Bishopton Community Council
Minutes of the meeting held in The Cornerstone Church Centre -
Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Present:
John Anderson; Jean Brown; Peter Bryson; John Mackintosh; Ewing Mitchell; Irene Miller; Bill Sanders; Kenneth Simpson; David Woodrow;.
In attendance:
Sarah McCann; Kalin Stoev; Cllr James MacLaren; Cllr Colin McCulloch; Police Scotland – PC Michelle Williams;
SPT- Kenny Hogg; Gary Robertson; Jordanne McIntyre
Renfrewshire Council: Alastair Scott
1. Apologies
· Kirsty Wilkinson; Moira Ramage
2. SPT/Bus Provision
· Introduction by Kenny Hogg who provided a background around the implementation of the 514 Bus Service.
· As part of the Section 75 Agreement for the Dargavel development, there was a requirement to introduce a single bus service for connectivity of the development - linking with the train station and Erskine. The approved travel plan was for a bus service which linked: Dargavel/Station/Erskine. 514 did this, but, following community consultation, it was agreed that the service be extended to Braehead.
· This was agreed in the Dargavel Section 75 Agreement. SPT procured this service under instruction from Renfrewshire Council. 514 started on 14 April 2024 for 3 years - subject to funding (which has now run out). This one-off funding was to establish the bus service, with the intention that it would become a commercially viable route by the time the funding was exhausted, coinciding with the increase in households in the development. The service does not currently meet the parameters for an SPT subsidised service.
· Contract awarded to McGill’s (only bidder from 40-member framework) for up to 3 years (to April 2027)
· Funded by Section 75 agreement tied to Dargavel development, originally £710k, reduced to £500k, then £350k. Section 75 reductions accepted by Renfrewshire Council at each renegotiation; houses doubled but funding cut by two-thirds
· Service ended early when Section 75 funding ran out before the 2027 contract end date
· Concerns were raised about usage data reliability:
• Ticket machines reportedly not working on multiple occasions; passengers boarded free, not counted
• Buses were reportedly not turning up, especially around lunchtime changeovers
• Numerous complaints had been submitted to SPT and were upheld
· SPT acknowledged poor marketing at launch; no dedicated campaign, only website and roadside info updated
· McGill’s were approached about continuing the service on a commercial basis when funding neared end, but they declined.
· It was noted that commercial bus services are not keen to divert existing routes through the village as it does not have a 'lean' route.
· Discussion around Transport Scotland's funding for improving M8 be diverted to introduce a bus service. However, their focus has been on the £2 price cap
· It was noted that there is no compulsion for operators to provide bus services in particular areas - the operators design the routes for approval by SPT.
· SPT agreed to communicate with McGills and other operators to determine if there is any appetite for introducing a service covering Bishopton
· AS from Renfrewshire Council, noted that he will also contact McGills to determine if they could introduce a service.
3. Police Report
· Reports from July and August attached
· Issues were highlighted re Old Greenock Road:
§ Speeding remains a recurring concern, including school buses.
§ School buses with engines idling at drop-off/pick-up times
§ Issues at school drop-off/pick-up times, including children running onto the road, children not in car seats
§ It was noted that speed gun patrols are on the Police to-do list
§ A road traffic action plan is being developed
§ Plans being made to hold a car seat awareness event
· E-scooters and e-bikes:
§ It was noted that there is an increase in e-scooters and e-bikes being used on pavements with several ‘near-misses’
§ Police have carried out patrols on both pedal bikes and quad bikes over the summer
§ It was noted that around 8-9 e-scooters/bikes have been seized in August resulting in parents being charged
§ School visits are being planned to engage young people directly and leaflets educational leaflets will be issued
· Cycling Infrastructure: Red Smiddy Roundabout
§ Concerns were noted that cyclists were using the new crossing, at speed, without stopping; one hospitalisation reported within the last week
§ It was confirmed that this is a parallel crossing where vehicles must yield to pedestrians and cyclist, who have no obligation to dismount when crossing.
