MINUTE OF THE MEETING OF THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE, HELD ON 10 June 2025
Argyll and Bute Council · 9 September 2025
Back to Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee — 9 September 2025 and its agenda
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HELENSBURGH & LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE HELD ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE MARRIAGE SUITE IN THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS ON TUESDAY, 10 JUNE 2025 Present: Councillor Mark Irvine (Chair) Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess Councillor Maurice Corry Councillor Graham Hardie Councillor Fiona Howard Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy Councillor Ian James MacQuire Councillor Gary Mulvaney Councillor Gemma Penfold Attending: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager Charlotte Craig, Interim Head of Strategic Planning, Performance and Technology, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Mark Calder, Project Manager Kirsty Durrant, Economic Regeneration Officer John Gordon, Programme Manager Brendan Docherty, Education Manager Douglas Morgan, Head Teacher, Hermitage Academy Claire Kennedy, Depute Head Teacher, Hermitage Academy Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland 1. APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTE OF THE MEETING OF THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE, HELD ON 11 MARCH 2025 The Minute of the meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, held on 11 March 2025, was approved as a correct record. Councillor Gemma Penfold joined the meeting during the following item of Business. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME The Chair having noted that several questions had been submitted by members of the public in advance of the meeting and having noted that some of those members of the public were in attendance, invited them to ask their questions. The Chair then invited any other members of the public in attendance to submit any questions they may have. Kitty Cugley The Committee Manager read out questions submitted by Kitty Cugley in advance of the meeting as follows:
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Question 1 What is the progress with the Helensburgh Leisure Centre? Can we be given a breakdown and timeline so residents of Helensburgh can understand expectations please - the lack of information is dreadful considering the storm happened in January. The Chair responded that the Council issued a detailed press statement on the 30 May 2025 that sets out the damage to the roof, the complexities around that, the interim steps that have been taken to secure the building and the work ongoing to reinstate that. This is a complex repair following extensive damage caused by the red weather event Storm Eowyn and we are working closely with our insurer and loss adjuster, who have experience in similar disaster recovery projects. Our aim is to get the centre open again as soon as practicable. We cannot yet give a definite timescale for this because various key steps and survey works are ongoing, and the repair and the timescale for completion will be dependent on those as will the availability of the roofing materials, availability of specialist labour, and sequencing of the repairs. These will all have a bearing on the repair programme. While officers are working at pace, we have no definitive programme date for completion, it’s clear that it will be several months before the Leisure Centre is reopened. At this time, and based on the information available a reasonable estimate for reopening could be no later than the end of March 2026. Question 2 What is the latest position with the council trying to bring in a Co-op on the seafront please? Why are the council pushing for this facility when the residents of Helensburgh do not want a supermarket on the seafront - let alone a Co-op? The Chair responded that as this matter was subject to judicial review it would not be appropriate to comment at this time. Question 3 Why are these meetings scheduled at times that people cannot attend during the working day - doesn’t feel like a good open and honest approach. Also, when were Helensburgh residents first told about these meetings because as far as I’m aware we are told less than a week in advance? The Committee Manager advised that meetings are scheduled as part of the ongoing committee meeting cycle and that the Council agrees the schedule of meetings in advance and in open meeting and publishes the agenda and papers on its website for each meeting a week in advance. He further advised that meetings are scheduled during the working day as part of the normal cycle of meetings that require officers to organise and attend, and that the Council publishes its papers in accordance with its constitution and makes these publicly available earlier than the law sets out. It was highlighted that they operate a hybrid meeting system enabling greater flexibility of attendance in person or online, advising that the Council, prior to each Area Committee meeting notifies Community Councils by e-mail and the public by social media and invites virtual attendance through teams for those that request this, as well as making a recording of the meeting available following the publication of the minutes on its website for public viewing. Dr Peter Brown, Helensburgh Community Council
