Service Update Report
Renfrewshire Council · 18 March 2026
Back to Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board — 18 March 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
PUBLIC To: Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board On: 18 March 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 21 January 2026 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 Notes the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process for the Paisley Central District Heating Network Outline Business Cases outlined in section 4.1.
Page 2
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. Climate Change 4.1 Energy Management District Heating Network Outline Business Cases 4.1.1 Extensive work continues to develop the Outline Business Cases for two potential District Heating Networks in Renfrewshire: the extension of the existing network at AMIDS through to Glasgow Airport and the creation of a new network in the Paisley Central area. 4.1.2 A collaborative exercise has been undertaken to explore various delivery options through detailed review in order to identify preferred models for both networks and to inform a soft market testing exercise. 4.1.3 A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been developed and shared with stakeholders who have been identified as key to the development and potential prospects of the Paisley Central Network. Partners include OneRen, the NHS and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). The MOU is intended as a non-legally binding agreement between stakeholders and Renfrewshire Council, outlining the broad terms and conditions of cooperation and providing a means to express support and commitment to the project. These partners are key to the success of the project given the energy consumption of the properties they are responsible for. Such agreements add weight to the potential viability of a future network. More legally binding proceedings would take place at a later phase through an Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) as the network connects. 4.1.4 It is expected that the business cases will be concluded in June 2026 with further detail presented to board members in due course. It is recommended that the board note the MOU process outlined and the more detailed report to follow.
Page 3
PUBLIC 5. Community Development 5.1 Team Up to Clean Up 5.1.1 Team Up to Clean Up worked in partnership with colleagues in Transport & Infrastructure and Neighbourhood Services to support Renfrewshire’s Winter Maintenance Campaign. Over 60 volunteer Grit Kits were issued in response to winter resilience requests from community volunteers. Each kit included a salt spreader, snow shovel, gloves and a 25kg bag of salt, alongside a Team Up to Clean Up branded hi-vis vest. 5.1.2 Volunteers were required to confirm compliance with the issued risk assessment and to follow the care and maintenance guidance provided for the spreaders, supporting safe use and ensuring the longevity of the equipment. 5.1.3 In January, Team Up to Clean Up responded directly to volunteer feedback by procuring A- frame stand-alone safety signage for use during litter-picking activity. The signage is designed to alert passers-by, including pedestrians and motorists, that litter-picking is taking place, improving volunteer visibility and supporting safer working practices on site. 6. Fleet, Roads, and Transportation 6.1 Fleet Services 6.1.1 Fleet Services has recently added 24 new vehicles and fleet assets as part of the Council’s ongoing Vehicle Replacement Programme. The new additions include: • 3 x Long Range electric cars – allocated to the Sustainable Travel Pool Car Scheme based at Renfrewshire House. • 17 x new L1 electric car-derived vans - Allocated across a range of Council services to replace older or hired vehicles—helping reduce running, repair, and fuel costs while supporting carbon-reduction targets. • 2 x five-seater electric cars - Delivered to Children’s Services to meet operational needs and contribute to lower emissions. • 1 x Luton van with extended tail lift - Provided to Waste Services to improve the efficiency of household bin deliveries and turnaround. • 1 x 17-seater bus - Supplied to Social Transport to replace a hired vehicle, improving reliability and reducing costs. • 4 x new 35-yard skips - For Underwood Road HWRC to replace damaged or end-of-life skips. 6.1.2 All new vehicles meet Euro 6 emissions standards or are fully electric, directly supporting Renfrewshire Council’s sustainability and Net Zero ambitions. This investment will improve service reliability, reduce long-term operational and maintenance costs, lower emissions and enhance environmental performance.