§ It was confirmed that the placement of the crossing meets legal requirements
· Issue raised around a traffic light at bottom of Kingston Road – agreed that this would be passed to Council Traffic Signals’ Officer to check.
· Prescription Drug Litter
§ It was noted that there is a prevalence of prescription drugs being uplifted by the Team-Up to Clean-Up volunteers, particularly on Drumcross Road. This was noted by Police for investigation.
4. Adoption of Minutes:
· Minutes agreed.
5. Matters Arising
· No issues noted.
6. Correspondence
· Concerns were raised regarding communication from APRS regarding the proposed use of the former IBM site in Greenock as a Hyperscale Data Centre.
7. Community Liaison Group /Community Trust /Local Partnership
· Community Liaison Group – Next meeting scheduled for 14 September 2026.
· Community Trust – No update
· Local Partnership –No update.
8. Local Place Plan
· Kalin Stoev provided an update on the work he has completed on the preparation of a Local Place Plan for Bishopton (update attached)
· Principally, the Plan is focused on the usage of land - irrespective of ownership.
· Deadline to submit: 31 January 2027 (confirmed by Alan Williamson of Renfrewshire Council). Submission must be made by a ratified group, such as the Community Council.
· Missing deadline means exclusion from the next Local Development Plan cycle (5 years)
· Neighbouring communities (Houston, Bridge of Weir, Langbank) have already submitted
· At the outset, there was funding available from Renfrewshire Council to assist with the preparation of the Plan, but this is no longer available, however, they can provide assistance in public consultation
· Outreach now required to non-digital residents for comment e.g. schools; libraries.
· Some Local Place Plans have involved full community consultation.
· It was noted that there is a requirement to establish a small working group (including the Community Development Trust) to ensure the Plan can be completed and submitted on schedule.
· It was agreed that all comments be included in the Plan – even those which are most likely to be rejected.
· Kalin is confident that he will be able to complete a 'rough draft' of the Local Place Plan which he will have by November - allowing us to refine and still meet the deadline of January 2027
· Key community priorities which are already emerging: secondary school, youth recreation facilities, better connectivity.
· Council rep offered to meet in Bishopton for a half-day walkabout to identify small infrastructure improvements eligible for external funding (paths, connections to amenities). Also willing to receive requests for 'small projects' for footpaths - some of these have been highlighted in the comments already received by Kalin.
9. Councillors’ Reports
· Cllr MacLaren – report attached.
· Cllr McCulloch – report attached
10. Chairman’s Report
· David Woodrow announced that he will not stand for re-election as Chairman at the AGM (next meeting) but does, however, intend to remain a member of the Community Council. David expressed his regret at not securing a secondary school for Bishopton.
· Merger proposal: chair has sounded out the possibility of merging the Community Council with the Dargavel Residents Association; one RA member present tonight.
· It was noted that Colin Camelford has resigned his membership of the Community Council and has been thanked for his contribution over the years.
11. Treasurer’s Report
· No report.
12. Community Council Forum
· No report.
13. A.O.C.B.
· Battery storage site - concern raised that Renfrewshire Council did not secure a community benefit fund from the developer, unlike other councils; FOI request suggested and supported. It was noted that there appears to be several abandoned buses within the site.
· Future of empty Sainsburys Unit - £20k pa cost of lease - Sainsburys are not mandated to release this unit to anyone else whilst they are still the leaseholder.
· Stuart Road Playpark perimeter fencing - This has been ruled out due to lack of funding - similar request for the same in Morar Drive, Foxbar was declined at a recent Council meeting
· New pharmacy - should be opening imminently - possibly an out of hours dispenser
13. Close of Meeting
· Meeting close – 9.40pm
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POLICE SCOTLAND REPORT
BISHOPTON
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 2026
Update from Previous Meeting
N/A
Crime Summary
Between 1st July and 31st July 2026, there have been a total of 17 recorded crimes, 9 of which has so far been detected, and the others are still under investigation.
