Minute of the Meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, Held on 11 March 2025
Argyll and Bute Council · 10 June 2025
Back to Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee — 10 June 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, 11 MARCH 2025 Present: Councillor Mark Irvine (Chair) Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess Councillor Fiona Howard Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy Councillor Ian James MacQuire Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson Councillor Gemma Penfold Attending: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager Douglas Whyte, Team Lead – Housing Strategy Colin Young, Strategic Transportation Delivery Officer Mark Calder, Project Manager Kirsty Durrant, Economic Regeneration Officer Linda MacBeath, Head Teacher, Rhu Primary School Gemma Houston, Head Teacher, Hermitage Primary School Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland PC Chris McCrate, Police Scotland 1. APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Maurice Corry, Graham Hardie 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 DECEMBER 2024 The Minute of the meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, held on 10 December 2024 was approved as a correct record. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME The Chair having noted that two questions had been submitted by a member of the public in advance of the meeting, and having noted that this member of the public was in attendance, invited him to ask his questions. The Chair then invited any other members of the public in attendance to submit any questions they may have. Dr Peter Brown, Helensburgh Community Council Question 1 Argyll and Bute Council are currently running a consultation about applying a Visitor Levy for the region. One or two Councillors have expressed their opinion about the levy in public, but I would be grateful if all of the Committee would give their views on the levy.
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The Chair advised that he was currently undecided as to whether or not the Levy was a good idea and that as the consultation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for him to make a decision without all of the evidence being available at this time. Councillor Penfold agreed that she would need to see the evidence from the consultation before making a decision but advised that at the moment she was against it due to the fact that there is no evidence that the public are happy with this Levy being introduced. Councillor Campbell-Sturgess advised that he was not against having a Visitor Levy but that the information from the consultation will be able to provide information on whether the Levy would work in Argyll and Bute and did not want to pre-judge the outcome. Councillor Kennedy advised that he was initially against the Levy but will wait until the results from the consultation are known before making a decision. Councillor Paterson advised that due to the ongoing consultation that he would not take a view until it is over and he finds out what his constituents want. Councillor Howard advised that she does not disagree with the introduction of a Visitor Levy but she does not agree with the proposals as they are at the moment, adding that she would be waiting to find out the consultation results before making a final decision. Councillor MacQuire advised that he had a similar view as Councillor Howard, and that he was not against the Levy due to the fact that there are similar taxes in other Countries but would need to find out further information from the consultation before making a decision. Peter Brown asked Councillor MacQuire what the Visitor Levy would mean for people from Argyll and Bute visiting other places in Argyll and Bute. Councillor MacQuire advised that if someone from America goes to New York they pay a different rate of tax and that he would hope similar arrangements would be introduced in Argyll and Bute. Question 2 Firstly, can the Chair commend LiveArgyll staff for their work in rejigging facilities in the town to provide temporary accommodation for the gym and gym classes while the Leisure Centre is closed? Secondly, there is no update in today's agenda about the Leisure Centre - can the Chair provide information on when the pool will be able to be opened? The Chair commended LiveArgyll staff, advising that they have done a great job with the temporary closure of the Helensburgh Leisure Centre. The Chair further advised that having anticipated that a question may be raised in relation to the Leisure Centre, that he had spoken with Officers managing the repairs who provided a statement to read out, which read as: The Council continues to recover and repair from Storm Eowyn which caused significant damage to our communities and infrastructure across Argyll and Bute. Our highly popular Helensburgh Leisure Centre has been one of the most notable affected buildings of the red weather event with around 50% of the roof being damaged. The
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severity of the storm and immediate heavy rain has caused extensive water damage inside the building that will require repair of its first floor and roof. Public safety is of paramount importance and a cordon around the building will remain in place and under review whilst repair works are carried out. A waterproof membrane has been re-affixed to the building to prevent water ingress and internal water capture systems have been put in place whilst steps to permanently repair the roof are ongoing. At this stage, Officers cannot confirm a timescale for the full repair as it is dependent on number of factors such as outcome of survey work, design, availability of materials and labour. If there are opportunities to accelerate opening of the ground floor (pool/ changing village), where there has been less damage, as an initial phase, then this will be explored. The Council team have also been working concurrently with Live Argyll to set up temporary services at Helensburgh Library, Hermitage Park and Victoria Halls which are now all operational. Officers are progressing the process of recovery as quickly as practicable and it is a priority. The Council is also fully engaged with its insurer, loss adjuster and specialist disaster recovery technical support. Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh Will the Committee agree that blocked gulleys are contributing to flooding during periods of heavy rain, downpours and light prolonged rain and that by not dealing proactively the impact on householders and business is likely to be higher than if the issues are dealt with in a timely manner? The Chair advised that he would ask Officers to provide a full response to the question following the meeting and highlighted that the Council is currently going through recruitment for a new Head of Roads and Infrastructure and advised that he is hoping that following the appointment, that he and the Vice Chair would discuss issues relating to Helensburgh, including gulleys and drainage with them. Vivien Dance Question 1 Is the Chair aware that the Council has spent over £650,000 on enabling the Pierhead site being available for a supermarket development and does he believe it is an appropriate use of public funds?. I would like to ask members if they believe it is an appropriate use of public funds when we have just been issued with a Council Tax increase of 9.9%. The Chair advised that he was not aware of the figures quoted and advised that he would refer the question to the Executive Director with responsibility for Financial Services and provide a written response to Ms Dance at a later stage.