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The Council's update on 30th May about the Leisure Centre closure left many questions unanswered, such as whether the roof will be redesigned to withstand future storms, and how LiveArgyll staff will be affected by the long-term closure. The strength of feeling about this issue was evident at the Helensburgh Community Council meeting the previous day, and the community has many questions that would be best resolved with a public meeting. Are Councillors willing to attend a public meeting to address the community about the Leisure Centre situation? The Chair responded that a public meeting at this time would not be appropriate as all the information that the Council has on the Leisure Centre is in the public domain, but would happily attend a meeting when more information, specifically regarding timelines, was available. Councillor Hardie advised that he was happy to meet with constituents to discuss this matter and would welcome them at his surgery. Councillor Corry agreed that a public meeting would not be beneficial at this stage but may be something that could be explored once the tenders have been awarded. Councillor Mulvaney advised that as no new information was available there would be little value in holding a public meeting, but that this should be considered once the tenders are awarded and more details in terms of when contractors would be on-site could be shared. Councillor Kennedy shared the views of other members responding that this was not the correct time to hold such a meeting, advising that the timelines to completion are being dictated to by insurance companies and loss adjusters not Argyll and Bute Council. Cardross Cyclepath Action Group Question 1 Members of this Committee gave assurances that, in moving the reporting on this project to a 6 monthly period, there would be scrutiny of project progress in between formal meetings. Despite these assurances, the completion date for the cyclepath has slipped by another year. The most recent project plan now shows Q4 2032/2033 compared to the report to the Committee last September which showed 2031/2032. What is the reason for the further slippage in the completion date? Given the extend of slippage in this project, we strongly recommend the Committee revert to 3 month monitoring and reporting for this project. The Chair responded that as per the update provided to the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee on 11 March 2025, the slippage in the project programme was due to delays in securing 24/25 funding which limited the time available during the year to undertake work and the need to undertake a procurement exercise to appoint a new design team to progress Phases 1 and 2. The need to re-compete each year to secure funding creates a stop-start delivery model for every active travel project which is highly inefficient in terms of both resources and timescales; and is the reason why, for example, the construction is scheduled in Q3 and Q4 each year on the programme; as well as the extension of the design phase by a year to compensate for the very late award of funding in 2024/2025. In relation to the
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completion date, it may be possible to combine a number of years construction phases into a single year to shorten the overall delivery of the cyclepath but this would be subject to future decisions regarding external funding and the Council’s ability to provide significant sums of appropriate match funding; and therefore the programme takes a robust approach to future scheduling in order to provide a realistic rather than optimistic delivery date. Question 2 Every update paper presented to the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee states “there is a reputational risk to the Council if the project is not completed within a reasonable timeframe”. In the Committee’s view, what is a reasonable timeframe? (by way of a reminder, this project was launched by the Council in 2000) The Chair advised that it is subjective as it is a Government funding, rather than Council funding which makes it difficult to control. Question 3 The most recent project plan indicates the construction of the Cardross station to Geilston Burn section will be completed in Q4, 2029/2030. This section has been built already, why is it scheduled for completion in 2029/2030? The Chair confirmed that Officers explained this to the Committee on 04 March 2025, specifically that there was a minor error made in labelling when Officers were updating the programme. The sub-label referred to should read “(assuming negotiated acquisition)” and will be correct in future updates. Question 4 Funding of £150,000 was allocated to this project in financial year 2024/2025. How much of was spent and on what? Was there any underspend? If so has this been rolled into this financial year? The Chair advised that funding was expended on progressing all phases of the project including progressing Phase 3 to completed Concept Design and for the new design team in relation to Phases 1 and 2 to review all work completed to date and commence initial preparatory work to enable them to expedite progress once 25/26 funding is secured and that there was no underspend. The Chair further advised that all active travel projects in Argyll and Bute are 100% externally funded and, as set by the funder’s terms and conditions, any funding secured is only available for the single financial year in which the funding was awarded. As such, it is not possible to ‘roll’ or ’carry’ previous year(s) external funding into the following financial year. This was the case with the now closed Transport Scotland Places for Everyone fund, which was administered by Sustrans, and the replacement Transport Scotland Active Travel Infrastructure Fund which Transport Scotland are managing directly. Question 5 To date, what funding has been secured for this financial year, 2025/2026?
