Bishopton Community Council
Minutes of the meeting held in The Cornerstone Church Centre -
Wednesday 7th October 2026
Present:
Jean Brown; Peter Bryson; John Mackintosh; Aileen McLean; Irene Miller; Bill Sanders; Kenneth Simpson; Moira Ramage; Kirsteen Wilkinson; David Woodrow.
In attendance:
Sarah McCann; Ian Robertson; John Ramage
1. Apologies
· Ewing Mitchell; Cllr MacLaren; Cllr Airlie-Nicolson; Kalin Stoev; Paul Cairns; Police Scotland
2. Police Report
· Report not available at time of the meeting but now attached.
3. Adoption of Minutes of Meeting on 2nd September 2026:
· Approved
4. Matters Arising
· Everyone was encouraged to contribute to the draft Local Place Plan
5. Correspondence
· All correspondence has been shared with the membership
· It was noted that the Community Council Elections have been postponed until 2028.
· A request was received from Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group asking that we share their poster – this was agreed.
7. Community Liaison Group /Community Trust /Local Partnership
· Community Liaison Group – Summary of points covered at meeting held on 14th September 2026, attached.
· It was agreed that we contact Renfrewshire Council re the change of use of the original venue for care home which has now been designated for more housing, although plans have not yet been approved.
· Community Development Trust – It was noted that the Trust are currently preparing a lease for the Rugby Club for the field. Rugby Club have requested to attend a future meeting of the Community Council to deliver a presentation on the history and future plans of the club – this was agreed.
· Local Partnership – No report.
8. Local Place Plan/Local Development Plan
· Local Place Plan – All present were encouraged to submit comments to the draft Local Place Plan as not all members had done so. Some of the comments discussed included:
· It was noted that some of the content had been suggested to the Council in the 2019 Local Development Plan consultation
· Requesting that 'social funds' be set up from the providers of the local battery storage system - this is in place in other local areas - e.g. Barrhead
· Incorporation of ratified speed limits across the village
· Agreement that Drumcross Road should be a 30mph zone (however, it was noted that a blanket speed limit in non-arterial roads is to be reduced to 20mph).
· Local Development Plan – It was noted that Renfrewshire Council has a Participation Statement consultation in place for Local Development Plan 3 (LDP 3), looking for comments on: 'How we want them to consult' and 'With whom should they consult'. This relates to the formal consultation for LDP3 which is scheduled to take place in the last quarter of 2027 and will last 12 weeks. Although the Council were looking for feedback by 25th September 2026, they have agreed to accept a late contribution from the Community Council. It was agreed that Peter Bryson responds to the Council as follows:
• Groups/Organisations to be consulted:
o Community Council; Dargavel Residents Association; Rugby Club; Youth Organisations (e.g. Scouts; Boys Brigade); Community Centre Association and the hall users; churches; BSCC; tennis club; football clubs; bowling club; voluntary organisations (e.g. Bonnie Bishopton); Cairellot; School Parent Councils; Renfrewshire Running Group; local shops and businesses; NHS; Community Development Trust; Scotrail. It was noted that this list is not exhaustive.
• Methods of consultation:
o Request that the main focus of the consultation is not reliant on digital formats with links to Renfrewshire Council’s website.
o Endeavour to ensure that every household is made aware of the plans
o Locally held, in person, public meetings providing a visual presentation of what’s to be included in LDP 3, with particular focus on the elements which reflect the local area and local residents.
o The new free Community Magazine
o Displays in public places – e.g. posters in library, shops etc.
9. Councillors’ Reports
· Cllr MacLaren’s report attached
· Cllr Airlie-Nicolson’s reports attached
10. Chairman’s Report
· It was noted that the road at Health Centre/Cairellot has been resurfaced to a high standard.
· It was noted that the Taylor Wimpey piling in Dargavel will continue for at least the next couple of weeks
11. Treasurer’s Report
· Annual statement included in AGM papers - current balance £2,141.88
12. Community Council Forum
· No meeting has taken place but it was noted that a new representative is required to attend future meetings on behalf of the Community Council.
·
13. A.O.C.B.
· It was noted that John Anderson and Ewing Mitchell had both submitted their resignations from the Community Council. They are both thanked for their many years of service.
· PB advised that he had contacted Renfrewshire Council re the junction of Drumcross/OGR and Ferry Road at Caulders - confusion around the speed limit signage - with 50mph and 30mph changing frequently. The Council advised that the signage is correct, however, there is an agreement that this area is 'an accident waiting to happen'.