Page 4
PUBLIC Roads & Transportation 6.2 Roads Capital Investment Programme 6.2.1 As part of the Roads Capital investment programme, in 2025/2026 we have resurfaced 47 carriageways, 16 footways and surface treated 38 carriageways. 6.2.2 The Roads Capital team are finalising the resurfacing improvement programme for 2026/2027. 6.2.3 Major resurfacing schemes at Collier Street car park, Barnsford Road (Phase 2) to Red Smiddy roundabout, junctions at George Street, Canal Street, Maxwellton Street Paisley, High Street Paisley (outside museum), Fairway Avenue, Paisley and Hillington Road are scheduled for March, April and May 2026 respectively. 6.2.4 We recently completed the trial of an Asphalt preservation method (spray application of a sealant treatment) at Lonend. This process is intended to prolong the life of a carriageway, delaying the requirement for full resurfacing, which has a far greater carbon footprint. This will be monitored in the coming year to see how it performs under traffic loadings and officers will report back to a future Board. 6.2.5 Roundabout improvements as part of the Roads Capital programme for 2025/26 have continued to upgrade A761 Main Road at Station Road Paisley, Abbotsinch Road at Arran Avenue Glasgow Airport, Inchinnan Drive, Greenock Road at Barrangary Road Bishopton. 6.2.6 The programme of roundabout improvements for 2026/27 includes A761 Linwood Toll, A761 Linwood Road at Barskiven Road, Bridge of Weir Road Linwood at St Benedict’s High School, Kings Inch Road at Laymoor Avenue and Kings Inch Drive Renfrew. 6.3 Ready for Winter 6.3.1 The service commenced winter resilience arrangements on the 1 October 2025, and this will run through until May 2026. To the 9 March 2026, the Winter Maintenance programme has used a cumulative total of over 1,980 tonnes of salt gritting Renfrewshire roads. The service has gritted primary network routes 103 times and our secondary network on 15 occasions with gritting teams working around the clock to keep Renfrewshire moving throughout this recent winter period. In comparison with the same period for 2025 (October to early March), the service used 3,146 tonnes of salt gritting which is a significant decrease in gritting and milder winter. Although, the first few months of 2026 provided a variety of challenging weather, with Environment, Housing & Infrastructure services dealing with gritting, heavy rain and high winds. 6.3.2 In addition, we have completed full refurbishment of Rankine Street flood pumping station in Johnstone. This will ensure its effective use for the coming years helping to protect adjacent properties. We intend to roll this out to Collier Street pumping station this coming financial year.
Page 5
PUBLIC 6.4 Street Lighting Capital Investment Programme 6.4.1 A new street lighting installation, comprising of heritage columns and lanterns (with dark skies optics) has completed on Main Street and Church Street Lochwinnoch, awaiting a new power supply. The heritage nature of the scheme, intended to be sympathetic to the conservation area, has been well received by residents. An application for a new power supply has been submitted to Scottish Power and we should have an install date within the next couple of weeks, following which, the old lighting system will be removed, disposed of in accordance with the WEEE Regulations (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and the footway reinstated around the old column holes. 6.4.2 A further column and loop replacement contract is currently underway, addressing isolated knocked down and life expired columns throughout Renfrewshire. This has led to the replacement of 86 columns and 41 damaged loops, bringing areas in previous darkness into light. During this contract we have continued to work closely with colleagues at Scottish Power to expediate new supplies. 6.5 Active Travel & Infrastructure Improvement Update Red Smiddy, Inchinnan to Erskine Active Travel Route 6.5.1 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 started on site in early February. This will create a shared use footway for walking and cycling expanding the network in the area. 6.5.2 To allow the works to take place, temporary traffic lights will continue to be in operation on a phased basis along the route to ensure the safety of workers and road users. 6.5.3 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. 6.5.4 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. 6.6 Renfrew to Paisley Active Travel Route (Gallowhill Link) 6.6.1 The Council received funding from Transport Scotland for the Gallowhill Active Travel Route. This will create a shared use footway for walking, wheeling and cycling expanding the network in the area and also provide a safe, off-road, lit, access route from Gallowhill to the new Paisley Grammar School, under the disused railway bridge on Renfrew Road (an essential condition of Planning for the school) and onwards to the wider cycle network.
