Bishopton Community Council
Minutes of the meeting held in The Cornerstone Church Centre -
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Present:
Colin Camelford; Ewing Mitchell; Irene Miller; Bill Sanders; Kenneth Simpson; Kirsty Wilkinson; David Woodrow.
In attendance:
David Ross; Sarah McCann; Kalin Stoev (KSt);
Police Scotland - Nicole McGinty; Andy Kane; Lauren Green
1. Apologies
· Jean Brown; John Anderson; John Mackintosh; Peter Bryson; Cllr MacLaren
2. Police Report
· See attached report
· Some discussions took place around the prevalence of shoplifting in the village. Police will continue with increased high-viz patrols in cars, bikes and on foot.
· There is ongoing liaison between Police Scotland, Sharon Stone of Anti-Social Youth Prevention and British Transport Police to tackle these behaviours, esp. through the summer months.
· The following issues were noted and agreed that they be highlighted to the Community Police Team:
§ Speeding on various roads around the village – RenCo are in the process of carrying out consultation on traffic calming measures
§ Shoplifting – dialogue continues with Co-op and Sainsbury’s
§ Catering vehicle being set alight – CID are investigating
3. Adoption of Minutes:
· Approved: Ewing Mitchell
· Seconded: Irene Miller
4. Matters Arising
· JB contacted both Erskine and Inchinnan Community Councils last month to try to arrange a joint meeting – Inchinnan will discuss at their next meeting and we await a response from Erskine. This remains the current status.
· Local Development Plan – monitoring of timescale ongoing to allow time for community feedback through the consultation stage.
· Local Place Plan, which will feed into the wider Local Development Plan – see Section 6.
· SPT – there have been many concerns raised about the removal of the 514 bus service. It is widely known that the actual numbers of pedestrians using the service was higher than those tabled by McGills/SPT. This has to be followed up with SPT and RenCo (Gerry Hannah) when they will be invited to a future meeting to discuss the possibility of the provision of additional bus routes in the village.
· Discussion took place regarding a proposed planning application for 10 log cabins at Hatton Brae and the fact that there seems to be further development at the site without appropriate planning consents being granted.
· Tom McKenzie has approached the Bishopton Development Trust regarding the addition of a Pétanque terraine being established. BDT has identified a location.
5. Correspondence
· BCC has been approached by a distressed resident regarding the removal of gravestones of former nuns and priests from a cemetery at the Good Shepherd Centre. The area is now overgrown. DW will contact Sister Andrea (a former nun) to see if there is anything that can be done.
· A resident contacted BCC to ask if they could contact Sainsbury’s to see if something can be done with the unit that they used to operate from. It has been empty for over a year and it is thought that Sainsbury’s are the lease holder. They asked whether it could be used as a community space in the meantime. DW will contact Sainsbury’s and the owners, Cumbrae Holdings, to discuss.
6. Community Liaison Group /Community Trust /Local Place Plan
· Community Liaison Group – No meetings this month. Next meeting, August.
· Community Trust – No update
· Local Place Plan – Kalin Stoev has produced a draft LPP proposal
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12I6eP9zHN8PWQV_xazZi7YNK_lUFKx_K/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=115056873726156153505&rtpof=true&sd=true. The LPP is a vision from the community for what they would like to see developed in the local area. It has some legal standing. Small working group will be formed to produce the plan with input from the community (KSt and KS will be involved). DW will pass contact details for Alan Williamson (Renfrewshire Council) to KSt to assist with funding and engage a consultant to assist as they will have template for the plan. Still to establish closing date/deadline for submission.
· KS raised concerns over a recent ‘workshop’ arranged by Renfrewshire Council and their consultant, Stantec, to review speeding throughout Bishopton, and develop a series of measures to calm the traffic. This also features in Cllr MacLaren’s report. There were few attendees to the online event and it consisted of a short presentation only. The report identified 5 roads in Bishopton that require measures to be implemented – Greenock Rd, Old Greenock Rd and Ferry Rd, all to be addressed in the short term (1-3yrs) and Slateford Rd and Barrangary Rd, which will be addressed in the medium term (3-5yrs). Concerns have been raised over the soundness of the base data used to develop solutions, but it was not made available at the event. After repeated requests for this data, an FOI request will be made. Proposals include a number of raised tables at various locations and the removal of 5 bus stop lay-bys. Renfrewshire Council have posted a single-page pamphlet to residents in Bishopton asking for feedback on their consultative document, however not all residents have received it. Residents are urged to provide feedback to the council, however, the URL on the pamphlet doesn’t work so the correct version is posted here: Renfrewshire Villages Safe Walking Initiative
.
