Bishopton Community Council
Minutes of the meeting held in The Cornerstone Church Centre -
Wednesday 4th February 2026
Present:
John Anderson; Jean Brown; Peter Bryson; John Mackintosh; Aileen McLean; Irene Miller; Ewing Mitchell; Bill Sanders; Kenneth Simpson; Moira Ramage; Kirsty Wilkinson; David Woodrow.
In attendance:
Cllr MacLaren; John Ramage; Sarah McCann; Danielle Burnhill; David Ross
Apologies
Colin Camelford; PC Andrew Hodge; Cllr Airlie-Nicolson
Police Report
See attached report – no Police representatives present
KS advised that he had found a large canister of nitrous oxide (14 inches, 1.4kg) at children’s play park – this is a Class C drug with skull/mask design targeting young people. He phoned Johnstone Police office who refused to collect or provide disposal guidance.
Community officer said no disposal method unless part of active crime.
· Eventually collected by the Team up to Clean up team, after multiple attempts. It was noted that you can take such things to Underwood Road for safe disposal. (this is a Class C drug).
It was agreed that the Police should have taken steps to uplift this canister - Letter to be written to Police divisional HQ to complain. MR confirmed that she will compose the letter and share for approval prior to issuing.
It was noted that there was still an issue with speeding on Old Greenock Road.
Adoption of Minutes:
Approved: Kenneth Simpson
Seconded: Kirsty Wilkinson/John Anderson
Matters Arising
Re Cllr Maclaren's report - it was noted that Ferry Road between Greenock Rd & Old Greenock Rd is still extremely bad with potholes. Cllr Maclaren confirmed that this is scheduled for resurfacing in the new financial year. Also Ferry Rd, close to Ailsa Lodge had significant potholes - the edges of Drumcross Road appear to be crumbling (along with the white lines) and there are also significant potholes here (at Drumcross Farm entrance). Filling Station to Barrangary Road is also bad with potholes.
It was noted that there are still a significant number of Thomson Quarries lorries using Ferry Road.
Mention was made of the danger of the start of the kerb at Greenock Road at the filling station. It was noted that there is no legal requirement to paint this white (as had been suggested).
Correspondence
· All correspondence has been shared with members.
· Local Dance School had asked for assistance in fundraising - it was suggested that the Rotary Club may be able to assist.
· JB to forward the SP Energy Networks communication
· SEPA report had been shared and it was noted that there has been some flooding on Greenock Road, close to Barrangary roundabout.
CLG /Community Trust /Local Place Plan
· CLG - DW has emailed Gavin Moran at BAE asking for an update on the next meeting date.
· Community Trust – regular meetings taking place - a Treasurer has now been appointed. They have shown an interest in the leaflet distribution as they would like to carry out an exercise to promote membership.
· Local Place Plan – no update.
Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Maclaren - report attached. Water at Station Road has been reported to Scotrail – potentially this may be sewage.
TTRO Greenock Road at Ferry Road - now in place.
It was noted that the footpaths in the Craighead estate are in poor condition - it was noted that this path is not part of the owners' title deeds but falls under the jurisdiction of the Council.
It was noted that there is a register of public footpaths - if this path is not included then this may be why this path is not being maintained by the Council. JR to send Cllr McLaren a link to this register.
McGeady’s are starting the work to install the sculptures on Chestnut and Barrangarry roundabouts - work scheduled to finish March 2026.
Signage re dog fouling - available from Cllr MacLaren.
KS referred to the roadworks on Kingston Road - the TTRO didn't match the road closures as they only referred to parking restrictions and the dates were incorrect (not on Road Works Register). KS submitted a formal complaint to the Council re this. McGeadys, the contractors, have behaved unreasonably during these works. Concerned that McGeadys have also been awarded contract to install the pavement from Red Smiddy to Southolm Roundabout.
Report from Cllr Airlie-Nicolson attached
Chairman’s Report
DW has advised that he has reviewed the Council's Petitions Policy as well as the updated school roll forecast.
Thanks were passed to Moira Ramage for the comprehensive report issued from her lengthy meeting with Counsel in Edinburgh.
Treasurer’s Report
£4,730 balance at present. A few issues have arisen due to the closure of the Bank of Scotland in Erskine, leaving no local bank.
