Bishopton Community Council
Minutes of the meeting held in The Cornerstone Church Centre -
Wednesday 7th January 2026
Present:
John Anderson; Jean Brown; Peter Bryson; Colin Camelford; John Mackintosh; Sam Marshallsay; Irene Miller; Kenneth Simpson; Moira Ramage; Kirsty Wilkinson; David Woodrow;
In attendance:
Cllr MacLaren; John Ramage; Sarah McCann; PC Williams; PC McKay
Apologies
Ewing Mitchell; Bill Sanders
Police Report
See attached report
Shoplifting thefts were both in Sainsburys, plus one parcel theft at a front door - not yet detected Encouraging us to use Inpost lockers etc.
Drink driving and 2 careless driving crimes have been detected.
Extra high visibility patrols being provided by Police
Christmas lights switch-on was attended by Police - this presence provided reassurance to the public.
Acknowledged the Police presence on Greenock Road for traffic the day following the previous meeting.
It was acknowledged that there was a bad road traffic accident on Old Greenock Road - PC Williams will look into this to see if any preventative action can be taken.
Police asked that they be advised of any upcoming community events where their presence would be appreciated.
Adoption of Minutes:
· Proposed - Colin Camelford
· Seconded - John Mackintosh
Matters Arising
It was noted that the discussion at the last meeting re issues with the 521 bus service had been omitted from the minute.
KW advised that she, again, had to walk from Erskine as the 521 Service hadn’t turned up - she again contacted McGills who advised that they keep their spare buses for ‘important' routes. KW then contacted SPT, also with all previous complaints, all of which were upheld. SPT advised this is a subsidised service and break-downs must be covered by replacement buses.
SM advised that she has, again, experienced issues with the 514 bus service including ticket machines not working, therefore, numbers not being recorded. All encouraged to submit complaints directly to SPT rather than McGill’s.
JR confirmed that a Freedom of Information request has now been submitted to Renfrewshire Council requesting information regarding the decision making around the Park Mains High School (PMHS) extension
Extensive discussion took place around the planning approval for the PMHS extension, with MR providing information on the process of submitting a Judicial Review to challenge Renfrewshire Council’s decisions on the matter. It was noted that a precedent has been set which paves the way for Community Councils to use this route.
There is only a 3-month timeframe to submit a Judicial Review from the date of decisions being taken – in this case the planning approval for the PMHS extension was agreed on 4th November 2025.
Discussions took place around potential locations for a secondary school site in the village – JM advised that there is potentially an option within the Dargavel Development.
MR offered to pull together a petition (to reduce costs) assisted by an advocate. She confirmed that the law is keen that both parties make an agreement prior to any court proceedings taking place.
A vote was held on the agreement to prepare a draft Judicial Review - there were 10 votes in favour, therefore this was agreed.
A vote was held on the agreement to carry out a community engagement campaign (as it was apparent that the Council hadn’t done this prior to decision-making) - there were 11 votes in favour, therefore this was agreed, with a sub-group created, led by MR working with KS, SM and JM.
It was agreed that an EGM of the Community Council be held on 28th January 2026 to agree the next steps (to ensure the 3-month timeframe is met).
JR advised that Reflex Blue (funded by Waterside Development) have offered to set up a 'parallel' website with options for an online vote and to facilitate a crowdfunding exercise.
It was noted that the Community Council should be seen to be acting in the best interests of the community in this matter.
Correspondence
All correspondence has been shared with members.
It was noted that efforts are being taken to improve the Community Council website and social media presence.
CLG /Community Trust /Local Place Plan
CLG - meeting scheduled for later this month
Community Trust - meeting on 20th January
Local Place Plan - agreed that we options on this should be included in the community engagement exercise re PMHS. JM advised that both Houston and Bof W Community Councils employed professionals to pull together their draft plans, with reference to transport; community facilities etc., using the funding available from the Council.
Councillors’ Reports
Reports from Cllr MacLaren and McCulloch attached.
Shilton Road storage facility - planning authority are aware of this development and a retrospective planning application has now been submitted.
Porton Place bridge resurfacing included in the 2026 capital programme.
HGVs – there is no route to prevent this traffic using Ferry Road
Council happy to accept What Three Words to improve the method of identifying locations when reporting issues.
Possible raw sewage seepage under the railway bridge at Station Road – Cllr MacLaren to address.