7. Councillors’ Reports
· Cllr MacLaren – report attached.
· Cllr McCulloch – report attached
· Request received to establish the ownership/responsibility of the 2 dustbins outside of the Co-op.
· Concerns raised over 2 works’ vans parking in a dangerous position on Lamont Avenue.
8. Chairman’s Report
· All issues covered elsewhere in the agenda.
9. Treasurer’s Report
· Current balance of £ 2,199 - all outlays paid to date.
10. Community Council Forum
· Next meeting scheduled for June 2026.
11. Local Partnership
· Bishopton Week Group have secured £4,480 of council funding for the events. Any surplus monies to be returned if not used. No funding was received in 2025.
12. A.O.C.B.
· Safe Walking Routes – Plan is currently being established to provide safe walking routes around the outskirts of Bishopton
· CCTV has been installed at the Cornerstone Church Centre to deter youths from causing disturbance.
· Renfrewshire Council: Learning Estate Programme Updates – Erskine has been highlighted as a potential new campus for Trinity High School. There is an online meeting on 9th June if anyone wishes to attend. David W to send link to Jean.
· It was noted that Bishopton Community Development Trust have accepted, in principal, a proposal for the Community Asset Transfer of the Pavilion and Pitch at Newton Road on behalf of the Football Club.
13. Close of Meeting
· Meeting close – 9.30pm
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POLICE SCOTLAND REPORT
BISHOPTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 2026
Update from Previous Meeting
N/A
Crime Summary
Between 1st May and 31st May 2026, there have been a total of 13 recorded crimes, 1 of which has so far been detected, and the others are still under investigation.
CRIME/OFFENCES OF NOTE NUMBER DETECTED CONTEXT
Theft by Housebreaking/Attempt
Theft 6 1 5 x theft by shoplifting
DETECTED – 1 x theft by
Robbery
Serious Assault
Common Assault 1 1 x assault
Drug Offences
Anti-Social (breach
of the peace/vandalism/street drinking) 4 3 x abusive behaviour, 1 x vandalism
Road Traffic Offences 1 1 x fail to report accident
Other 1 1 x breach of bail
Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
There appears to have been an increase in the number of reports of thefts and anti-social behavioural offences this month.
Police are continuing to work with the retail crime taskforce team regarding the theft by shoplifting incidents, which has resulted in a number of individuals being positively identified. This will continue for the foreseeable future.
Police have also increased high visibility patrols within Bishopton, conducting patrols in marked police vehicles, bicycles and on foot.
Community officers also conducted a plain clothes action plan and positively engaged with business workers and youths within the area.
Community Police Report
Police attended a meeting regarding Bishopton Gala Day taking place this month. Police confirmed their attendance, along with officers on quad bikes, mounted police and Police Scotland Youth Volunteers.
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Bishopton CC May Report from Councillor James MacLaren
1. Roads
i) Footway Resurfacing Programme 2026-2027: - The following pavements are due to be resurfaced this year: Renshaw Rd – both sides; Ferry Rd - Boden Boo entrance to HP roundabout.
ii) Speed Restriction, Birch Road: - A speed sign was facing the wrong direction and I reported this. Also, there was a recent speed survey. It is the intention of Roads to raise the matter with BAE at an upcoming meeting with them. Roads will be able to provide more of an update following discussions with BAE as to any proposed next steps.
iii) Traffic Islands, Barrangary Rd: - Roads say there may be an issue with the road markings that the council has inherited from BAE at this junction, which may be the cause of concerns. An officer will investigate this and the larger junction area, and correct the markings.
iv) Traffic Lights, Ferry Rd/Greenock Road: - The timing of the filter arrow is to be checked. Regarding the green man timings at the junction, the junction isn’t set up to be crossed diagonally, the crossing studs do not go diagonally across the junction, the green man times are worked out from kerb edge to kerb edge on the direction of the crossing studs. The junction itself has “Puffin” technology, this means that the audibles and green man run for a period of time and then switch off, however the on-crossing detection holds the vehicles on red to allow the pedestrian time to clear, the audibles and green man are an invitation to cross and do not stay on the for long to avoid the visually impaired from stepping out on the crossing point at the end of the crossing stage. Roads strongly advise against pedestrians crossing diagonally as this is not the purpose of the crossing points.
2. Bishopton Roundabouts #YouDecide
3. Waste Services
· Garden Waste: - The cost for a garden waste permit for this year is £52. For next year it will be £57.
· Food Waste Bags: - Waste Services have distributed two rolls of food waste liners to all households. If you were missed out or are having trouble getting a supply then please let me know.