Community Council Forum
Next meeting scheduled for March.
Local Partnership
Deadline for Grant applications - 15th March.
JB to share the Link to the Council website for the Council priorities for this funding.
12. Update on Park Mains Proposed Judicial Review
· MR provided a comprehensive report (attached) from her meeting with an advocate in Edinburgh last week. It was noted that there is a very high bar for any challenge to public sector decisions.
· MR was confident that the Counsel was experienced in dealing with local authority matters.
· It was noted that the appropriate time to apply for a JR would have been at the time of the Education Board decision to extend PMHS in 2023 and not at the Planning decision stage.
· It was noted that courts seem to be 'shying' away from local authority decisions as they are 'less content' to be disturbing local decision-making.
· It was also noted that there was doubt whether Bishopton CC had the authority to challenge the decision due to PMHS being in Erskine, albeit it impacts significantly on Bishopton residents.
· It was recommended that we do not proceed as it was highly likely to fail but suggested that a better proposition would be to use the Council's Petition Process to petition for a new High School in Bishopton.
· The Counsel understood the transport/buses issue and suggested that we try to find a way to collect evidence/data on the impact of the additional buses - suggests that this be a main feature of any petition as they will be quite 'weighty' for the Council. It was noted that the risk of going down this route is that the buses could, potentially, be removed for those within the 3-mile limit - although Cllr Maclaren thinks this is highly unlikely.
· Cllr Maclaren provided an overview of the Council's Petitions Process - he recommends that this be actioned, in view of the outcome of the community consultation.
· It was agreed that the basis and practicalities of pulling together a petition be discussed and agreed at the next meeting.
· Final results of the consultation to be advised in due course.
· Agreed that we progress with the Petitions procedure, but it was noted that there are very few petitions which are successful in reaching the Petitions Board.
· Agreed that we check if all aspects of the Section 75 are 'legally binding' but it seems that revisals have been made to dilute this – the motorway junction costs being significantly more than was anticipated could be a factor. It was noted that the original Section 75 was based on 2600 houses - but now more than 4000 houses.
· We should also note the benefits of the non-educational facilities which come with a school.
· Agreed that we communicate to the local population advising the outcome of the meeting with Counsel and that we are considering 'the next steps'.
· Leaflet drop was £1,500 (but no cost to the Community Council).
13. A.O.C.B.
· DR advised that there have been issues with the adoption of roads in Dargavel, which has been totally unsatisfactory
· Dargavel residents are looking for a Christmas Tree - this has been ongoing for more than 3 years but continually rejected by Renfrewshire Council even with offers to provide and carry out the planting of the tree and also provided the bulk of the electrical work and the lights, but still declined by the Council.
· As those living in the Dargavel estate require to use the north/south access roads roundabouts, they cannot enjoy the current tree and lights.
· It had been proposed that the piece of land across the road from Sainsbury's be used to locate the tree, but this brought additional problems re the ownership of the land.
· Renfrewshire Council advised that a metered power supply would be required (£5k+ standing charges) even though this would only be required for one month per year.
It was noted that alternative lamp post connection available but Council resistant to this.
· It was noted that Bishopton CC purchased the existing tree about 20 years ago.
· School railings to be painted - James to chase up.
· Lack of bus shelters - was identified as an issue
14. Close of Meeting
Meeting close – 9.20pm
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POLICE SCOTLAND REPORT
BISHOPTON
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 2026
Update from Previous Meeting
N/A.
Crime Summary
Between 1st January and 31st January there have been a total of 11 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 2 0 1 x Theft by housebreaking 1 x attempt H/B
Theft 3 0 3 x Theft by shoplifting
Robbery
Serious Assault
Common Assault 2 1 2 x Common Assault (1 detected)
Drug Offences
Anti-Social (breach
of the peace/vandalism/street drinking) 1 1 1 x possession of offensive weapon
Road Traffic Offences
Other 3 2 1 x Breach of Bail (detected) 2 x Fraud (1 detected)
Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
Over the month of January 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. Community officers have also been carrying out foot patrols at Bishopton Primary School at drop off times due to reports of vehicles parking on yellow lines making it impossible for traffic to pass.