CRIME/OFFENCES OF NOTE NUMBER DETECTED CONTEXT
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Theft by Housebreaking/Attempt
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Theft 5 1 1 x Theft of vehicle (detected)
3 x Theft of pedal bike
1 x Theft by Shoplifting
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Robbery
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Serious Assault 1 1 1 x Serious Assault (detected)
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Common Assault
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Drug Offences
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Anti-Social (breach of the peace/ 3 2 1 x Vandalism
vadalism/street drinking) 1 x S38 (detected)
1 x Offensive weapon
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Road Traffic Offences 7 4 1 x No insurance (detected)
1 x Drink driving (detected)
1 x Fail to stop (detected)
1 x Dangerous driving (detected)
4 x S170 RTA
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Other 1 1 1 x breach of bail
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Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
There does not appear to be any apparent crime trends over the month of July. (The 4 detected road traffic offences were part of the same incident however get generated as 4 separate crimes).
Community Police Report
Police have continued to carry out both high visibility patrols and plain clothes patrols within the Bishopton area throughout the month of July. Concerns regarding speed of vehicle both entering and leaving the village as well as speeding within the Dargavel Estate has been noted and police continue to monitor and engage with drivers where possible. Over the coming weeks community officers have created a Road Safety Campaign which will consist of officers engaging with the community and tackling any road traffic offences in the aforementioned areas. Police also met with staff from BAE/Entrick regarding concerns of youths entering the site at the rear of Dargavel. Community Officers have added this to there patrol matrix which has been checked regularly.
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POLICE SCOTLAND REPORT
BISHOPTON
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 2026
Update from Previous Meeting
N/A
Crime Summary
Between 1st August and 31st August 2026, there have been a total of 20 recorded crimes, 6 of which has so far been detected, and the others are still under investigation.
CRIME/OFFENCES OF NOTE NUMBER DETECTED CONTEXT
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Theft by Housebreaking/Attempt
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Theft 12 1 10 x theft by shoplifting
2 x theft of pedal cycle
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Robbery
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Serious Assault 1 1
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Common Assault 1 1
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Drug Offences 1 1 1 x possession
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Anti-Social (breach of the peace/ 3 2 1 x Vandalism
vadalism/street drinking) DETECTED - 2 x threatening and
abusive behaviour
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Road Traffic Offences
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Other 2 1 1 x communications offence
DETECTED – 1 x breach of bail
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Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
There has been a continued trend of theft by shoplifting being an area of concern and high on policing priorities. Community police are engaging with the local business owners in order to obtain evidence and positively identify those responsible.
Community Police Report
Police have continued to carry out both high visibility patrols and plain clothes patrols within the Bishopton area throughout the month of August
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Bishopton CC September Report from Councillor James MacLaren
1. Roads
i) Ferry Rd: -
· Pavement Repair: - The missing kerbstone on the footpath at the junction with Stuart Rd has been passed for replacement.
· Road Improvement: - The recent roadworks have seen an additional gully being installed and upgrade for the pavement on the west side along with patching of the road surfacing. Further road surfacing wont take place until next year to see how the new surface beds in. I will chase up the removal of the barriers along the pavement.
ii) Slateford Road Footpath: - Concern has been expressed to me about the large amount of horse droppings on the pavement with a suggestion that horses wear a bag to collect the droppings before it lands on the pavement? Discuss.
iii) Pavement Parking Exemption: - The following roads have been assessed and have been ruled out of any exemption: Craighead Road, Dargavel Avenue, Fleming Road, Hay Avenue, Maxwell Road, Newton Road, Poplar Avenue, and Barbeg Crescent. Wardens have targeted vehicles on Arrochar Drive for pavement parking.
iv) Flooding Greenock Road: - Properties are being flooded from a culvert running through their front gardens. The culvert is not large enough and water is forcing its way up, washing away driveway and flooding basements. I have been in touch with Roads about this.
v) Bishopton Library Carpark: - I have requested cleaning of the blocked gully grating at the back of the library, which was done and then had to request the gratings be replaced in position to avoid broken ankles.
vi) Potholes, Health Centre Road: - I have asked for potholes to be filled in on the Health Centre Road which is finally happening.
