Item 9 Appendix 03
West Dunbartonshire Council · 20 December 2023
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 20 December 2023 and its agenda
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Review of Polling Places and Polling Districts 2023 – Comments submitted by Elected Members prior to consultation Elected Member Ward Comments Martin Rooney Lomond I’m content with the current polling stations, they are central and accessible to all. Jim Bollan Leven RO proposals are all fine by me. Chris Pollock Dumbarton I think regarding Bowling it is important that the village has its own polling place and voters are not forced to travel to Milton or Old Kilpatrick. There is no train station in Milton and many voters would be forced to walk or get a bus. If Bowling Community Centre is sold or no longer available I would be keen to identify another building or put a portacabin in place. Is there any availability at Bowling Harbour as there are a few unused buildings there? Or the Bay Inn may be available but not sure if that is appropriate. A portacabin may be the best option. I would be keen to have The Leven Suite as a polling place rather than asking residents of areas such as Barnhill and Highmains to travel to Knoxland or Saint Patrick’s Primary. I think as we have an ageing population in the east of Dumbarton it is important that polling places remain accessible. The Abbotsford has always been a busy polling place from memory and would be keen to retain the use of it if possible. David McBride Dumbarton West Dumbarton Activity Centre – I would certainly prefer the Activity Centre, St Michaels would be an acceptable alternative if not possible. Bowling Community Council – I would prefer a portacabin arrangement. Leven Suite, Abbotsford Hotel - I have no strong views on this proposal to use St Patrick’s PS. Craig Edward Clydebank Central Instead of using Kilbowie Primary School, why not revert to using The Hub Community Centre? I may be wrong, but my understanding was that The Hub became requisitioned by the NHS during the pandemic. It further makes sense in terms of using majority community halls in the Ward. I think part of The Hub's car park has been resurfaced in recent years, I've not been for a while so I'm not entirely sure. There is a back door entrance directly from the car park, into the gym hall. Perhaps this could be used on polling APPENDIX 3
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day? Or could the leisure trust and general funds match fund the cost of resurfacing works as it would bring a double benefit to both. (Additional comment after publication of RO’s Representations - I am pleased to note the Hub CE Centre will be used as a polling station once again, rather than the school. The Hub is a well-established location, with great access to bus services, onsite parking, and accessible for my disabled constituents. Many thanks for completing this review and reintroducing The Hub as a polling station.) Parkhall Library - this is the ideal location for a polling station. I have previously spoken to Parkhall Tenant's Hall and seen the dire state that building is in when attending the Community Council meetings. Floorboards missing, trip hazards everywhere, dampness, electrical wires showing, and a committee that is not functioning well. I am surprised it remains, frankly. This to me seems a big risk. The irony of Council closing a building we own, yet putting money into a Hall it doesn't own, will not pass many people. Sophie Traynor Clydebank Central As per our previous conversation, I believe the Parkhall Tenants Hall would be a good alternative to the Library for once the relocation plans have been carried out. This is an accessible hall and there is plenty of space within for what's needed. I am aware of the new tenants will soon be taking over this place but it would be worth a conversation with them about using this space for elections in the same way that there is an agreement in place with the Recycle Room for Onslow Road Community Hall. Thanks for addressing the issue of St Eunan’s Community Hall. Diane Docherty Clydebank Central Nothing further to add. Daniel Lennie Clydebank Waterfront RO Proposals are fine by me.