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Item 6 - Minutes of Previous Meeting 29.10.25

West Dunbartonshire Council · 17 December 2025
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 17 December 2025 and its agenda

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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL 
At a Hybrid Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held in the Civic Space, 16
Church Street, Dumbarton on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at 4.01 p.m. 
Present:   Provost Karen Murray Conaghan, and Councillors Jim Bollan, 
Ian Dickson, Fiona Hennebry, Daniel Lennie, David McBride,
Michelle McGinty, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Lauren Oxley,
Chris Pollock, Martin Rooney, William Rooney, Gordon Scanlan,
Hazel Sorrell, Clare Steel and Sophie Traynor. 
Attending: Peter Hessett, Chief Executive; Laurence Slavin, Chief Officer –
Resources, and Section 95 Officer; Alan Douglas, Chief Officer
– Regulatory and Regeneration (Legal Officer); Beth Culshaw,
Chief Officer – Health & Social Care Partnership; Amanda
Graham, Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture and Facilities; Gillian
Hamilton, Chief Officer – Education; Gail Macfarlane, Chief
Officer– Roads and Neighbourhood; Victoria Rogers, Chief
Officer – People and Technology; Lauren Crooks, Strategic
Communication, Culture and Performance Manager; Michelle
Lynn, Asset Manager; Carol Alderson, Finance Manager;
George Hawthorn, Manager of Democratic and Registration
Services; John Kerr, Housing Development and Homeless
Manager; Nicola Pettigrew, Housing Operations Manager; Craig
Wilson, Building Services Manager; Alan Young, Housing Asset
and Investment Manager; and Carol-Ann Burns, Senior
Democratic Services Officer. 
Also Attending: Tom Reid, External Auditor, Forvis Mazars. 
Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors
Kevin Crawford, Diane Docherty, Gurpreet Singh Johal,
Jonathan McColl and June McKay. 
Provost Karen Murray Conaghan in the Chair 
STATEMENT BY CHAIR – AUDIO STREAMING 
Provost Murray Conaghan advised that the meeting was being audio streamed and
broadcast live to the internet and would be available for playback. 
ITEM 6

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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 
It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of
business on the agenda at this point in the meeting. 
RECORDING OF VOTES 
The Council agreed that all votes taken during the meeting would be carried out by
roll call vote to ensure an accurate record. 
OPEN FORUM 
The Council noted that no open forum questions had been submitted by members of
the public. 
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 
The Minutes of Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held on 27 August 2025
were submitted and approved as a correct record.   
MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUDIT COMMITTEE 
The Minutes of Meeting of the Audit Committee held on 11 June 2025 were
submitted and all decisions contained therein were approved. 
MINUTES OF MEETING OF TENDERING COMMITTEE 
The Minutes of Meeting of the Tendering Committee held on 5 June 2025 were
submitted and approved as a correct record. 
GLASGOW CITY REGION CITY DEAL – UPDATE 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration providing
an update on the Exxon Infrastructure Project, and matters being discussed by
Glasgow City Region. 
After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration
and the Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood in further explanation and in
answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- 
(1) to note the update on the Exxon Infrastructure Project; and 
(2) to note the progress of the Glasgow City Region programme.

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BLOCK BUILDING INSURANCE SCHEME 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the
status of the Council’s provision of building insurance to owners of former council
houses under the “Right to Buy” Block Building Insurance Scheme and seeking
approval of a revised approach to delivering the Scheme. 
After discussion and having heard the Asset Manager and the Housing Asset &
Investment Manager in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the
Council agreed:- 
To thank the Chief Officer for the detailed report on the Block Building Insurance
Scheme. 
Since the report was published the Chief Officer and his staff have engaged
further with the Insurance Brokers and established new information, that if the
Council decided to withdraw from the contract on 31st March 2026, then the
following would apply: 
• A cancellation fee of £166,904, plus
• The Insurance Premium Tax at 12%  
The total cost of early withdrawal, on 31st March next year would therefore be
£186,933 rather than the £2.5m outlined in the report with the cost coming from
appropriate reserves. 
As well as the one-off costs of withdrawal, there are a number of risks as follows:
• Homeowners could potentially face higher individual premiums. 
• The owner-occupiers may not be offered the same pay arrangements that
the Council currently offers. 
• There is a risk that some individual owner-occupiers do not obtain
adequate insurance cover. 
Given the above, the Council agrees to withdraw from the Block Building
Insurance Scheme following 31 March 2026. 
The Council Housing Services is responsible for implementing the exit strategy
and will therefore be required to ensure clear communications to affected
homeowners. 
As part of the managed withdrawal, the Council will continue to administer and
deliver the Block Building Insurance Scheme until the expiry on 31 March 2026.