Temporary No Waiting restrictions are being input at either side of the junction of Greenock Road/Ferry Road – could leads to a permanent arrangement.
Building materials still to be picked up at the HP roundabout works - Cllr MacLaren to look into this.
Chairman’s Report
Mud flowing onto Birch Road - still an issue but the dry weather has helped
Agreed that no further decisions be taken on disbursement of funds at the moment
Treasurer’s Report
Bank balance - £4,892.28.
Letter of thanks has been received from Bonnie Bishopton for the £1,000 donation.
Community Council Forum
JA attended the meeting on 8th December 2025. It was noted that there are opportunities for funding for Community Councils from both Renfrewshire Council and Engage Renfrewshire.
Local Partnership
· No report
12. A.O.C.B.
· Royal Mail issues – it was noted that all of Renfrewshire has been impacted – it is a national issue. Cllr MacLaren has raised this with Allison Taylor MP as this is a government matter.
Close of Meeting
Meeting close – 9.25pm
OFFICIAL
BISHOPTON
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 2026
Update from Previous Meeting
Police are continuing to conduct high visibility patrols and working with local businesses to increase awareness and presence.
Crime Summary
Between 1st December and 31st December there have been a total of 9 recorded crimes, 4 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
3
0
2 x theft by shoplifting, 1 x theft
Robbery
Serious Assault
Common Assault
Drug Offences
Anti-Social (breach of the peace/vandalism/street drinking)
1
0
1 x vandalism,
Road Traffic Offences
3
3
DETECTED – 1 x drink driving, 2 x careless driving,
Other
2
1
1 x fraud
DETECTED – 1 x wasting police time,
Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
There are no apparent crime trends for the month of December.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
Increased high visibility police patrols have resulted in road traffic offences being detected, with the driver being charged accordingly.
These high visibility patrols will continue and be an ongoing priority.
Community Police Report
Police attended the Christmas Light Switch On on 30th November. Police attendance was very well received by all attendees of the event and increased police presence provided reassurance.
OFFICIAL
Bishopton CC January Report from Councillor James MacLaren
1. Crossing Patrollers
Roads keep a record of all near misses, reported by School Crossing Patrollers themselves, which shows seven near misses and five incidents, one of which resulted in a minor injury. With 88 Patrollers doing two stints a day for five days during school weeks, this makes 88 x 2 x 229 = 40,304 opportunities for incidents per year, or 120,912 in the last three years. The chance of an incident befalling a School Crossing Patroller is 12 in 120,912 i.e. 0.01%.
That being said, even one incident that causes injury to a School Crossing Patroller is too many , so we are currently undertaking a suite of safety assessments of all school crossing patroller sites. School Crossing Patrollers also undergo generic risk assessments and abide by the council's lone worker guidance.
On this basis, current policies and processes are deemed to be adequate to manage the safety of the council's School Crossing Patrollers at this time.
We have no evidence to suggest body cams are required. To fully prove a business case, a full analysis of health and safety data, the legal structures required, and the capital and revenue costs, would need to be carried out. The current Road Safety GB Guidance clearly states that the legislation in Scotland is different from England and Wales and this would require additional specific legal advice before pursuing.
Likewise, the number of School Patroller sites that would need CCTV coverage would require a similar business case against the current position of the council which is; the number of incidents do not meet the threshold necessary to justify CCTV installation and the council does not have the infrastructure or capacity to undertake this project in the public space CCTV realm.
2. Porton Place Bridge Resurfacing
The intention is to include this section in the Roads Capital programme for next financial year, and to this end, Roads have already carried out cores to check for coal tar. They will also start early consultation with Network Rail. In the meantime, the inspector for the area instructed a couple of temporary patches.
3. HGVs in the Village
With regards to enforcement of HGV usage on Ferry Rd, from a Roads Authority stance, there is no reason for HGVs to be banned. This is a public road with no weak / narrow bridge which would prevent use by HGVs, so as long as the vehicles are taxed, they are free to use the road. Planning officers originally restricted routes for HGVs (during construction) as part of the planning process. Unfortunately this would be difficult to enforce as there is no way to tell the intended final destination of any HGV using the road.
