Printed minutes
Argyll and Bute Council · 9 September 2025
Back to Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee — 9 September 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
MINUTES of MEETING of HELENSBURGH & LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE held HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on TUESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 Present: Councillor Fiona Howard (Chair) Councillor Maurice Corry Councillor Graham Hardie Councillor Ian James MacQuire Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson Councillor Gemma Penfold Attending: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Mark Calder, Project Manager Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland Colin Young, Strategic Transportation Delivery Officer Suzanne Mason, Engagement and Communities Lead Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer Seymour Adams, Chair of Cultural, Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS) 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE The Vice-Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Mark Irvine (Chair), Paul Donald Kennedy and Gary Mulvaney. 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 10 JUNE 2025 The Minute of the meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, held on 10 June 2025, was approved as a correct record. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME The Vice-Chair noted that several questions had been submitted by members of the public in advance of the meeting. The Vice-Chair then invited any other members of the public in attendance to submit any questions they may have. Dr Peter Brown Having noted that Dr Peter Brown was not in attendance the Committee Manager read out the questions submitted by him in advance of the meeting as follows: Question 1 At the Area Committee meeting in June, Councillors deferred holding a public meeting about the Leisure Centre closure and repair work until tenders had been awarded. That has now been done - when will the Councillors be willing to attend a public meeting to address the community about the Leisure Centre situation?
Page 2
Question 2 Since the Area Committee meeting in June, there have been 3 updates to the Council's webpage informing the community about progress on the Leisure Centre works. That is 3 updates in 3 months. The last two updates promised scaffolding would be in place by now, and it's not. At the Area Committee meeting in March, Councillor Corry called for regular progress updates, like the weekly updates that were provided when the building was being constructed. Why are the community still not being provided with regular updates? The Committee Manager advised that on receipt of these questions he had passed them to the Project Lead for Helensburgh Leisure Centre Repairs, Andrew Collins, who had asked that he deliver the following update: Officers are aware of the request from Helensburgh Community Council and agree with the consensus view from Councillors at the June Area Committee which was summarised by the Chair Cllr Irvine that a ‘public meeting at this time would not be appropriate.’ That remains the position as not all contracts have been awarded at this stage, notable the internal fit out. All information that can be shared is contained within the regular updates on the website. Our focus remains on returning the leisure centre to use for everyone as soon as possible. We continue to share updates with communities across social media and have a dedicated web page with updates images as work progresses. The last update was provided 2 weeks ago. Updates are issued monthly and are designed to tie in with Community Council meetings. The next update will be at the end of this month. Hub North Scotland are playing a key role in the project by providing project management and working collaboratively with developers, builders, and their supply chain partners. The Council’s contractor Galiford Try has now taken possession of the site and is establishing the compound site and scaffolding. Site cabins were erected last week and works are ongoing this week. There has been a slight delay in completing the necessary design for the scaffolding due to the complexity between the scaffolding and the existing structure. Works to erect the scaffolding are now due to start next week on 15 September for a period of four weeks. Works on the roof will be ongoing throughout the Autumn. We have every sympathy for everyone affected by the consequences of Storm Eowyn. Our focus in on returning the pool and leisure centre to use as soon as possible, and we have provided an idea of the range of actions needed for this on our website. At this stage we forecast the building to re-open by the end of March 2026. We will continue to share updates on both our website and across social media. Councillor Corry supported the statement by the Project Lead for Helensburgh Leisure Centre Repairs and confirmed that the council is doing all it can to get contractors on site to begin the required work. Question 3 This question is for the three Helensburgh and Lomond Councillors who are on the Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee. At the EDI meeting this Thursday, there is a proposal from officers to change the policy on 2nd domestic bin
Page 3