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2023/24 ANNUAL EXTERNAL AUDIT REPORT 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources:- 
(1) presenting the 2023/24 Annual Audit Report to Members and Controller
of Audit, for the Council, prior to approving the 2023/24 Audited Annual
Accounts for the Council; and 
(2) providing an update on the external audit of the Annual Accounts of the
Council for the year ended 31 March 2024. 
After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Resources, the Finance
Manager and the External Auditor, Forvis Mazars in further explanation and in
answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed the Annual Report to Members
and Controller of Audit 2023/24 for the Council (Appendix 1 to the report). 
2023/24 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing Members with the
opportunity to scrutinise and approve the 2023/24 Audited Annual Accounts for the
Council. 
The Council agreed:- 
(1) to note the audit was substantially complete and Forvis Mazars had
advised they were expecting to issue an unqualified opinion on the
Council’s 2023/24 Annual Accounts; and 
(2) to approve the information provided within the 2023/24 Audited Annual
Accounts (included as Appendix 2 to the report). 
INTERIM REVIEW OF POLLING DISTRICTS AND POLLING PLACES 2025 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration advising
of the response to the consultation on the interim review of polling districts and
polling places involving the Dumbarton, Kilpatrick, Clydebank Central and Clydebank
Waterfront Wards and seeking approval of the final polling scheme. 
After discussion and having heard the Chief Executive and the Manager of
Democratic and Registration Services in further explanation and in answer to
Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- 
(1) to adopt the changes to the scheme of polling districts and polling places as
shown in Appendix 1 as detailed in paragraph 4.8 to the report, to the deletion
of polling district DU23C as shown in the maps of Appendix 2 to the report
and a temporary portacabin as a contingency for West Bridgend; and

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(2) to grant the Chief Executive delegated authority to vary the polling scheme
where an approved polling place is no longer deemed suitable or available
and a suitable contingency venue has been identified, where practicable, in
consultation with local members. 
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL PERFORMANCE 
REPORT 2024/25 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture & Facilities presenting
West Dunbartonshire Council’s Annual Performance Report 2024/25 and supporting
performance information. 
After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture & Facilities,
Chief Officer – Education, and the Chief Officer – Health & Social Care Partnership, 
in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed to
note the content of the report. 
FINANCIAL UPDATE 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the
financial challenges facing the Council and the estimated 2026/27 to 2029/30
revenue budget gaps.   
It was noted that the report contained a typographical error in paragraph 2.1.III and
that the mid-range should read 2026/27 and not 2025/26. 
After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Resources in further
explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- 
(1) to note the Scottish Government budget had been delayed until mid-January
as a consequence of the later than expected publication of the UK
Government Autumn Statement,  which meant the Council would not be
advised of its indicative 2026/27 settlement until mid-January 2026; 
(2) to approve the award of £10,000 to fund Additional Support Needs swimming
lessons provided by West Dunbartonshire Leisure; 
(3) to note the updated position regarding projections for the Council’s estimated
revenue budget gaps in 2026/27 to 2030/31, particularly the updated
estimated mid-range 2025/26 budget gap of £8.882m; 
(4) to note the £4.309m benefit to the Council obtained through early repayment
of long-term loans with that benefit split between general services (£3.490m)
and the Housing Revenue Account (£0.819m); 
(5) to approve the release of £0.722m of resettlement funds to unearmarked
general fund reserves with £0.499m retained in an earmarked reserve to
support future provision of resettlement activity;