4. HP Roundabout, Ferry Road
The work to improve this roundabout has included removal of the monoblocs and replaced with asphalt surface, replacement of the old keep left boxes with new keep left flexi bollards, directional signage replaced, and road markings and red screed surfacing have been applied. The red surfacing (screed) on a roundabout is used for demarcation to highlight specific areas requiring driver attention and to guide traffic flow. It serves as a visual alert to drivers, often used in conjunction with white lines or chevrons to dissuade traffic from using certain parts of the road, thereby managing speed and flow.
5. Pavement Resurfacing, Ferry Rd
I requested that the pavement on Ferry Rd be resurfaced. The inspector will assess and make arrangements for any necessary repairs. I will push for resurfacing from Caulders Garden Centre to the HP roundabout.
6. JT self-storage lack of planning permission
The Planning Authority were aware of this site/development and have been reviewing it from a planning enforcement perspective. They advised that planning permission was required and a partly retrospective planning permission was then submitted for the following:
· 25/1005/PP - Change of use to Class 6 storage and distribution, installation of storage containers and hardstanding, formation of vehicular access and associated works (in part retrospect).
7. Blocked Gully, OGR @ Chisholm Ave.
Kenneth Simpson is chasing up this repair of the gully.
8. What3Words
I asked if council is using this method of locating potholes etc and they do and find it helpful to receive this type of reference.
9. Refuse Collections
i) Bin Collection Calendars: - I think it is a retrograde step not to send out calendars this year.
ii) Missed Bin Collections: - There have been a number of missed bin collections, some of which were emptied the next day. Brown bins annually get missed at this time of year over the Christmas period even though it features on the calendar.
10. Local partnership Grants
Local organisations should consider if they want funding from the Local Partnership and be preparing their applications.
11. Surface Water, Station Rd
The road going under the bridge is dangerous with the ice forming on the water (possibly foul water) which seeps out from the wall. I will request investigation and gritting.
12. Greenock Rd/Ferry Rd Junction
Roads will be introducing a “No Waiting At Any Time” parking restriction for Greenock Rd on the west bound approach to this junction. This is likely to become permanent.
13. Postal Service
The poor mail delivery service prior to Christmas was down to staff shortage. It was poor across Renfrewshire but seemed to be worst at the Erskine Sorting Office. I wrote to the MP a few times about this and am continuing with my enquiries.
14. Resurfacing Programme
It would be helpful to receive suggestions of roads and pavements in or around the village which require to be resurfaced so I can put them forward for inclusion in next year’s Capital Work Programme.
7/1/2026
Feedback From Meeting
1. HP Roundabout Debris: - There is a pile of monoblocs like a sculpture left at the HP roundabout. I will ask for them to be removed.
Please email me with your updates and requests as I cannot guarantee to see your comments or messages on Facebook. “Likes” are always welcome.
You can also subscribe to receive a copy of my monthly reports, just request this by email.
My Bishopton Surgery is held in the Community Centre at 6.30pm on the third Monday of the month.
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
Bishopton Community Council
7 January 2026
Cllr C McCulloch
· Road closure of Old Greenock Road, Bishopton – From Drumcross Road to Dargavel Road, for the purpose of tree cutting. Vehicles left on the road in contravention of this Notice will be moved out of the works area. Emergency access will be maintained. Access to premises will be maintained where possible. Alternative Routes are via Old Greenock Road, Erskine Ferry Road, Bridgeway, Old Greenock Road and vice versa. This notice will be in force from 19:00 on Saturday 10th January 2026 to 06:00 on Sunday 11th January 2026.
· The current cold weather has highlighted the folly of the previously proposed consolidation of grit bins into larger community bins. If these changes had passed, many householders would have struggled to access grit bins in the event of unexpected freezing weather. Furthermore, Dargavel has again been hit harder than other areas due to large parts not covered by Council gritting services as these areas are not adopted.
· I have again asked for greater Warden presence in Bishopton to clamp down on inappropriate pavement parking and parking on double yellow lines throughout the village, but particularly in the residential areas near the train station.
· Repairs have been completed to the surface of Newton Road following works on the playing fields.
· Road relining to Morar Crescent has been completed.
· I have received complaints about the condition of Ferry Road, which is due to receive repairs and surfacing works (if not already completed). There have also been complaints about HGVs using Ferry Road to access development areas. I have raised this with Renfrewshire Council and BAE.
Cllr C McCulloch
7 January 2026