· Changes to local authorities – it was noted that this may impact the Council's interaction with Community Councils. Currently being discussed nationally but no details available yet and is likely to be ‘years away’. However, no matter what happens, it looks like the role of the Community Council will grow.
13. Close of Meeting
· Meeting close – 9.15pm
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POLICE SCOTLAND
BISHOPTON
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 2026
Update from Previous Meeting
Concerns raised –
· E-scooters travelling at speed by young persons with no protective clothing.
o Police will conduct additional patrols within evenings and weekends, engaging and educating youths
o Arrangements to be made to attend the local schools to deliver lessons on the safe use
o Guidance leaflet sent to Cllr MacLaren and the Community Council for circulation and information distribution
· Speeding.
o Additional patrols within the village
o Road traffic action plan to be implemented for vehicle and speed checks
· Bishopton Primary School parking and safety
o Police to attend at drop off and pick up times for safety patrols and engagement
Crime Summary
Between 1st September and 30th September 2026, there have been a total of 22 recorded crimes, 8 of which has so far been detected, and the others are still under investigation.
RIME/OFFENCES OF NOTE NUMBER DETECTED CONTEXT
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Theft by Housebreaking/Attempt 2 2 2 x Theft H/B
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Theft 13 6 12 x Theft Shoplifting (6 detected)
1 x Theft of motor vehicle
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Robbery
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Serious Assault
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Common Assault 3 1 3 x Assaults (1 detected)
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Drug Offences
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Anti-Social (breach of the peace/ 2 0 1 x Vandalism
vadalism/street drinking) 1 x Communications Offence
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Road Traffic Offences 1 0 1 x S170 Fail to Stop
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Other 1 0 1 x Fraud
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Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
There has been a continued trend of theft by shopliftings 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.
There are still numerous outstanding Theft by shopliftings however police are aware of the nominals responsible however they have yet to be traced by police. Once traced police will be requesting conditions that the suspects do not enter Bishopton and if they do so it will be an arrestable offence.
Local officers have also been made aware of a large group of youths that have been gathering to the rear of Dargavel estate near to Bishopton Railway Station. Community officers have been attending in numbers to trace and engage these youths on weekends which has led to various offences. There have also been arrests made and youths been conveyed back to there home addresses and spoke to in front of their parents. Police will continue to carry out high visibility patrols within the area over the coming weeks to try and deter the group from gathering and detect any offences present. We hope that the increased police presence will stop the group from congregating in the area.
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 October.
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Bishopton CC October 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 replaced.
· Road Improvement: - I understand that this work is complete and I have requested removal of all signage.
ii) Flooding Greenock Road: - The whole culvert will be surveyed with CCTV.
iii) Bishopton Library Carpark: - Repairs to gully grating at the back of the library are taking place.
iv) Kingston Road Traffic Lights: - At the last meeting it was reported that one light appeared to be out of alignment. Engineers checked the lights and found nothing needed correcting.
v) Churchill Drive Nameplate: - I have requested the nameplate be replaced.
vi) Ferry Rd gullies: - The Roads Inspector will visit Ferry Road, Bishopton to assess and make arrangements to have these gullies cleared.
vii) Pavement Parking: - The lack of pavement parking has caused some concerns. Residents may wish to apply for an exemption. Recent complaints have come in from Stuart Rd and Anderson Rd. Enforcement is likely to take place on Arrochar Drive.
viii) Road Markings, The Grove: - An instruction to install double yellow lines had been issued to our lining contractor, however, following a site visit, the contractor advised that the existing road surface is not in a suitable condition for lining works to be carried out. As a result, management need to approve this section for resurfacing.
ix) Lamont Avenue proposed road markings: - A site visit is to be planned between Roads and local residents.
x) Water Leak, Kingston Road: - Our water engineer is investigating this.
xi) Keep Clear junction Craighead Rd/Kingston Rd: - This new marking is questionable as to how effective it will be in keeping a driveway free and doesn’t do much for vehicles entering and leaving Craighead Road. I will monitor how successful it is.
xii) Traffic island, Greenock Rd: - I have requested cats eyes be fixed to the traffic island at the junction with India Drive. These are effective in Howwood where they are being trialled.
xiii) Resurfacing railway bridge, Porton Place: - resurfacing of Porton Place is still scheduled for this financial year, in accordance with the Capital Works Programme. The drainage issues previously identified will also be considered as part of the project.
xiv) broken edges, Drumcross Rd: - A permanent repair has been instructed with bitumen to the edges of this road. The works are due within the next 2 months.