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The Chair confirmed that no funds have been secured for this financial year and that all Council’s continue to await the decision of Transport Scotland in relation to 2025/2026 active travel design projects funding applications. Question 6 Has funding been secured for the ecological survey? This is time critical. Miss this summer season and one more year will be added to end date. This happened last year despite highlighting that risk. The Chair advised that while a decision on the external 2025/2026 active travel funding application for the project is still be made (as per answer to previous question); Officers have worked to ensure temporary funding is available to the project to enable ecology work to be undertaken in 2025/2026 when land access can be secured. Question 7 What steps have been taken, especially legal, to gain access this summer for the ecological survey? The Chair reported that Officers continue to engage with Legal Services on the use of the Council’s statutory powers to enforce access to private land for the necessary surveys where landowner permission is not forthcoming. The Chair advised that he would liaise with relevant Council Officers to ensure that everything was in place for the ecological survey to be completed. Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh Question 1 Are householders expected to be responsible for roads overspilling on driveways? Due to either resurfacing roads bringing the level up above drive entrances or the drain systems being in the wrong place. The Project Manager advised that if adaptations to a property and driveway result in water flowing in an uncontrolled way onto a public road then it is an offence. Ms Anderson clarified that this matter was due to adaptations to a public road resulting in water flowing into householders driveways. The Project Manager advised that he would discuss this matter with Ms Anderson separately following the meeting. Question 2 Given the importance of maintaining nature and biodiversity within National Planning Framework 4, can the Council advise if the greenbelt is under threat by the proposed review, when will this review take place and be completed and can full public engagement be assured? The Chair advised that he would liaise with relevant Council Officers and provide a response to Ms Anderson following the meeting.
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Viviene Dance A week or so ago we were told that LiveArgyll is on the edge because of financial problems due to the loss of revenue from the Leisure Centre, can I ask how near the edge they are and what the Council are doing to mitigate them falling over the edge? Could the land that is fenced off at the Leisure Centre be modified and used for parking? Given that Helensburgh on a sunny day is very short of parking this might help address the serious lac of coach parking within the town. Could you confirm if there is still a press office within Argyll and Bute Council’s Headquarters? Does it still exist and how many staff are employed? Last weeks Leisure Centre focussed press release, which was issued locally had no mention of a tender, but did state that the piece of land, identified for disposal, was in line with public opinion. Could you tell me where this public opinion was gathered and how it was determined? The Chair advised that as the detail and matter of the seafront and land designated for disposal is a matter of judicial review he would refrain from commenting on the matter. The Chair advised that he would also liaise with relevant Officers and provide a response concerning the financial position of LiveArgyll following the meeting. Councillor Corry advised that he is on the Board for LiveArgyll and that with the loss of revenue from the Leisure Centre that they have had to give notice to some people which is regrettable, but that this has had to be done to ensure that LiveArgyll can carry on. Councillor Corry confirmed that the Council’s press office still exists with around 6 people in the team working across Argyll and Bute. The Chair highlighted that the press office is very active with frequent updates and press releases. Councillor Irvine advised that in relation to the land proposal and temporary use of it, that he would refer the question to Officers and respond to Ms Dance following the meeting. Ms Dance advised that the fenced off area’s future use is not a matter for judicial review, and that the present state is nothing to do with it. Ms Dance asked if she could be provided with a detailed breakdown of the number of staff in the press office and the total salary bill which covers the whole of Argyll and Bute. The Chair advised that he would liaise with relevant Council Officers and provide a response to Ms Dance following the meeting. Cameron Foy, Destination Helensburgh At the moment in Helensburgh we will have no coach parking at all because this Committee, under the previous Administration, decided to change the parking bays into 20 minute maximum waiting zones. Would this Committee reverse that decision and change these spaces back to bus parking bays?
