Bishopton Community Council
Minutes of the meeting held in The Cornerstone Church Centre –
Tuesday 4th March 2026
Present:
D. Woodrow; M. Ramage; E. Mitchell; K. Wilkinson; J. Mackintosh; I. Miller; B. Sanders; S. McCann; J. Anderson; K. Simpson
In attendance:
P. Cairns; D. Ross (both visitors from Dargavel Residents Association)
1. Apologies
• J. Brown; P. Bryson; C. Camelford; T. McCutcheon; A. McLean; Cllrs Maclaren, McCulloch and Nicolson.
2. Police Report
• Report attached.
• Officers updated the attached report verbally and indicated that there was also someone charged with Careless Driving and a counterfeit banknote being used.
• Members discussed with the officers speed limits in the village and the possibility of more signage as there is an issue with speeding on Greenock Road. A brief discussion about how this could be addressed included a 20 MPH limit and/or a speed camera to alleviate police resources. Officers agreed to report back at the next meeting.
• Officers were asked regarding an incident that members understand had been reported to the police in relation to an alleged incident involving a postman and a member of the public causing mail not being delivered to a number of streets in Bishopton. Officers were unaware of any such incident being reported.
• The matter of people parking on pavements was discussed but it was accepted that resources may be an issue and perhaps better addressed by the Traffic Warden.
3. Adoption of Minutes of Meeting of 4th February 2026
• No issues were raised and minutes were adopted.
4. Matters Arising
• Discussion took place regarding approximately 200 houses not having mail delivered allegedly because of an incident involving a postman and/or post van, causing Royal Mail to decide not to deliver to 200 houses in the area.
• It was said that people had to collect their mail from the sorting office in Erskine irrespective of individual difficulties in getting there, with no consideration of age, disability or travel difficulties in getting to the Rashielee office.
• The general consensus amongst members was that the actions of Royal Mail were draconian and disproportionate. It was decided to raise the topic with local councillors and Alison Taylor M.P.
• Trouble experienced with the local bus provider McGills was discussed. Buses not arriving or leaving on time remains an issue. It was suggested that Renfrewshire Council should be lobbied to take over responsibility, or SPT approached to discuss a different bus operator.
5. Correspondence
• Correspondence from Royal Mail and Better Buses was received and shared by the Chair. These related to the discussion regarding mail and bus service referred to above under Matters Arising.
6. CLG / Community Trust / Local Place Plan
• A meeting is arranged with Gavin Moran of BAE Systems on the 13th April.
• The Community Trust is arranging for a cricket field to be set up for use on Holmes Park.
• There was no update on the Local Place Plan (LPP) as the arranged meeting had been cancelled.
7. Councillors' Reports
• No Councillors were able to attend. Reports had been received and were dealt with by the Chairman during his report.
8. Chairman's Report
• The Royal Mail issue was again referred to. MR offered to check the legislation covering Royal Mail and whether the refusal to deliver mail constituted interference with the Royal Mail.
• Paterson Lorries' failure to follow agreed routes into Dargavel was discussed. The discussion focused on the safety aspects of trucks using ordinary traffic routes and the wear and tear on the arterial routes and main road through Dargavel and Bishopton, and the importance of ensuring agreed routes are followed.
• BAE Systems had agreed that no lorries would be routed through the village. It was suggested that the CEO of Patersons and Gavin Moran of BAE Systems be contacted.
9. Treasurer's Report
• The Treasurer confirmed that there was £4,510 in the bank account.
• MR indicated that she had not yet received the invoice from the solicitors who assisted with advice on the possibility of a Judicial Review regarding the extension to Park Mains High School, but anticipated it would be available for the April meeting.
10. Community Council Forum
• It was understood that this was scheduled for the week commencing 9th March.
11. Local Partnership
• Two applications were received.
12. Potential Petition re Secondary Education Provision
• This relates to the petition process with the Council suggested by Cllr McLaren.
• It was decided that the matter should be deferred until the next meeting to give him an opportunity to discuss.
13. A.O.C.B.
• No A.O.C.B.
Meeting concluded.
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Bishopton CC March Report from Councillor James MacLaren
1. Roads
Potholes: -
Ferry Rd: - I have reported a number of potholes for repair.
Greenock Rd: - I have requested sweeping and removal of the cone following repairs.
Drumcross Rd: I requested the road be inspected.
Paterson Quarries HGVs: these continue to travel through the village despite representation to both the Council's Planning Department and BAE Systems.
2.Bishopton Roundabouts #YouDecide
The improvements are progressing well, and I can confirm that the new horse sculpture is scheduled to be installed on Chestnut roundabout on 3 March 2026.