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(6) to approve the allocation of £2.924m of Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based
Scheme funds as £1.992m to the HRA, £0.250m to unearmarked general
fund reserves with £0.486m retained for retentions and £0.196m to make
provision for potential bad debt; and 
(7) to approve use of £1.261m of unallocated reserves to rebuild the Voluntary
Redundancy / Early Retirement reserve. 
GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 31
AUGUST 2025 (PERIOD 5) 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources advising of the 2025/26
Revenue Budget position at 31 August 2025 and the forecast position of the General
Fund Reserve as at 31 March 2026. 
DECLARATION OF INTEREST 
Councillor Martin Rooney declared an interest in relation to this item being a member
of Strathclyde Pension Board and Committee and left the meeting at this point. 
After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Resources in further
explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- 
(1) to note: (i) the overall favourable variance (underspend) on the General Fund
Revenue Budget of £2.788m, a reduction in forecast of £4.071m since last
reported which was mainly due to the £3.490m discount received following
repayment of four long term market loans; and (ii) the forecast unallocated
reserve balance of £6.379m which was £0.289m above the prudential target; 
(2) to note a current projected adverse variance (overspend) on the General
Services Delivery Budget of £0.702m (0.22% of total budget), a reduction in
costs of £0.580m since last reported, and the details provided in section 4.1
and the appendices to the report; and 
(3) to note the current projected use of earmarked reserves of £2.304m offset by
the release of £0.078m and the forecast earmarked balance of £10.862m, and
the details provided in section 4.4 and Appendix 4 to the report. 
ADJOURNMENT 
The Provost adjourned the meeting for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at
5.42 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present, including Councillor Martin
Rooney.

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GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT 2025/26 TO
31 AUGUST 2025 (PERIOD 5) 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the
General Services capital financial performance to 31 August 2025. 
The Council agreed:- 
(1) to note the current position of the 2025/26 General Services capital
budget; 
(2) to approve the revised completion dates in respect of 5 projects detailed in
paragraph 4.4 and Appendix 2 to the report; 
(3) to note the reprofiling of 6 projects detailed in Appendix 3 to the report
(£4.237m) over the project life; 
(4) to approve £0.027m of additional capital budget for data strategy, as
detailed in paragraph 4.9 of the report; 
(5) to approve £1.316m of additional capital budget for plant and machinery
replacement strategy, as detailed in paragraph 4.10 of the report; and 
(6) to approve £0.352m of additional capital budget for vehicle replacement
strategy as detailed in paragraph 4.11 of the report. 
HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO
31 AUGUST 2025 (PERIOD 5) 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources advising of the 2025/26
HRA revenue budget position at 31 August 2025 and the forecast position for HRA
reserve on 31 March 2026. 
After discussion and having heard the Housing Asset and Investment Manager in
further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- 
(1) to note a projected favourable variance (underspend) on the HRA Revenue
Account of £1.150m, a significant improvement on the period 3 forecast; 
(2) to note the forecast 31 March 2026 HRA reserve position of £1.761m which
was £0.601m above the HRA prudential target of £1.160m; and 
(3) to note further opportunities to deliver an increased HRA surplus, including
the targeting of efficiencies across all areas of the HRA revenue account
budget, would be explored.

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HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) CAPITAL BUDGETARY CONTROL
REPORT TO 31 AUGUST 2025 (PERIOD 5) 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the
HRA capital programme to 31 August 2025. 
After discussion and having heard the Building Services Manager and Housing
Operations Manager in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the
Council agreed:- 
(1) to note the position of the 2025/26 HRA capital budget and the HRA capital plan
as at 31 August 2025; 
(2) to note that project life performance is monitored against a £345.311m project life
expenditure estimate, an £80.379m project life income estimate and a
£264.932m five-year borrowing requirement; 
(3)  to note all projects were currently on track to achieve their planned completion
dates and that eleven projects were forecast to deliver a total underspend of
£6.481m against their five-year project life budgets; 
(4) to note in-year financial performance is monitored against a 2025/26 capital
expenditure budget of £55.547m, 2025/26 capital income budget of £6.290m and
a one-year borrowing requirement of £49.257m; and 
(5) to note thirty-two projects were reporting as off track in 2025/26 with an
anticipated underspend of £9.812m against their 2025/26 budgets, reducing the
forecast one-year borrowing requirement to £39.445m. 
2024/25 TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on
treasury management during 2024/25. 
The Council agreed:- 
(1) the Treasury Management Annual Report, as appended to the report; and 
(2) that the Treasury Management Annual Report had been presented to the
Audit Committee at its meeting on 24 September 2025. 
BUDGET CONVERSATION 2026/27 – ENGAGEMENT RESULTS 
A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture & Facilities providing
an overview of the key results and feedback from the recent Budget Conversation
2026/27 engagement.