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Bishopton CC February Report from Councillor James MacLaren
1. Roads
i) HP Roundabout Debris: - Regarding the pile of monoblocs like a sculpture left at the HP roundabout, this is there because they are required to finish the job once an electrical cable has been installed.
ii) Traffic Calming: - I had requested an update on the proposed traffic calming for the village. Roads have confirmed that they are still working to appoint consultants for the detailed design stage of the Villages studies and hope this process is concluded imminently. Whereas They had previously hoped the further consultation / detailed design would be concluded this side of the financial year, it will now roll in to next financial year.
iii) Various Flooding Issues:
· Surface Water, Station Rd: - The road going under the bridge was dangerous with the ice forming on the water (possibly foul water) which continues to seep out from the wall. Network Rail have been asked to investigate.
· Ferry Road Water Eruption: - Roads have reported this to Scottish Water and asked the gully crew to attend to make sure all gullies were clear.
i) Pavement Fixing, Carrick Rd: - I chased up a repair to the pavement here.
ii) Potholes: -
· Ferry Rd: - There are ongoing issues with potholes between OGR and Greenock Rd as we wait for this to be resurfaced.
· Greenock Rd: - I reported potholes on the road out to Barrangary r’about.
· OGR: - There were bad potholes opposite the PS, which I requested be filled asap.
iii) TTRO - Greenock Road: - The following Waiting & Loading Ban is due to take place on Greenock Road, north side, from the eastern edge of the pedestrian crossing's tactile paving, eastwards for approx. 43m to the tangent point of the junction bellmouth of The Grove, and south side from the eastern edge of the pedestrian crossing's tactile paving, eastwards for approx. 70m. Reason for Restriction: for facilitating the passage on the road of any class of traffic. This ban will be in force from Wednesday 4th February 2026 to Wednesday 4th August 2027.
iv) Kingston Road Roadworks: - The roadworks appear to have been poorly managed with a number of complaints being received while the pavement was resurfaced.
v) Poplar Avenue: - The proposed parking restrictions on the north side of Poplar Avenue are complete.
2. Bishopton Roundabouts #YouDecide
John McGeady Ltd began works at Chestnut Roundabout on Monday 26th January and then was Barrangary Roundabout on 2nd February 2026. Their programme includes:
· Adding new stone to the surface of the roundabouts
· Refurbishing existing signage and lighting as required
· Power washing
· Installation of the foundation for the horse sculpture on Chestnut and the Tree sculpture on Barangarry, which are currently being finalised by Tom Hill Works. Both sculptures continue to progress well, and the installations remain on track for end of February early March.
3. Crossing Patrollers
i) Greenock Rd: - Despite what some people may have heard, the patroller has not been removed. Unfortunately, they were absent due to sickness. There was a breakdown in communication and this issue was corrected following an email from a member of the school office staff, and parents were subsequently notified. The School Crossing Patrol Officer has now returned to duty.
ii) Craigton Drive: - Although missing for a period, a replacement patroller has now been arranged at the pedestrian crossing.
iii) Arrochar Drive: - There are ongoing parking issues here. Further crossing points will be created but this may not happen until the road west is opened. The road is needing a crossing patroller and I will request this.
3. Refuse Collections/Litter, etc.
i) Bin Collection Calendars: - From the website, residents can now: Download and print their own PDF calendar, Check their bin collection date, Download iCalendar reminders, or Sign up for email. Once residents access the website and type in their postcode, they will be taken through the process for selecting their preferred option. Households can still request a printed copy by using the online form via our website or contacting customer services by telephone (0300 300 0380). https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/bin-collection/bin-collection-calendar/get-printed-bin-calendar
ii) Dog fouling: - If this is a problem, wardens can attend and erect signage. I have some posters here tonight. Yarrow Cres and Carrick Road have been highlighted to me as problem areas and I have asked wardens to attend.
iii) New Satellite Health Centre: - Contractors seem to have left quite a mess on the road. I have asked this to be swept up.
iv) Sweeping, Greenock Rd: - I requested a sweeper for the cycle path to remove hedge cuttings. This was done on Tue the 19th Jan, but the work was going to be checked. I’m not sure how clear it is now.
