Helensburgh Community Council Update

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Classification: OFFICIAL
Helensburgh Community Council Update October 2025 for CPP
Planning
• We continue to monitor the plans for the Waterfront and had our case for Judicial Review heard in Edinburgh
on 4th July, we await the judgement decision. The action has been funded by a crowd funder supported by 281
local people raising £20,045. 
• A group of HCC councillors and interested residents are currently investing a lot of time in developing a Local
Place Plan. The draft has been issued for consultation .
• We await the next HDSF Focus Group.
Town Improvement
• The regular Beach Cleans and monthly work on the Shrub Beds in Colquhoun Square came to an end in
September and will restart in March 2026.
• With the help of David Hagerty and Cllr Gemma Penfold we have been supporting Kirkmichael Community
Development Group in their efforts to dispose of a derelict Portacabin in the play area. Which was previously
used as a community meeting place but is now is a dangerous state due to vandalism. 
• Cameron Foy continues to work with Cllr Fiona Howard on the issue of bus parking being allocated for visiting
coaches. 
• Elizabeth Lambert Is supporting the community around parking Issues especially within the town centre area.
There is a lack of clarity with signs and markings indicating legitimate parking areas or parking restrictions.
• The broken benches in Colquhoun Square have been repaired however we are concerned about the life span of
these benches and would be keen to meet with Mark Calder to discuss this and other matters relating to
Colquhoun Square as he offered at the last local area meeting. Awaiting a meeting date TBA.
• The restoration of the stepping stone path along the waterfront grassed area as well as restoration of the grass
and paved areas is ongoing. The Waterfront Esplanade has been left in a poor state following repairs to burst
sewage pipes this year and last.
• The issue of the bus shelter in East Princes Street has hopefully been resolved thanks to the Public Transport
team. 
• We are thankful for Hugh O’Neil’s work on the playpark equipment tenders and await successful completion. 
• The majority of faded street signs have been replaced over the last few years and we are grateful for this work
by the council. However, we note that Argyll and Bute Council follow no standard style in ordering Street name
signs. Could the council set a style of font, bold or not bold, border line weight, etc to achieve a unified look.
• We note the new style Euro bins at Kidston Park, and hopefully, this ends the issue of seagulls pulling the litter
from the bins and keeps the area looking tidy. 
• We look forward to the consultation on the 20mph speed limit for Helensburgh. 
Community Council Meetings
• August and September heard representation from the Helensburgh Fire Station regarding the proposed cuts
and the applicants Dan and Muaz about the failed bid for a new Pharmacy in Helensburgh. We continue to
support efforts to increase services in Helensburgh and oppose cuts to essential services. 
• We continue to get good public attendance at our monthly meetings held on the last Thursday of the month.
Further information about HCC and our activities can be found on our FB page, Website or by emailing the
Secretary Elizabeth Lambert Secretary@helensburghcommunitycouncil.co.uk 
• HCC is working with the British Legion in organising Helensburgh’s  Annual Service of Remembrance Sunday 9th
November Helensburgh Hermitage Park, Memorial Garden Members of the public will gather in Hermitage Park
Memorial Garden from 10.20 am to be in place by 10:40 am.