A date for the installation of the Tree sculpture on Barrangary is still to be confirmed by the artist, Tom Hill, but this is expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Some residents of Dargavel seem surprised that sculptures are going up on the roundabouts.
3. Dog fouling
this continues to be a problem in the Craighead Estate. A mechanical sweeper has attended to clean the area but the dog fouling continues.
4. Local Partnership Grants
Local organisations should consider if they want funding from the Local Partnership this year. The fund launched for applications on 29 January 2026 and will be open until midnight on Sunday 15 March 2026, with decisions due to be made by the Local Partnerships in May. Local groups can apply for funding through the Renfrewshire Council website. Apply for funding from our Local Partnerships - Renfrewshire Website
5. Painting of Bishopton PS Railings
I have requested that painting of the railings takes place for the external side.
6. Council Tax
Council has agreed a 7.5% increase in council tax plus a 5% increase in all charges with the exception of parking charges which will not be increased."
7. YouDecide Tenants - Tenants Vote
The Tenant vote will open on Monday 16th February and close on Sunday 15th March giving tenants 4 weeks to vote for their favourite projects, up to the value of £37,500 in each of the 4 neighbourhoods (Johnstone and villages, Paisley North, Paisley South and Renfrew and Gallowhill). See the website at https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/community-and-neighbourhood-issues/community-and-living/community-empowerment/suggest-improvements-your-local-area-youdecide-tenants
8. Postal Services
Royal Mail appears to have suspended postal services in the Craighead Estate after a reported incident of abuse to a staff member. Councillors have not been advised of the incident by Royal Mail, but I understand the police have been informed. A press reporter is investigating the matter, but it does seem very heavy handed given the police are already involved.
4/3/2026
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Bishopton Community Council
4 March 2026
Cllr C McCulloch
Council
· The full Council met on Thursday 26 February to discuss Council Tax and Housing Revenue Account budgets for the year ahead. The Council agreed a 7.5% increase in Council tax, with a 5% increase in service charges (with social care and parking charges frozen). The Labour Group amendment of a 3% rise was defeated by the administration. The Conservative and Reform groups each abstained from the vote and did not present their own budget for consideration.
· Council housing rents were agreed to rise by 7.5% at last year’s budget as part of a three-year rent setting plan. Council housing services must be funded by the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) only, and Council rents cannot be used to subsidise other Council services. Due to historically low increases in rents, the HRA needs further funding to ensure Council houses receive overdue investment.
Mail Delivery
· The Community Council will be better appraised of the current situation with mail deliveries in the Craigton area. I am liaising with the office of Alison Taylor MP to pressure Royal Mail to bring about a more satisfactory solution than a blanket restriction on deliveries, especially after so much mail was delayed during the festive period.
Roads
· The improvements to Chestnut Roundabout are progressing well, and the new horse sculpture is scheduled to be installed on Chestnut roundabout on 3 March 2026.
Transport
· McGills have announced some changes to bus timetables across their network to accommodate delayed travel due to ongoing works on the M8.
Other
· Local Partnerships will meet in May to decide on the next round of funding. I encourage all Bishopton community groups to consider whether they have any projects for which they may require applications for funding. Applications funding must be submitted by 15th March.
· The Council planning department recently agreed with Mar Hall measures to ensure fair access for those seeking it under Right to Roam. This hopefully concludes a long running dispute with local residents seeking to pass through the grounds.
· I have received a complaint about the lack of play equipment and areas in Dargavel. As this area is largely not under public sector management, queries should be directed to the Factor in the first instance, who are open to ideas and input from the community on improving amenities in general.
Cllr C McCulloch
2 March 2026
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POLICE SCOTLAND REPORT
BISHOPTON
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 2026
Update from Previous Meeting
N/A.
Crime Summary
Between 1st February and 28th February 2026 there have been a total of 5 recorded crimes, 2 of which have so far been detected, and the others are still under investigation.
CRIME/OFFENCES OF NOTE NUMBER DETECTED CONTEXT
Theft by Housebreaking/Attempt
Theft
Robbery
Serious Assault
Common Assault 1 1 DETECTED - 1 x assault
Drug Offences
Anti-Social (breach
of the peace/vandalism/street drinking) 2 0 1 x vandalism, 1 x threatening behaviour
Road Traffic Offences 1 1 DETECTED - 1 x careless driving
DETECTED – 1 x careless driving
Other 1 0 1 x counterfeit currency
Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
Over the month of February there have been no apparent crime trends.
Community Police Report
Police have continued to carry out high visibility mobile and foot patrols of the local Bishopton area.