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. Park Mains High School Extension
As the judicial review is not being taken forward, I have suggested that the CC organise a petition to the council requesting they consider building a secondary school for Bishopton. I am also considering a motion to the next Full Council meeting.
6. Footpaths
· Mar Hall: - The problems of access are still to be resolved. David Love, Chief Planning Officer is considering access matters here.
4/2/2026
Feedback From Meeting
1. Potholes: -
· Ferry Rd: - The section between OGR and Greenock Rd is again needing potholes filled. Also, there are potholes at the side of the road just to the north of Golf Road. There are also some bad holes next to Ailsa Lodge. I will report these.
· Drumcross Road: - There are potholes at the edge of the road and the road edge is disappearing/crumbling as evidenced by the missing white lines. There are also potholes at the entrance to Drumcross Farm. I will report this.
2. Painting of Bishopton PS Railings: - Painting took place last year of the railings but only for the inside surface. I will chase up a date for the outer side to be painted.
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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PUBLIC
Bishopton Community Council
Fiona Airlie-Nicolson Councillors Report
4th February 2026
· Poplar Avenue
I have requested refresh of the white lines in Poplar Avenue, residents are having difficulty accessing their own drives due to parked vehicles. In addition, the yellow lines at the entrance to the station are completely faded and also require a refresh.
· Parking at Dargavel Primary
We continue to have issues with problematic parking at the primary school. Police are aware of this and along with the parking wardens have been in attendance at times. I have requested that this continues to be monitored.
· The 2026/27 Local Partnership Funding applications are now open.
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 and complete an application form for the particular areas.
· Road and pavement improvement programme 2026
Council officers every year produce a list of the roads and footways improvement scheme for the year. This is a programme of works which has seen nearly 60% of Renfrewshire roads repaired or renewed over the past 5 years and is part of the wider £10 million a year investment fund. The roads programme is based upon condition of roads and pavements and the type of work required. It will be published for people to see what’s happening in their areas on the website.
“20mph Zones. Recent changes in legislation allows local councils to consider converting ‘Twentys Plenty’ Zones from advisory into mandatory speed limits. Work is currently ongoing to determine how this will be implemented across Renfrewshire with discussions being held with a number of different agencies including Police Scotland.
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Report from Moira Ramage’s Meeting with Counsel in Edinburgh – 29th January 2026
Just back from Edinburgh - met with Counsel. Impressed with how quickly he has grasped the issues. He seems very knowledgeable on the topic and deals exclusively with these cases for both locals and local authorities. He was very balanced.
His opinion is that while we have a lot of good points the merits of the case are not strong enough to get past the sift. One of the main stumbling blocks is whether Bishopton Community Council can challenge a planning consent that relates to Erskine.
He advises that the governing legislation is very clear it needs to be the Community Council in the area of the development that has the statutory right to do so. He accepts there is a widening of the interpretation of what statutory consultee means but no definitive appeal decision that would make that position clear and safe our Community Council runs the risk of the court finding they had no locus and this would be a position the Renfrewshire Council lawyers would take.
In relation to the merits of the case his view is that while Renfrewshire Council did not always follow the letter of the law there was not a strong enough case to suggest that they were deliberately trying to bend the rules in favour of Erskine. The court sets a high bar usually and he does not think this would pass the sift even if we get around the 'statutory consultee.'
Re whether their decision was one no reasonable council would make, he is strongly of the view this would fail. His reasoning for this is that on one view they are trying to mitigate the problem by building an extension to accommodate as many children as possible, but it is clear to him the pupil numbers are upwardly fluid. In other words, the extension may not solve the entirety of the problem, but it is a part solution when pupil numbers continue to increase, particularly when there is no alternative site in the Renfrewshire Council estate that could be considered. He thinks the Court would be sympathetic to the Council’s situation.
In general, he says the current bench tend not to want to interfere with local authority decisions unless the decisions are completely bonkers. In terms of the bussing and carbon impact he is of the view that to challenge the Renfrewshire Council decision, Bishopton Community Council would need to have instructed experts to consider and provide an alternative opinion.
Not what you want to hear but he was firm in his view and is familiar with how the court would deal with these issues. Which is very important as you need to have an idea of how the judges would view applications.