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After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture & Facilities in
further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed to note 
the results and feedback from citizens on broad service areas and delivery priorities
as part of the 2026/27 budget setting process. 
VARIATION IN ORDER OF BUSINESS 
After hearing Provost Murray Conaghan, the Council agreed to vary the order of
business as hereinafter minuted. 
NOTICE OF MOTIONS 
(c) Motion by Councillor William Rooney – Kilpatrick Hills 
Councillor William Rooney moved:- 
Council recognises the importance of net-zero and a resilient energy mix for
energy security and economic growth. 
Council values the Kilpatrick Hills and surrounding green spaces as vital for
biodiversity, public access, health, and local identity. 
Council notes growing community concern over industrial developments—
such as battery energy storage sites—near neighbourhoods, which often lack
community benefit and could negatively affect the health and wellbeing of our
residents. 
Council believes individual citizens must be empowered to contribute their
views directly and accordingly the Council requests the Chief Officer
Regulatory and Regeneration to provide communities with guidance to enable
them to effectively represent views from within their communities to the
Energy Consent Unit and relevant Scottish Minister. 
The Council agreed the motion. 
(f) Motion by Councillor Gordon Scanlan – Goldenhill Park 
Councillor Scanlan moved:- 
Along with my Ward colleague, Councillor Lawrence O'Neill, we accepted an
invite to tour Goldenhill Park with our local resident and Clydebank Local
History Society member, Sam Gibson. 
For anyone who knows Sam, lately of the Clydebelt Group, they will know that
he has a deep knowledge of all things historically within our Ward especially
with all of the history of the Roman Fort site within the park. Sam also served
his time as an Apprentice within the old Parks Department of Clydebank

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District Council and worked thereafter across many of our parks – he has a
wealth of knowledge on the subject matter and the historical links that should
be maintained appropriately. 
Councillor O’Neill and I spent some time with Sam looking at the park and the
history of the Romans and the Antonine Wall, as well as the poor condition of
Goldenhill Park relative to the preservation of the Roman Fort site. We have a
World Heritage site within West Dunbartonshire and more could and should
be done to promote this achievement. A great deal of work, with West
Dunbartonshire Council as the Lead Authority, was undertaken to celebrate
the Romans being present within our communities many years ago. 
I would ask that a Report comes to a future Council meeting looking
specifically at what more could be done within Goldenhill Park and indicate
whether, given its obvious links to the Roman Fort site and the World Heritage
Status conferred on the Antonine Wall, that Goldenhill Park be granted similar
park status to Dalmuir Park; Christie Park; Balloch Park and Levengrove Park
and what any cost implications of this enhanced status would be needed to
allow Members to make an informed decision and improve the condition of
Goldenhill Park. 
The Council agreed the motion. 
Note: Councillor McBride left the meeting at this point. 
(i) Motion by Councillor Sophie Traynor – Rise in Anti-Migrant, Racist
Rhetoric 
Councillor Traynor moved:- 
Council is deeply concerned by rise in anti-migrant, racist rhetoric
exhibited nationally and across the globe. 
Council condemns all forms of discrimination, including racism, sectarianism,
Islamophobia, and antisemitism. We recognise current tensions within our
communities and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and
cohesive West Dunbartonshire where everyone is treated with dignity and
respect. 
Council therefore reaffirms its commitment to: 
1. Reject all forms of hate and discrimination in our communities and across
our services. 
2. Work with our schools and education settings to make a proactive and
sustained effort to tackle misinformation around this topic. 
3. Promote inclusion, equality, and respect through engagement that bring
people together across communities, regardless of their differences, fostering
unity and understanding.