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Would the Committee investigate additional parking that was promised on the masterplan back in 2011/2012? The Chair advised that he would liaise with relevant Council Officers on the matter. Councillor Howard highlighted that she has been looking into this issue for a number of years and that she is committed to this resolving this matter. Councillor MacQuire advised that he has also been looking into this issue and that he is aware of tour companies that won’t come to the area due to the lack of coach parking. Councillor Mulvaney advised that the 20 minute zone was part of a previous Traffic Regulation Order and that when this was explored it was felt that it wasn’t the best use of space for buses to be parked for a long period of time. Councillor Mulvaney further advised that it is usual to have bus drop off and pick up areas in town centre and then for the coaches to park elsewhere. The Chair requested that Councillor Howard engage with Mr Foy to look at the issues and return this matter to members for further consideration. The Project Manager advised that if this is a priority for the Committee, that he would be happy to engage at a separate Business Day and that he would liaise with Councillor Howard on this matter. The Committee Manager advised that the existing Traffic Regulation Order is the decision of the Area Committee and whilst not enforced remains valid and any decision to reverse or amend would require a formal Traffic Regulation Order process to be undertake. Elizabeth Lambert, Helensburgh Community Council I would like to clarify that coaches cannot park outside the Commodore Hotel, notices banning this are displayed. Double parking outside the Tower is also creating a problem and needs resolved as is the lack of double yellow lines outside the church and on the pier slipway, which often results in access to the disabled toilets being blocked. Will the Area Committee make a commitment to relook at the Traffic Regulation Order in its entirety, not just relating to buses but the double yellow lines also? The Chair advised Councillor Howard would lead on this and that the Area Committee would review as much as they can at this stage and look at all issues with parking within the Helensburgh area. Philip Biggar There is a rumour that the ground at back of Hermitage Primary School is going to be designated for emergency housing, there is significant concerns of safeguarding and protection of school children if the School were to be overlooked by these facilities. Councillor Howard advised that she has been speaking to many parents and that she thinks that this spare ground would be better used as an extension to the playground. Councillor Hardie advised that he had referred this matter to the Councils Commercial Services Officers who advised that there was no immediate plans for this land.
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Councillor Corry advised that he had been approached by Naval Families Federation who shared the same concerns. Councillor MacQuire advised that he believed that this land should be used as an extension to the school due to the number of families moving into the area resulting in more places in school needed. 5. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime; road safety and road crime; anti-social behaviour and violent crime; public protection; and community engagement. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland, dated June 2025, submitted) 6. ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTAINMENT REPORT (a) Hermitage Academy The Committee gave consideration to a report relating to Hermitage Academy, which provided information on S3 ACEL attainment in literacy and numeracy; the pass rates of national qualifications; data from Insight Scotland; wider achievement qualifications; equity and attainment; and Pupil Equity Funding. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the information provided within the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education, dated 10 June 2025, submitted) 7. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ3 2024/25 The Committee gave consideration to the Health and Social Care Partnership Performance Report for financial quarter 3 of 2024/25 (October to December 2024). Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: 1. acknowledged the performance for FQ3 2024/25 (October - December); 2. acknowledged the performance update on the National Health & Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators, as at Appendix 1; and
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3. noted Delayed Discharge Sitrep as of 06 January 2025, as at Appendix 2. (Reference: Report by Interim Head of Strategic Planning, Performance and Technology, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 10 June 2025, submitted) 8. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES UPDATE The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided links to the recent activities of Roads and Infrastructure Services. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated May 2025, submitted) 9. CHORD-HELENSBURGH: SURPLUS FUNDS, COMET PLINTH Consideration was given to a report which provided members with the updated cost plan for the fabrication of the ‘Comet Plinth’ and further information in respect of the remaining models of the Comet. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: 1. noted the contents of the report; 2. approved the allocation of up to £5,291.53 (excluding VAT) towards the cost of creating the ‘Comet Plinth’; and 3. approved that the balance of the Surplus Funds budget be transferred to the Outdoor museum Budget upon conclusion of the Comet Plinth works. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services, dated 7 March 2025, submitted) Councillor Gemma Penfold left the meeting during consideration of the following item of Business. 10. HELENSBURGH OUTDOOR MUSEUM UPDATE Consideration was given to a report which provided an overview of the proposed 2025- 2028 development plans for the Helensburgh Outdoor Museum. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: 1. agreed to the utilisation of the remaining CHORD surplus funds and the additional Place Based Investment funding as outlined in the report; 2. noted the indicative timeline and allocation of spend; and
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3. agreed to delegate to the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee authority to approve the final timeline and allocation of resource. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 16 April 2025, submitted) 11. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ4 2024/25 The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 4 of 2024/25 (January to March 2025) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the performance and supporting commentary as presented. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 8 May 2025, submitted) 12. REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM HELENSBURGH AND DISTRICT TWINNING ASSOCIATION A report providing information on a request from the Helensburgh and District Twinning Association for financial assistance to help assist with the costs of hosting visitors from Thouars in August 2025 was considered. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee agreed to award the sum of £625 from the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Twinning Budget for 2025/26 to Helensburgh and District Twinning Association. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated May 2025, submitted) 13. DRAFT HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee workplan was before members for information. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the workplan. (Reference: Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee workplan, dated 10 June 2025)