Page 6
PUBLIC 6.6.2 Works commenced in late October and included site clearance, installation of drainage, construction of a new 600m long shared footpath with streetlighting, and landscaping works. The works completed ahead of schedule at the beginning of March, with an official opening on the 10th of March. 6.7 Elderslie for Everyone Project 6.7.1 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, meetings with local businesses and elected members have taken place and will continue throughout the project process. 6.8 Inspection of Carriageways and Footways held in the Housing Account 6.8.1 We have recently recruited an inspector who will work part time in the roads service and part time in the housing service. The intention is to ensure that road infrastructure held within the Housing Estate is managed in the same manner as the public road, with cyclical safety inspections and a matrix for prioritising repairs against competing priorities. This will be the first time that the Housing road asset will be managed in such a proactive manner. 6.9 Villages Safe Walking Initiative 6.9.1 Phase 1 of the Villages Safe Walking Initiative has concluded its second round of consultation on the refined detailed design and location of proposed traffic calming measures in Houston, Howwood and Kilbarchan. Detailed drawings of measures were consulted on with the Community Councils and subsequently they were letter dropped to directly affected residents. 6.9.2 Comments asking for changes or objecting to elements were accepted by officers and responses have been prepared. They explain where we have been able to accommodate requests for change and where, due to considerations of road safety and practicality of construction, we have not. We will be looking to meet with ward members to discuss the conclusions of the consultations and the finalised construction drawings. Implementation of the measures will follow in the new financial year. Officers continue to progress more complex designs at Houston Cross, Kilbarchan Cross and Howwood Black Cart Water Bridge. 6.9.3 Phase 2 of the Villages Safe Walking Initiative has completed its concept design stage and, on the basis of the support shown by responses received to the consultation, our consultant is now developing the detail of those designs through engaging with the communities of Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, Elderslie, and Lochwinnoch to refine the proposals once again.
Page 7
PUBLIC 6.9.4 We will also refine cost estimates and develop a proposed implementation programme which will be contingent on the availability of future years’ funding. Based on current high level estimates, to complete all measures outlined within the work to date would cost around £3million. Officers will prioritise the interventions in order of impact and would then look to explore potential funding sources to be able to deliver a prioritised list. Ward members will be updated as this progresses. 6.9.5 In response to requests for Langbank’s inclusion in Phase 2 of the Villages Safe Walking Initiative, we have separately begun investigating potential measures for Langbank village. We are preparing to consult with the community on their concerns and for feedback on proposed potential measures. 7. Neighbourhood Services 7.1 Cemetery Update 7.1.1 A programme of seasonal winter maintenance has been completed across all sites. Teams have undertaken intensive scraping in targeted cemetery areas, alongside hedge-pruning activities. The service continues to monitor public feedback to identify any additional priority areas requiring maintenance. 7.1.2 A conservation inspection of the Glen Cinema Memorial in Hawkhead Cemetery identified several areas requiring enhancement. A conservation specialist was appointed to carry out these works, which commenced in December 2025. Progress is ongoing and remains dependent on weather conditions. 7.2 Country Parks 7.2.1 Paisley and District Scout Groups continue to support their “Better World” project through organised volunteer activity days at Glennifer Braes Country Park. Under the guidance of their leaders and the Countryside Rangers, this Spring’s programme focuses on woodland management activities within Glen Park. 7.2.2 Avian Flu has been confirmed within Castle Semple Country Park. All required public health and biosecurity measures have been implemented, including the installation of appropriate signage and updates to visitor communications. 7.2.3 Summer opening hours will operate from April to October and will include the full delivery of outdoor activity sessions and environmental education programmes. 7.3 Play Parks Update 7.3.1 The play park renewal programme for 25/26 continues to progress with the following work completed: • Tinto Square Playpark, Renfrew - An inclusive seesaw has been installed and designed to accommodate up to two wheelchairs. This represents the first installation of its kind to be trialled within Renfrewshire.
Page 8
PUBLIC • Moss Road Playpark, Bridge of Weir - A new section of link path has been constructed outside the fenced play area, ensuring that park users can avoid walking through the playpark itself when ground conditions are wet. • Park Road, Johnstone - A new fenced dog exercise area has been completed on the site of the former derelict BMX course, providing a safe and dedicated space for dog owners. 7.3.2 Further improvements are planned for delivery including: • Robertson Park (Main Play Area), Renfrew – anticipated start: April 2026 • Stuart Road, Bishopton – anticipated start: March 2026 • Campbell Street, Johnstone – programme to be confirmed • East Fulton, Linwood – anticipated start: late April to early May • Ferguslie Gardens (Bottom Play Area), Paisley – anticipated start: March 2026 • Red Blaes BMX Track, Barshaw Park, Paisley (conversion to pump track) – currently at tender return stage • New Outdoor Gym, Lochwinnoch Public Park – anticipated completion: end of March 2026 7.4 Seasonal Grass Cutting Programme 7.4.1 The service has completed the recruitment process for this year’s intake of seasonal staff to support the extensive summer grass cutting program. The grass cutting season will start on 1 April 2026. 7.5 Open Space 7.5.1 Fountain Gardens, Paisley – A contract has been awarded for the conservation of the Robert Burns statue. Due to its historical and cultural significance, the works are expected to take several weeks once commenced. The Grand Fountain is scheduled for cleaning and servicing in March, following the winter shut-down period. The water features will be switched back on at the same time. 8. Bus Service 514 8.1 As reported to the ILE Board of August 2025, Council officers have been working with SPT to extend the bus service connecting Dargavel to Braehead. This resulted in the proposed end date of the contract being extended from January 2026 to May 2026. 8.2 Due the continued low patronage levels on the route there is not going to be any possibility to extend the service beyond the first week in May 2026. The route has been funded as part of the Section 75 agreement with BAE, however that funding will expire in May 2026 and as such the service will come to an end. 8.3 SPT engaged with the market to understand if there was any market interest in taking this service forward, however given the patronage figures this service is unsustainable and SPT have advised that they are not in a position to operate the service as a subsidised route.