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The Council agreed the motion. 
(a) Motion by Councillor Lauren Oxley – 75 Years of Whitecrook Bowling
Club 
Councillor Oxley moved:- 
Council notes that September 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of
Whitecrook Bowling Club, a much-loved and long-standing part of the
Whitecrook community since its establishment in 1950. 
Council recognises the Club’s significant contribution to local life over the past
seven and a half decades. More than simply a place for sport, Whitecrook
Bowling Club has served as a cornerstone of community life, providing a
welcoming space where people of all ages can come together, build
friendships, and take part in shared activities. 
Council further acknowledges the important role the Club continues to play in
tackling loneliness and social isolation within the community. By offering
opportunities for connection, recreation, and companionship, the Club helps to
improve wellbeing and strengthen the social fabric of the area. 
Council celebrates this remarkable milestone and extends its sincere
congratulations to the members, committee, and volunteers whose hard work
and dedication have sustained the Club for 75 years. Council also agrees that
the Provost should host a civic afternoon tea in recognition of this anniversary,
to formally celebrate the Club’s history and the positive contribution it
continues to make to community life. 
The Council agreed the motion. 
(b) Motion by Councillor Gordon Scanlan – Drumchapel Amateur Football
Club 
Councillor Scanlan moved:- 
This motion recognises the achievements and contribution to football of
Drumchapel Amateur Football Club in the year of its 75th anniversary. 
The Club has been a launchpad for careers at the top level of the game and
has contributed so much to the local community in Duntocher and beyond. 
The motion calls on the Provost to celebrate this with a token of appreciation
from the Council. 
The Council agreed the motion. 
Note: Councillor McGinty left the meeting at this point.

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(d)  Motion by Councillor Clare Steel – Acknowledging "Our Voices, Our
Stories" – A Youth-Led Project Tackling Poverty Stigma 
Councillor Steel moved:- 
Council recognises the important collaborative work between West
Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau and Pupils at St Peter the Apostle
High School in creating the powerful and thought-provoking comic book, Our
Voices, Our Stories. 
This project brings together the lived experiences and creativity of young
people to highlight and humanise the realities of poverty in our communities.
Through a series of honest and moving stories, the comic book gives voice to
those often unheard, challenging the stigma associated with poverty and
encouraging empathy, understanding, and action. 
Council commends both WDCAB & the Pupils, for their innovative and
inclusive approach, empowering young people to lead the conversation
around social justice and inequality. The comic book serves not only as an
educational resource but as a vital tool for advocacy and awareness, and it
reflects the values of compassion and community that are essential to
addressing poverty in all its forms. 
Council further agrees to commend the young people and staff involved for
their creativity, compassion, and leadership in addressing the realities of
poverty. Council recognises the value of Our Voices, Our Stories as an
educational and awareness-raising resource and will explore opportunities to
share it more widely across the local authority. Council also hopes that other
schools will be inspired by this project and supported to undertake similar
initiatives that give young people a platform to share their experiences and
challenge stigma in their communities. 
The Council agreed the motion. 
(e)  Motion by Councillor William Rooney – Supporting Movember and Men’s
Health in West Dunbartonshire 
Councillor William Rooney moved:- 
Council notes the impactful work of Movember UK, a charity dedicated to
raising awareness of men’s health, which originated from the symbolic act of
growing a moustache each November. 
Key men’s health concerns include mental wellbeing and cancers such as
testicular and prostate cancer. Council shares Movember UK’s commitment to
improving mental health and strengthening suicide prevention messaging
targeted at men throughout our communities.