· Missing Litter Bins Health Centre: - Two bins have been taken away that were outside the new health centre. I have asked for replacements.
· Graffiti Removal: - A number of signs have been vandalised and I have requested cleaning.
4. Grass Cutting, etc.
· Schedule: - Cutting should take place regularly, every two weeks. This will be weather dependant.
· Slateford Rd: - I have asked about the poor grass cutting finish. Also, there are a number of grass panels damaged by heavy vehicles and I have asked for repairs.
· Yarrow Crescent: - The path did not get scraped over the winter period and grass has been left lying on the path. I have asked for this to be cleared.
· Fly Tipping and Grass Cutting: - At Whithorn Crescent and Portpatrick Avenue, several grass panels have missed being cut and some residents think it ok to abandon their belongings on the road side.
5. Dargavel Village Christmas Tree
Roads and Lighting have given several reasons why they would not approve of this Christmas tree. I have asked for the exact location and plan to approach Scottish Power about it.
6. Dargavel Country Park, Disc Golf Course
It has been suggested to the residents’ association that a disc golf course should be considered.
7. Newton Road Playing Fields
· Drainage Issues: - I have asked the council to investigate the drainage situation on the banking which affects the houses.
· CAT: - The football club are investigating a CAT of the pavilion.
· Damaged Fencing: - I have asked for repairs to the fencing around the playpark
· Open Manhole: - I have requested that an open manhole be covered over.
· Footpath: - I have asked for information about creation of a footpath around the park.
8. Postal Service
Regarding poor deliveries, the MP intends meeting with Royal Mail in May.
This event consisting of a 5K and 10K route on country leisure lanes and footpaths between Houston, Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm on Sunday 17th May. https://protay.co.uk/gryffevalley2026/ . All profits go to local charities.
10. Scottish Parliament Election
Thank you to everyone who helped with canvassing and leafleting for this election. Many people are confused by the voting process.
11. 514 Service
The value of the section 75 funding was £350,000 which the Council has passed through to SPT for them to operate the contract. Council then invoice BAE as and when the money is drawn down. Council confirms that all funds have now been utilised.
12. Small Holding Greenock Rd
Officers are to go out to investigate what is going on here and report back, including the keeping of livestock.
13. Electric Scooters
The use of electric scooters has been reported to the police. Feedback From Meeting
1. #YouDecide: - If we have another round of #You Decide funding, residents might wish to think about the funding of a skateboard park in the Newton Rd playing fields.
2. Drumcross Rd: - I will request that type one stone be used to fill in the deep trenches that have formed on either side of the tarmac.
6/5/2026
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
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Bishopton Community Council
3 June 2026
Cllr C McCulloch
Housing
· I have received a complaint about the condition of the estate near the social housing at Portpatrick Avenue in Dargavel. I raised these concerns with the social landlord, Loretto Homes (part of Wheatley Group), who to their credit responded quickly to concerns and have undertaken work to improve the area.
Health services
· The Integrated Joint Board Renfrewshire HSCP will meet in June to discuss proposed cuts to health and social care services across Renfrewshire. This is due to an ongoing chronic funding gap, which will see IJB reserves exhausted within a year. All IJBs are under immense pressure, and most will exhaust their reserves within the next 18-24 months without increased funding. I have written to both the First Minister and the Chief Officer of the HSCP in opposing these cuts.
Planning
· Residents nearby to the planned sub-station being built at Glenluce Drive have raised concerns about the risk assessment published on 29 April 2026. In this, risks relating to chemical contamination and other areas were highlighted, which potentially pose a threat to health and safety of local residents and the natural environment. I have raised this with the Planning department and await their response.
Roads
· I have received a complaint about inappropriate parking in the Craighead Estate and have raised these concerns with Police and the Council for further action. The complainant has requested to remain anonymous at this stage.
· The Council has published its list of roads to be surfaced in the coming financial year. I continue to press for more road improvements in Bishopton.
· The Council has also published plans for safe walking initiatives in the villages. I would encourage Bishopton residents to review and respond to the consultation on these plans.
Parks etc
· The Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board met in May to discuss the future of Council assets that have been unused in the long term (such as disused park pavilions, underused community halls and so forth), and that may also be subject to Community Asset Transfer requests. Further reports will be forthcoming to the relevant sub-committee to consider any CAT requests.
· Royal Mail seems to still be struggling with deliveries in the area, and I have been working with the office of Alison Taylor MP to raise ongoing concerns with RM.
Other
· The Local Partnership met on 21 May to decide on the next round of funding. I was particularly pleased to see funding agreed for projects in Langbank and for Bishopton Day.
Cllr C McCulloch
3 June 2026