collections. Are Councillors aware that the officers' report misrepresented the consultation results from the 821 residents who responded to the public consultation? In the question which asked "Do you think the criteria below for providing an additional general wate bin, free of charge, are correct? Households of 5+ people", the summary of results said "A significant majority of respondents (69%) support the current policy of households with over 5 residents can access a second green bin free of charge". This is a significant difference - the officers have incorrectly said "over 5" but the current policy, and the survey question was about "5 and over". The officers are now proposing that second bins are provided for households with "6 and over" inhabitants. Are Councillors aware of this misrepresentation of the result of the public consultation? In response Mark Calder, Project Manager, advised that he would take this back to the Department for consideration. Councillor Hardie advised he will raise this question with Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services. Lizzie Donaldson, Chair of Parents for Active Learning, Hermitage Primary School Question 1 Why does the Council think that the Annex is land it can give away out of purposes for Education when it is sitting on the footprint of the school, within school wall boundaries, which is land gifted by the original Cramb family for the purposes of education? Question 2 What guidelines does Aryll and Bute Council use for declaring the legal size a playground should be, based on school roll numbers? The Committee Manager advised that on receipt of these questions he had passed them to colleagues in Education and Commercial Services who had asked that he provide the following response: Both Officers from Education and Commercial Services have kept in contact with the Parents for Active Learners (PAL) Group and note the formation of the new Trust. Officers are in the early stages of looking at the old annexe site for possible housing. There are a number of issues to address before determining its suitability. If this is not possible, alternative uses such as an outdoor play area may come back for consideration. Outdoor play and learning are important parts of school life. Hermitage Primary has a number of options available to them for outdoor play including their own existing outdoor space, the sports pitch at Parklands and Hermitage Park. In Scotland the size of school grounds is governed by the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) Regulations 1967 (as amended) Councillor Corry responded that he had been approached by a number of constituents who had raised concerns over the proximity of the proposed housing to the playground and that the health and wellbeing of the children should be the primary focus. Councillor Corry added that he would prefer that the site be identified for a purpose other than housing and that he would support an extended playground.
Page 4
Councillor Howard advised that she had signed the associated petition and agreed with Councillor Corry, adding that she would be more than happy to work with him on this matter. Councillor MacQuire also agreed with Councillor Corry and that it would be beneficial to explore what provisions are made at other schools and that the playground at the school should reflect the current and future school rolls. Councillor Penfold said that she supported the Councillors statements and that the area should not be used for housing but for the school. Elizabeth Lambert, Helensburgh Community Council – Town Improvement Group Question 1 When will the broken benches in Colquhoun Square be repaired? I first reported the one by the flower beds in February and again in March and August. Since February another three have been broken and added to my reporting but none have been fixed. It doesn’t help that there is no method of reporting broken benches on the report it tool, so I’ve no idea if the emails are being registered or actioned. The benches will cost a lot to replace so repair is still the most cost-effective action. Please can I get an update on when they will be repaired? Question 2 If replacement benches are being considered can Helensburgh Community Council be consulted on the design and materials of replacement benches, to avoid the errors made in selecting the ones in Colquhoun Square? The Project Manager, Mark Calder, agreed that it is not helpful that this issue cannot be reported via the website and apologised that Miss Lambert had not received a response to her submission and will investigate this with the local team. Mr Calder advised that the benches are sourced from non-standard material and as such when there are faults it can be difficult to identify replacement parts and would arrange to meet with Miss Lambert to scope potential improvements. Question 3 It is not helpful that updates regarding the Helensburgh Leisure Centre are received the day after the Helensburgh Community Council meetings, can this be changed? Councillor Howard advised that it was her understanding that the Community Council did receive the updates prior to their meetings and that she herself had forwarded them. Councillor Howard added that she would refer this matter to officers. Lynsey Young Question 1 The community welcomes the recent progress made on the Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton Cyclepath project, specifically that the required ecology studies have begun.