2. Vegetation
· Hedge Cutting: - I have requested a number of hedges be cut back recently including all along Greenock Rd to Renfrew, also cutting back of bushes obscuring road signs, and will chase this up. The Ashy path by Bishopton PS hedge also needed cut which I chased up.
3. Playparks
· Dargavel Parks: - The lack of play equipment for young children (0-8), of which there are many, has been expressed to me. As the parks in Dargavel are not council run, this is really one for the Residents’ Association to pick up.
· Stuart Rd Playpark: - I requested a fence around the play equipment but I’ve been told that funding would need to be applied for. Over to the CC for this.
4. Dargavel
· Disc Golf/Central Park/Country Park: - I will be taking part in a trial of this next week. Funding would probably be required to make it a reality here.
5. Registered Tenants Organisation
A resident is keen to set up a tenants’ organisation around the Loretto Homes. I have offered to help with this. Anyone interested should get in touch.
6. School Buses
· Parking Outside PS, With Engine Running: - The transport team have made contact with SPT about a bus doing this, and our manager will email them again to ensure the contractor is advised that this should not continue.
· Saint John Bosco Bus Route: - The route was recently reversed and has caused a lot of concern from parents. Problems include pavement being too narrow, bus regularly running late in both directions, the lack of communication from SPT and Council, and multiple buses including that for Park Mains all stopping at the same place at the same time. I will be attending a meeting with the Head of Education tomorrow about this.
· Park Main Buses: - Concern has been expressed about the Park Mains HS bus travelling at speed on OGR just when children from the PS are coming out. It appears this route has been changed too.
7. Bonnie Bishopton
I have requested removal of the pile of branches next to the community centre which BB had cut down, these should go today. I have also requested up to 500 crocus bulbs for BB from Gryffe Valley Rotary Club.
8. Waste Services
· Bins at Bishopton PS: -
· Replacement Grey Bin: - I chased up the 2nd replacement bin for a resident on OGR. The resident was told that “If a grey bin didn’t empty after two attempts, no action would be taken to dislodge the contents, rather the entire bin would be thrown onto the lorry and compacted.” In his case it was a brand-new bin that got destroyed.
· Volunteers at Newton Field Pavilion: - Scottish Gas volunteers were recently helping out at the pavilion and volunteered to take the rubbish to the recycling centre. Despite having a permit, they were not allowed to dump it and had to return with it.
9. Funding
You will see that there are a few projects where funding would be required. Perhaps the CC could think about organising a sub committee for this. I would be happy to work with them on this.
2/9/2026
Feedback From Meeting
1. Kingston Road Traffic Lights: - One light appears to be out of alignment. I will get this checked and rectified.
2. Local Place Plan: - Happy to offer my support to the sub group.
3. Sainsbury’s Empty Shop: - It has the potential for a temporary location for a youth group.
4. Central Park: - Happy to look at funding for projects with the Dargavel Residents Assoc.
Councillor James W.H. MacLaren, Conservative & Unionist Party
Ward 11, Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank Tel. 03003001291
Email cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/councillormaclaren
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Bishopton Community Council
2 September 2026
Cllr C McCulloch
Housing
· On 31 August, the Scottish Housing Regulator has published its review of the performance of social landlords across Scotland, which includes Renfrewshire Council as a stock-holding local authority. I am particularly interested in the Council’s performance on void turnover and rent arrears, which have been poor in recent years, and what steps the Council is taking to improve on these areas. I will also be looking at the performance of other social landlords managing properties in the area.
· I am aware of ongoing antisocial behaviour originating from a tenancy within the management of Loretto Housing and will refer this to the Wardens service to liaise with the social landlord to resolve this matter.