Page 9
PUBLIC 8.4 Council officers will continue to liaise with SPT to assess what opportunities may exist to improve access to public transport for Dargavel residents. 9. Waste Services 9.1 Waste Services Website Update 9.1.1 As part of the route optimisation software integration, the service is advancing the system’s automated online forms. This work includes linking the Council’s existing website processes directly into the new system making the process more efficient. The online forms for requesting assisted collections, bin swaps, bin deliveries, and bulky uplifts have been updated to support direct integration with the route management system. All updated forms are live and available through the Council’s website. 9.2 Library WEEE Banks Project (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) 9.2.1 The first year of the WEEE Bank project across Renfrewshire libraries has delivered excellent results. The initiative exceeded expectations, with 2.44 tonnes of small electrical items collected surpassing the original estimate of 2.16 tonnes. 9.2.2 Alongside this, Waste Services recorded a significant rise in WEEE recycling across both the library banks and the Household Waste Recycling Centres. An additional 75.10 tonnes of electrical items were collected for recycling, supported by a communications campaign highlighting the importance of recycling unwanted electricals. This positive first year demonstrates growing public engagement and the impact of making recycling more accessible to residents. 9.3 Service Improvement 9.3.1 The performance of bin collections is a key priority for Waste Services. To support this, a temporary Business Improvement Officer post was created to focus on data analysis and performance management within the service from February 2026. A core element of this work is improving outcomes for residents who receive an Assisted Collection. Although the work is in its infancy, throughout February there has been improved performance with 99.84% of bins and 99.45% of assisted bins collected emptied on collection. The team will continue to focus on this area of work to support sustained performance both across the service and with specific addresses that require bespoke arrangements for collections. 9.4 Packaging & Recycling Handling Facility – Linwood 9.4.1 The service is progressing a detailed Business Case for the construction of a packaging and recycling handling facility at Middleton Road, Linwood. This facility would be able to handle materials from the blue, brown and green bins, street sweepings and gulley cleanings, bulky items from special uplifts, waste upholstered domestic seating and white goods etc. In addition, the construction would include a new secure bin store with a wash and repair facility. The Business Case is under review by the Councils finance section; a further update will be brought to a future board.
Page 10
PUBLIC 10. #YouDecide 10.1.1 Improvements works at the Barrangary and Chestnut roundabouts in Bishopton have been completed in preparation for new public sculpture installations. A horse sculpture is planned for Chestnut roundabout and a tree sculpture for Barrangary roundabout. Both are scheduled for completion by the end of March 2026. 10.1.2 An outdoor gym has been installed in Lochwinnoch Park, marking the completion of Lochwinnoch #YouDecide projects. 10.1.3 The access path to Glencoats Park play area has been resurfaced and this completes #YouDecide projects for Paisley North West and Central. 10.1.4 The following projects remain in progress. Individual completion reports will be submitted as each project is finalised: • Roundabout improvement schemes in Kilbarchan and Renfrew • Activity/Heritage trails in Inchinnan and Kilbarchan • Car park and path improvements at Gleniffer Braes • Outdoor Gym installation at Poplar Avenue, Johnstone 11. Public EV Charging Infrastructure Update 11.1.1 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. 11.1.2 The updated programme timeline highlights that the procurement process to appoint a commercial Charge Point Operator (CPO) has now commenced with an appointment of an operator due to be concluded by September 2026. 11.1.3 To allow for the prompt transfer and migration of existing EV assets to the new CPO, once appointed, each member authority require to have authority to grant licences in place prior to contract award. A more detailed update will be provided to the board in May.
Page 11
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 - The recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored. 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