Page 5
Can you please confirm that the Council has received the promised external resource from Transport Scotland? Question 2 With regards to maintenance, has the Councils Biodiversity Officer or Nature Scot been consulted about maintaining the areas around the cycle paths, once completed, to ensure they remain nature friendly? The Strategic Transportation Delivery Officer, Colin Young, confirmed that funding had not yet been received, and that the resource, at this time, was being picked up by the Council. Mr Young added that no consideration had been given to the planting scheme and that this would be addressed at a future date. Mrs Vivienne Dance Question 1 With regards to Hermitage Primary School, would it be possible to have a timeline and a list of decisions that led to the decision that the Annex be identified for housing? Question 2 Businesses within Helensburgh are investing heavily in improving their premises. Approval to demolish the eyesore at 6-9 East Clyde Street, Helensburgh was approved in 2024, why has this not been undertaken? Question 3 Resource was awarded to secure the conservation status of Helensburgh. Can the Area Committee confirm what the money has been used for? Question 4 The Council are considering changing the fee structure for Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders, which will negatively impact on the Christmas Light Switch On event in Helensburgh. Would the Area Committee revisit this decision? Question 5 Can the Area Committee confirm that the Helensburgh Leisure Centre reopening date of March 2026 remains the target? Question 6 When will the Tourist Tax be determined, as the delay is causing significant concern? Councillor Howard confirmed that the Argyll and Bute Council Visitor Levy Consultation report was available on the Council website. Councillor Corry said that he was under the impression that there was no charge to charities for road closures and that he would investigate the matter. Mark Calder said he
Page 6
would also speak with Mrs Dance regarding road closures and what arrangements were required for over the Christmas period. Member of the Public Having moved to the area in 2022 I would like to see more autonomy for Helensburgh and Lomond. The Committee Manager confirmed that the council area is divided into four administrative areas, Bute and Cowal; Helensburgh and Lomond; Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands; Oban, Lorn and the Isles and that he would be happy to share the scheme of delegation with the member of the public. Cameron Foy, Destination Helensburgh There is a lack of general maintenance in Colquhoun Square with regards to bins, drains, gardens and benches. Mark Calder advised he was aware of a number of defects at this locality and is scoping funding opportunities to set right some of the issues identified by Mr Foy. Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh Question 1 A sewer which had burst close to the Henry Bell monument has now been fixed, but the surrounding granite was not. Sewers and drains are a continual problem in the town with gravel washing into them. What can be done to resolve this issue? Councillor McQuire advised that the identified drains were scheduled to be cleaned next week. Member of the Public Question 1 What can be done about the public toilets at Helensburgh pierhead? The payment machines are not working properly. They are taking payment but not allowing access. Mark Calder advised that the payment system used has had problems at various locations and that in such circumstances the doors should have been set to ‘free’ to allow access. Mr Calder added that a contractor is working towards resolving this issue and that provision of public toilets is not a statutory obligation and costs the Council a significant amount each year. Councillor Hardie said they are not set to ‘free’ and have been taking money but the doors are not opening.
Page 7
5. HELENSBURGH, CARDROSS AND DUMBARTON CYCLEPATH PROGRESS REPORT Consideration was given to a report updating Members on the progress made since the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee on 11 March 2025 in relation to the delivery of a high quality walking and cycle route linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: 1. Welcomed the positive engagement with landowners in Phases 1 & 2. 2. Approved the draft Phase 3 (Helensburgh Town) Concept Design contained within Appendix 2 of the submitted report. 3. Instructed Officers, subject to securing external funding and suitable tender returns, to seek to appoint a design team to complete development of Phase 3 designs through Developed Design and Technical Design stages. 4. Instructed Officers to submit an application to the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund Tier 2 to enable work to continue in the next financial year. 5. Recommended that Officers work to identify potential sources of construction match funding, estimated to require a minimum of £3M to complete the route. 6. Instructed Roads and Infrastructure Service to adopt all sections of the Helensburgh – Cardross – Dumbarton Cyclepath once constructed, including those not contiguous with an adopted road, and maintain as part of the Council Roads Asset Management Plan. (Reference: Executive Director with the responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 26 August 2025, submitted) 6. 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 July 2025, submitted) 7. CHARTS - ARGYLL AND THE ISLES The Committee gave consideration to a presentation by the Chair of the Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS) for Argyll and the Isles. The presentation included information on the strategic aims, key projects and impact of partnership working on both regional and local areas and provided highlights of key projects throughout the