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Council notes that testicular cancer often affects men in their early thirties,
while prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among
men. Council affirms the importance of raising awareness and ensuring
accessible support and information for those affected. 
In recognition of the volunteers who support Movember UK annual campaign
and awareness raising work, the Council requests that we show our support
for the charity by turning Council buildings blue on International Men’s Day,
recognising the significance of men’s health and wellbeing across West
Dunbartonshire. 
Council also asks that the Chief Executive explores ways that the Council can
engage with the organisation to promote men’s health in West
Dunbartonshire. 
The Council agreed the motion. 
(g) Motion by Councillor Kevin Crawford – Recognising the Life and
Contribution of Anne “Rose” Jennings 
In the absence of Councillor Crawford, Councillor Scanlan moved:- 
Council recognises the outstanding contribution of Anne Jennings, known to
many as Rose, who sadly passed away earlier this year at the age of 73. 
Anne was a strong-minded, compassionate, and determined woman who
dedicated her life to improving the Whitecrook community she was so proud
to call home. She was never one to stand by and watch others struggle, and
her tireless efforts made a lasting difference to countless local residents. 
Throughout her life, Anne gave selflessly to her community - from caring for
neighbours’ children so their parents could work, to volunteering at children’s
and tots’ clubs held in the Clydebank East CE Centre. She was instrumental
in fundraising efforts to bridge the shortfall required to build Centre 81, a
valued local hub that continues to serve the community today. 
Anne went on to serve as a member and committee member of Clydebank
East Community Council, where she worked for many years to address local
issues and support residents. Most recently, she co-founded the Whitecrook
Community Action Group, helping to establish the charity and deliver
meaningful projects for local people. 
Council pays tribute to Anne Jennings for her lifetime of service, compassion,
and commitment to others. Her legacy of kindness, determination, and
community spirit will continue to inspire all those who strive to make
Whitecrook and Clydebank a better place for everyone. 
Councillor Oxley asked Councillor Scanlan if he would accept the following
addendum to his motion:-

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Recognising the Life and Contribution of Mrs Rhona Young 
Council recognises with deep sadness the passing of Mrs Rhona Young, a
long-time resident of Mansefield Crescent, who passed away earlier this
month at the age of 95. 
As the oldest and longest-serving member of Old Kilpatrick Community
Council, Rhona devoted more than four decades of her life to serving her
community with compassion, commitment, and an unwavering sense of civic
duty. 
Rhona was a much-loved and familiar face throughout Old Kilpatrick - not only
through her many years as the local postmistress, but also through her
tireless voluntary work and genuine care for others. Over the years, she gave
countless hours of service to the British Red Cross, Old Kilpatrick Community
Council, and the Clydebank Seniors Forum, always striving to make a positive
difference in the lives of those around her. 
Council further recognises that Rhona played an instrumental role in founding
and supporting many community groups and local campaigns that have left a
lasting impact on the village and its people. Her dedication, warmth, and
determination inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her. 
Council extends its heartfelt condolences to Rhona’s family, friends, and all
who knew her. Her lifelong commitment to her community and her legacy of
service will be remembered with deep gratitude and affection for many years
to come. 
Councillor Scanlan confirmed his acceptance of the addendum, and the motion, with
addendum, was agreed by the Council. 
(h) Motion by Councillor Lauren Oxley – Recognising the Work of Hydra
Arts in West Dunbartonshire 
Councillor Oxley moved:- 
Council recognises the outstanding contribution of Hydra Arts, a locally based
community arts organisation which has been delivering creative, inclusive,
and inspiring projects across West Dunbartonshire since 2019. 
Council acknowledges that Hydra Arts was founded with a vision to make the
arts accessible to everyone - bringing people together, celebrating creativity,
and strengthening the sense of community across Bowling, Old Kilpatrick, and
beyond. Through its work, the organisation has created spaces where
residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can connect, express
themselves, and share in collective pride for their community. 
Council further recognises that Hydra Arts has brought around £500,000 of
cultural investment into West Dunbartonshire since 2019, supporting

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employment for local artists and ensuring that creative opportunities remain
free and open to everyone. 
Council commends Hydra Arts for its ongoing dedication to creativity,
community, and inclusion, and expresses our sincere appreciation for the
organisation’s remarkable contribution to the cultural life and social wellbeing
of West Dunbartonshire. 
The Council agreed the motion. 
DATE OF NEXT MEETING 
Members noted that the next ordinary meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council was
scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at 4.00 p.m. 
The meeting closed at 7.18 p.m.