2. Vegetation
· Hedge Cutting: - I have requested a number of hedges be cut back recently including Greenock Rd to the east and west, also cutting back of bushes obscuring road signs, and have chased this up again. Bae Systems is currently arranging for the necessary landscaping to clear the overgrown vegetation from the signs. Around the M8 turnoff. Openreach have been on Greenock Rd west of the village to remove a cable from the hedge which can now be cut. Other cutting on Greenock Rd west should have taken place in September.
· Barnsford Rd pavement: - A meeting has been arranged with two local landowners to establish the requirements and responsibilities for cutting back the hedges from the Red Smiddy to Barnsford Avenue. Following the meeting, a review will be conducted to assess the current condition and identify viable options to improve the usable pedestrian/cyclist width.
· Ferry Road Signs: - I have requested vegetation be cut back.
· Drumcross road / Old Greenock Road junction: - Vegetation was cut back last week. This junction will also be added to the Winter Spread sheet to have the hog take the shrubs and trees in further from the Junction.
· Almond Drive: - the Environmental Impact team will be out over the next couple of weeks to cut back vegetation and clean up the detritus on the footpaths.
· TUTCU: - I recently did a tidy up on Cawdor Cres.
3. Local Bus Service
The Service 514, which used to operate between Bishopton/Dargavel and Braehead via the M8 motorway, was funded through Section 75 developer contributions associated to the Dargavel development. The service ceased on 2nd May 2026 when funding concluded at that point. SPT continue to subsidise the services Service 521/521A and Service X22. McGill’s Buses has declined to divert services 901/906 into Bishopton from the M8 motorway.
4. Drink and drug driving
Police have been informed about drink and drug taking in commercial vehicles at lunchtime on Greenock Road.
5. Playparks
· Stuart Rd Playpark: - I carried out a litter pick and clearing items recently and requested removal of a stack of plywood sheets. I also chased up the emptying of the litter bin when it was full. This appears to have been due to an operative being on annual leave. There was also a green bag of litter which I chased up removal of.
· Bishopton Playing Fields pavilion: - Water has been pouring out of an overflow pipe at the pavilion for a couple of days. This has since been turned off. There was also a roof leak and CAMIS for council arranged repairs.
6. Dargavel
· Disc Golf/Central Park/Country Park: - My experience of this was very helpful and I hope a course can be laid out in the future. BAE are considering this.
· Christmas Tree: - I am keen to help achieve a Christmas Tree for Dargavel. A full height one probably won’t happen this year though. I would like to see a small tree with solar lights this year though.
· Estate wide costs: - I raised the matter of factor fees for maintenance of open spaces at the Audit, Risk & Scrutiny Board. I suggested that residents in new developments should be able to get a discount on their council tax if they are expected to pay for the maintenance of open space on their estate. I was told that the legislation around council tax did not allow for such a discount. It would require Scottish Government to change the law about this.
· Dargavel Country Park : - The works to complete the remediation and landscaping of what will become the Dargavel Estate area is due to complete early in 2028 with construction site operations ongoing to transform the site.
· HGV Restriction Breaches, Ferry Rd: - These have been reported to BAE Systems, who will circulate round the developers and ask them to advise their contractors and supply chains on the correct routes.
· Bitmac path, Lochside: - RMG should inspect all paths before accepting their adoption and maintenance.
7. Bonnie Bishopton
It is as busy time of year. The plants are still looking good and still need watered. Watering the planters is a problem as the business that used to do this has stopped. I recently chased up the council to remove a pile of branches cut by BB from the community centre.
8. Waste Services
· Missed bin collections: - missed Grey and Brown bins from Craigmuir Farm.
· Litter, Spectacles Roundabouts: - a sweeper in this area on the 9th and 10th October to address concerns here.
· Recycling Centre, Wheelie Bins: - Residents are unable to take wheelie bins full of waste to HWRC’s. This is mainly due to the associated health and safety risk on residents in lifting the bin up to decant their waste. As they cannot predict the weight, our site staff would be unable to help decant the waste. We are also unable to accept food waste in with our garden waste skips at the HWRC’s as these are processed differently, and brown bins may contain food waste meaning that we cannot take this also.
9. Schools
Thistle Primary Community Event: - An event to update families and the community on the development of Thistle Primary School on Tuesday 27 October 2026, from 6.30pm to 8pm, at Dargavel Primary School.
10. Funding
The Community Health and Wellbeing Fund has funding available up to about £12,000 and is likely to be for organising an activity. Quite a wide scope. It would include walking, gardening, etc. Engage Renfrewshire gave the presentation. Application deadline is end of the month.