Page 8
Helensburgh and Lomond Area. Mr Adams also provided information in relation to funding streams and the benefits of the continued support received from Argyll and Bute Council. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Chair, Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly for the Argyll and Isles, dated August 2025, submitted) 8. AREA COMMITTEE QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORTS - FQ1 2025/2026 The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 1 of 2025/26 (April - June 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 12 August 2025, submitted) 9. 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 11 August 2025, submitted) 10. RECYCLING AND RECOVERY PERFORMANCE Consideration was given to a report providing details on the council’s recycling and landfill diversion performance along with national policy, targets and regulations which are likely to impact on future performance. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the details as outlined in the report and the national policy drivers that would likely impact over the coming years. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated August 2025, submitted)
Page 9
11. SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND 2025/2026 Consideration was given to a report which detailed recommendations for the award of the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund (SCF) for the 2025/26 round of funding that had been made available for distribution by Council to organisations in the Helensburgh and Lomond area. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee agreed that the 20 applications, marked as ‘Award’ and ‘Partial Award’ within Appendix 1 of the report, are awarded funding from the Supporting Communities Fund Budget totalling £22,500, as follows: Ref Applicant Recommendation Amount Requested Recommended Award 2024/25 1 Fun First Award £ 1,500.00 £ 1,500.00 2 Helensburgh Community Hub Award £ 1,100.00 £ 1,100.00 3 Garelochhead Support Trust Award £ 1,200.00 £ 1,200.00 4 Parents For Change Award £ 1,500.00 £ 1,500.00 5 Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Award £ 1,500.00 £ 1,500.00 6 Rhu and Shandon Community Trust Award £ 1,477.00 £ 1,477.00 7 Princess Louise Hall Award £ 445.00 £ 445.00 8 Helensburgh Music Society Award £ 1,200.00 £ 1,200.00 9 Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games Award £ 1,500.00 £ 1,500.00 10 COVE & KILCREGGAN YOUTH CAFE Award £ 1,480.00 £ 1,480.00 11 Arrochar Gaelic Language and Culture Society Award £ 700.00 £ 700.00 12 Friends of Hermitage Park Association Award £ 500.00 £ 500.00 13 Sounds Good Community Singing Group Award £ 1,500.00 £ 1,500.00 14 The Helensburgh Lunch Club Award £ 964.00 £ 964.00 15 Cove & Kilcreggan 10k Run/Walk and Fun Run Award £ 1,500.00 £ 1,500.00 16 Kirkmichael Community Development Group Award £ 410.00 £ 410.00 17 Geilston Hall Management Committee Award £ 1,500.00 £ 1,500.00 18 Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council Award £ 495.00 £ 495.00 19 Garelochhead Bowling Club Award £ 1,400.00 £ 1,400.00 20 Garelochhead Residents Association Partial Award £ 1,480.00 £ 629.00 21 Stopgap Community Cinema CIC No award £ 1,500.00 £ - 22 Helensburgh Art Club No award £ 500.00 £ -
Page 10
Ref Applicant Recommendation Amount Requested Recommended Award 2024/25 TOTAL £ 25,351.00 £ 22,500.00 (Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 28 July 2025, submitted) 12. APPOINTMENT TO DUNBRITTON HOUSING ASSOCIATION The Committee gave consideration to a report which sought the appointment of an Elected Member to be the Council representative to Dunbritton Housing Association. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee agreed that Councillor Fiona Howard would be the Council representative to Dunbritton Housing Association. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated July 2025, submitted) 13. SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - MONITORING OF PROJECTS FUNDED 2023/24 Consideration was given to a report providing information on the impact and spend of funding awarded to community projects from the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund in 2023/24. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the positive contribution of the Supporting Communities Fund detailed in section 4 and within the attached table; and that no funds were to be returned. (Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 9 September 2025, submitted) 14. 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 September 2025)