Health services
· The Scottish Government proposes to reduce the number of Health Boards in Scotland from 14 to 2, with more details to be announced on afternoon of 1 September by the First Minister. This is due to planned public service reform to save money and close a budget gap that will be £5bn by 2030 if left unmanaged. The public can expect significant cuts to public spending and potential tax rises to plug this deficit.
Council / Planning
· There are ongoing concerns being raised by parents and carers regarding changes to the school taking pupils from Dargavel to St John Bosco PS. I have repeatedly raised these concerns with the Education department and have asked for an urgent meeting to discuss this matter in full, to seek assurance that the views of parents and carers are being heard.
· The Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board considered a paper to propose increases in fees associated with installing H-Bars, skip permits and similar services. These proposed changes have been delayed following an amendment by Renfrewshire Labour Councillors to benchmark against other local authorities, as a desktop study showed Renfrewshire’s fees were already higher than neighbouring councils.
Roads / Paths
· The full length of Renshaw Road is due be resurfaced, starting on 4 January 2027 until 15 January 2027. Broom Place is due to start on the 14 September. All resurfacing is dependent on good weather conditions.
· Some drains on Station Road were reported as blocked. This area has been cleared by the Council.
· The cycle path connecting to Renfrew was reported to be partially obstructed in some areas by overgrown hedges. The Council will inspect these and arrange works to cut back, subject to rules around disturbing nesting birds during the nesting season.
· The recent Renfrewshire Villages Safe Walking Initiative Project has been asked to consider installing a footpath on the western side of Ferry Road between Porton Place and Greenock Road to facilitate safer access in this area. I am chasing this up with the team.
· An ongoing issue at Lamont Avenue regarding parking of a van has led to a TRO request being made, with ‘Keep Clear’ signage to be painted in situ until this matter is resolved.
Bins
· The Council has implemented changes to bin collection days across Renfrewshire. All households should now have received notice of their new collection days.
Cllr C McCulloch
1 September 2026
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Local Place Plan – Update from Kalin Stoev as at 30/08/2026
The latest data from our Local Place Plan platform shows strong engagement, with 113 ideas submitted and 258 unique visitors logging on (88% of them via mobile). Activity is keeping up a solid pace, with 108 visit-days recorded just this past week.
Core Community Priorities
· Facilities & Eateries: We're seeing a real appetite for local, family-friendly dining, with specific requests to turn the old Sainsbury's unit into an Italian restaurant similar to the old Angelini's. Residents on the Dargavel side are also asking for smaller, reasonably priced convenience stores and coffee carts (like Curly's) so they don't have to walk as far for basic refreshments. Upgrading the social club to include a community gym and a multi-purpose sports hall is another strong theme to keep health and social activities local.
· Education & Housing: School capacity is a glaring issue for the village. With primary schools oversubscribed and a third being built, the community is highly concerned about the knock-on effect for local secondaries, making a new local secondary school a massive priority. Additionally, there's a push to utilize the available space around Dargavel to build more social housing.
· Youth Spaces & Recreation: There's a clear consensus that our young people need safe, barrier-free places to gather so they don't end up drifting toward the woods or school grounds. Residents are advocating for designated outdoor areas like a skate park or covered picnic benches. There is also a strong call to make better use of the existing centre for free, youth-led activities that don't have a financial barrier attached to them.
· Infrastructure & Movement: Basic accessibility and traffic management need urgent attention. The main access road is struggling with current traffic volumes and requires widening alongside better parking. The train station drop-off is another major pain point; poor signage and a lack of defined walking areas make it a hazard, forcing wheelchair users and parents with prams to weave through cars to reach the pavement.
Who We’re Hearing From
· Participation is fairly balanced between Historic Bishopton (36%) and Dargavel Village (29%).
· Our core demographic remains families with children (38%), primarily driven by the 35–44 age bracket and those employed full-time.
End
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