11. License Application for Street Trader
There is an application in for a coffee van in the carpark at Bishopton Sports & Social. This is close to the primary school. Any concerns require to be sent in before 14th October.
12. Good Shepherd Centre 20th Anniversary
On 22nd October GSC will be officially opening their new Clydeview space.
13. Local Development Plan
The participation statement is currently being consulted on and is due to be reported to November Planning Board. Planning cannot extend the consultation date until the end of October but did agree to take account of any response from Bishopton CC received immediately after tonight’s meeting.
7/10/2026
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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Cllr Airlie-Nicolson Bishopton Community Council report October 2026
School Estates
Thistle Primary School Visit
I attended a visit to Thistle Primary School. Whilst clearly a construction site we are able to see how the design has been influenced by the children, the staff and the needs of the community. The school build is on track for completion as planned for the school opening after the summer in 2027.
Parkmains High School
In line with Thistle primary school the extension to Parkmains High School is progressing well and anticipated to be under budget and on time.
Lyle Crescent Play Park
Following public consultation, the subsequent feedback received identified Lyle Crescent play park for renewal and the information gathered has informed the design. This should be completed by the end of the financial year. This is as an outcome of the Councils commitment to redesign /renew/ refurbish every Council play park in Renfrewshire
General Local issues
Play park provision
Concerns around pavement parking.
Loss of 514 bus service.
Various School bus concerns
Speeding in general across Bishopton.
Concerns around accessibility for bin collection.
Village Investment Fund
The village Investment fund was launched in 2018. And over those years it has awarded £822, 000 into 72 local village projects. This fund continues to support a lot of projects in our local villages. Its been in operation for eight years and the current balance of the fund is £148k.
Scottish Government Reform of Public Services.
In response to the Scottish Government looking to change public governance the council has set up a cross-party working group. This has been established to respond to any specific proposals. Some early suggestions include more regional authorities and ‘community authorities’ no details have been provided of what is being looked at however it fundamentally changes the way the current system of local government works.
Plans to reduce the number of health boards in Scotland from 14 to two have been followed by the suggestion that a new two-tier system could be on the cards in local government.
Community Mental Health and Wellbeing fund open.
Funding Available - £100k+ available across Renfrewshire with up to £7,000 for constituted groups also up to £2,000 for non-constituted groups. The fund supports community-based, non-clinical projects for people aged 16+ that promote positive mental health and wellbeing through prevention and early intervention.
Contact Aniara Omann: aomann@engagerenfrewshire.com
Free application writing workshops available in September
Winter Connections Fund Open
Community groups and organisations across Renfrewshire are invited to apply for funding to run free activities that help connect people with others during the winter months.
Renfrewshire tenants invited to shape community projects
Renfrewshire Council's YouDecide Tenants Fund is now in its second year and offers tenants the opportunity to propose and vote on projects that could benefit their communities.
Renfrewshire spring and summer events
More than 67,000 people attended six free Renfrewshire Council events this spring and summer. The council says the events generated more than £3 million for the local economy. The programme included Paisley Food & Drink Festival, Renfrew Gala Day, Barshaw Gala Day, Sma' Shot Day and Renfrew Pipe Band Competition. Johnstone Fire Engine Rally also returned for the first time since 2019.he I can see the potential in terms of the opportunities for all in the lay out and flexibility of the learning and community environments.
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Notes from Meeting of Community Liaison Group held on Monday 14th September 2026 in BAE Systems Offices, Dargavel
· No update received from Transport Scotland re funding for a bus service covering Dargavel
· Request that Renfrewshire Council sort the loose chamber at Newton Road and that the fencing be replaced
· BAE Systems confirmed their work at the site will be completed by 2028 – although house building will continue until 2034
· Work has commenced on a primary sub-station close to BAE Systems offices
· Work continues to install 23km of woodland walk footpaths including hedging and tree planting. It is anticipated that this will be competed in early 2028. A lot of the existing site perimeter fencing will be replaced by hedgerows, replicating the 1938 OS map. Discussion took place around the possibility of installing a disc-golf facility in the new woodland area, but there is no budget for this.
· An application has been received to build a new care home close to Dargavel Primary School.
· BAE Systems have received applications from 9 interested parties in respect of Dargavel House and anticipate that a decision will be taken on these before Christmas.
· It was noted that drone footage is available showing progress on the new Thistle Primary School (as well as the PMHS extension works).
End of minutes