circumstances Applicants who do not meet the stated criteria will be assessed case-by-case by Waste Services.
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PUBLIC 1.4 Review Process • All assisted collections will be reviewed every 2 years to confirm continued eligibility. The service reserves the right to review this earlier if there is a change in circumstances. • Data will be stored and processed in compliance with GDPR regulations and in line with Council procedures