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Question 2 Councillor Kennedy stated at the last Community Council meeting that Helensburgh and Lomond Councillors have been instructed by Council Officers to not comment on the development of Helensburgh Seafront. As Chair could you confirm on behalf of the Area Committee that this statement was factually accurate? The Chair advised that he had sought advice from the Councils Legal Team around this matter and confirmed that all elected members had been advised that as the matter was sub-judice that they need to be careful in what they say around the development of Helensburgh Seafront. Question 3 Given that under the law of this land, its nation and its associated democracy processors, people of Helensburgh and Lomond elect, every 5 years, councillors to represent the community in the ruling of the local council and play an important role in major decisions which affect people’s lives. Councillors are elected to take executive decisions and represent their ward by meeting residents and local interest groups in dealing with matters that have a local impact. All those parts are quotes from the Local Government Act. This is clearly now not happening here as members have taken advice and being advised to say nothing. Can I ask the Committee if they are following this instruction and if so what is your comments now about the deficit in the democratic process that exists in Helensburgh and Lomond? The Chair highlighted that Ms Dance had raised some important issues however he would refrain from commenting on a legal matter. Councillor Campbell-Sturgess advised that as a Councillor he abides by the Councillor Code of Conduct which references the need to uphold the law as well as a duty to represent constituents. Councillor Kennedy advised that he is following the same advice as Councillor Campbell- Sturgess and would not be commenting on the matter until it is over. Councillor Kennedy further advised that due to being on the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee, he has to make decisions on applications and that if he was to comment on the matter he would likely be unable to take part in the decision of any related application. Dr Peter Brown, Helensburgh Community Council Question 3 Having read this year’s budget, the administration motion opted to assign £2.9m to severe weather costs and to borrow that exact amount, the oppositions defeated amendments did not see the need to include this cost and the Councils original budget pack also excluded it, simply noting that the severe weather risk is considered as part of the Councils policy on the level of general contingencies balance held in the un-allocated general fund reserve.
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Why, a month after the Helensburgh Leisure Centre roof was blown off, did the Administration think that £2.9m needed to be borrowed this year for severe weather costs? The Chair advised that he would provide Mr Brown with a full response in writing having first referred to the Executive Director with responsibility for Financial Services. 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; the work of the Community Policing Team and the Youth Engagement Officer in Helensburgh and Lomond; and Operation Ford. Inspector Simonis further advised that the service are continuing to plan ahead with summer action plans focusing on seasonal anti-social behaviour and road and water safety. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland, dated March 2025, submitted) 6. PRIMARY AREA ATTAINMENT REPORT: HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND The Committee gave consideration to a report and a presentation which provided a range of key information about primary school provision in the Helensburgh and Lomond area during the school session June 2024 to January 2025 and reported the national collection of attainment and achievement data from June 2024. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: 1. noted the information provided within the report and presentation; and 2. congratulated the Education Department for the hard work and success referenced within the report, extending a special congratulations to the Head Teachers who presented the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education, dated March 2025, submitted) 7. 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.
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(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated February 2025, submitted) Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson left the meeting at this point. 8. HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE - STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) - ANNUAL UPDATE Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on Housing Services activity and the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy within the Helensburgh and Lomond area. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated January 2025, submitted) 9. HELENSBURGH OUTDOOR MUSEUM - ARTS STRATEGY FUND APPLICATION Consideration was given to report regarding an application received from the Helensburgh Scout and Guide Trust for support from the Helensburgh Outdoor Museum Arts Strategy Fund. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee agreed to award £1,000 from Helensburgh Outdoor Museum Arts Strategy Fund to the Helensburgh Scout and Guide Trust. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 22 January 2025, submitted) 10. 2024/25 ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRESS REPORT The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the progress made in 2024/25 in relation to active travel projects in the Helensburgh and Lomond area, and sought continued support for the projects from Members. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: 1. welcomed the progress made to date across a significant number of active travel projects by the small Active Travel Team; 2. supported the continuation of the projects and the submission of future funding applications to external challenge funds to continue to develop design and construction stages in order to deliver these projects;
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3. supported the allocation of the Tier 1 active travel funding element in the Council’s 25/26 block grant to the development and delivery of appropriate active travel projects, including those already underway in Helensburgh and Lomond; 4. welcomed the securing of 24/25 funding from Transport Scotland to construct the 350m section of cyclepath within Rosneath; and 5. instructed Officers to continue to identify and develop new active travel projects to benefit local residents, businesses and communities. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 3 February 2025, submitted) 11. 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 10 September 2024 in relation to the delivery of a dedicated, high quality walking and cycle route linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: 1. welcomed, subject to securing external funding, the appointment of a new design team to complete development of Phase 1 and Phase 2 designs through Developed Design and Technical Design stages; 2. instructed Officers, subject to securing external funding, to appoint a design team to complete development of Phase 3 designs through Developed Design and Technical Design stages; 3. instructed Legal Services to utilise the Council’s statutory powers as necessary to enforce access to private land for surveys required as part of the design process where landowner permission is not forthcoming; 4. agreed to work to identify potential sources of construction match funding, estimated to require a minimum of £3M to complete the route; and 5. 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 (RAMP). (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 3 February 2025, submitted) 12. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ3 2024/25 The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 3 of 2024/25 (October to December 2024) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period.
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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 11 February 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 11 March 2025)