Bishopton Community Council
Minutes of the meeting held in The Cornerstone Church Centre -
Wednesday 6th May 2026
Present:
John Anderson; Jean Brown; Peter Bryson; John Mackintosh; Aileen McLean; Ewing Mitchell; Irene Miller; Kenneth Simpson; Kirsty Wilkinson; David Woodrow.
In attendance:
Cllr MacLaren; David Ross; Sarah McCann; Tom MacKenzie; John Ramage; Kalin Stoev
Apologies
Moira Ramage; Paul Cairns; Colin Camelford; Bill Sanders
2. Police Report
· See attached report
· Some discussions took place around the prevalence of shoplifting in the village.
· The following issues were noted and agreed that they be highlighted to the Community Police Team:
§ Prevalence of discarded prescription drugs, identified through Team Up to Clean Up volunteers
§ Issues around drones being flown quite low over houses in Wallace Ave/ Old Greenock Road and also in Dargavel
§ Electric scooters being used dangerously
Adoption of Minutes:
· Approved: John Anderson
· Seconded: Kirsty Wilkinson
Matters Arising
JB advised that she had contacted both Erskine and Inchinnan Community Councils to try to arrange a joint meeting – Inchinnan will discuss at their next meeting and we await a response from Erskine.
Local Development Plan – it was noted that the Council new Local Development Plan is currently being drafted. It was noted that very few people are aware of the existence of this plan. It was agreed that we monitor the timescales of this plan to ensure we have the opportunity to contribute and provide feedback when it reaches consultation stage.
Cllr Maclaren reminded the meeting that Community Councils could produce a Local Place Plan, to feed into the wider Local Development Plan.
Submissions to the 2019 LDP were shared with secretary. It was noted that the Springfield (Dunglass) housing planning proposal was included in the 2019 plan, where it was deemed as an unsuitable site to be released from 'greenbelt' status but appears to be under consideration again.
DW mentioned that there were issues with sewage facilities which curtailed plans to extend the streets in the Craighead estates.
514 bus service - this was removed on 2nd May. JM advised that there is no way to travel to RAH after 6.15pm or on Sundays - from Paisley.
Value of Section 75 funding was £350,000 for the 514 - this was passed to SPT to operate the service - Gerry Hannah from Renfrewshire Council has confirmed that this funding has now been exhausted.
It was agreed that we invite SPT and Gerry Hannah and the convener elected member on SPT to attend a future meeting to discuss the possibility of the provision of additional bus routes in the village.
Correspondence
· An issue was highlighted re the installation of BT poles in Kingston Grove - issue with not wanting to dig up the pavement which has just been resurfaced. Apparently they are also looking at other areas in Bishopton (and Langbank). This may be the price to pay for good broadband service.
· A further funding request was received, this time from a Park Mains pupil re a World Challenge trip with the school to Eswatini in summer 2027. This trip will include working with the local community in Eswatini and helping to make improvements in their villages. It was agreed that we will donate £400, matching the donation made re the Scout World Jamboree.
6. Community Liaison Group /Community Trust /Local Place Plan
· Community Liaison Group - Meeting took place on 13th April - unfortunately no representation from Renfrewshire Council . Cllr Alison Ann-Dowling, who attended in place of Alison Taylor MP, agreed to follow up with Transport Scotland re the £100k from the Section 75 funding, which has not yet been allocated for roads. There are 23km of walkways in the development. The final 2 tranches of building land have been purchased by Persimmon & Taylor Wimpey. DRA are querying their title deeds re the factor's payments, which comprises of 2 parts - one for the full development and the other for their own block - this is being queried as the facilities which are included in the title deeds (community facilities) do not exist. DRA are taking legal advice on what can be done with the issue around the title deeds. There is currently £945k being held by the factors, which, unfortunately is not accessible by RMG. Christmas tree issue was raised. BAE will finish their works in 2028, but builders will continue with the house building until pprox.. 2034.
· Community Trust – No update
Local Place Plan - Cllr Maclaren reminded the meeting that Community Councils are being encouraged to produce a Local Place Plan, which can feed into the overall Council Plan. Some neighbouring Community Councils have already published these.
Cllr Maclaren noted that Alan Williamson from Renfrewshire Council would be willing to assist the CC to develop this plan. DW to contact AW provide advice and information on how to start the process. JB to share a previous presentation (which is published on the CC website) and also the local place plans which have been shared.
KS volunteered to work on sub-group to develop a Place Plan- additional volunteers required for this.
It was noted that evidence of community consultation would be required when preparing the plans – the Council can provide funding to assist with this.
7. Councillors’ Reports
· Cllr MacLaren – report attached.
8. Chairman’s Report
· All issues covered elsewhere in the agenda.
9. Treasurer’s Report
· Current balance of £ 2.229 - all outlays paid to date.
10. Community Council Forum
· Next meeting scheduled for June 2026.
11. Local Partnership
No update - meeting later in the month.
A.O.C.B.
· Lack of youth resources in the village – a communication was received from a member of the public around this. It was noted that this could be improved with the transportation links, e.g to Braehead. It was noted that there are numerous groups in the village - e.g. Scouts, Rugby etc. but there is difficulty in finding volunteers to run additional facilities. It was noted that this could be included in the Local Place Plan - e.g. building a skate park.
· Proposed Petanque Court - Tom McKenzie provided an update on his desire for facilities for table-tennis or petanque - but he has discovered that there are no clubs in all of Renfrewshire. He is keen to develop sport but can't find any facilities in the area - he has approached OneRen and is making some headway into obtaining table-tennis facilities (St Andrew's Academy) but nothing for petanque. He is keen to bring a petanque to the village - he wants to find a venue/location to establish this. Recommended that the Bishopton Community Development Trust may be able to help (DW to put Tom in touch with the Trust). A. location is required with a flat piece of land, approx. 15m x 15m with a sprinkling of small stones.
· Drumcross Road verges - It was noted that the side verges are very steep. Cllr Maclaren to take up this issue
· Laigh Hatton Lay-by - See Cllr Maclaren's report
·
13. Close of Meeting
Meeting close – 9.35pm
POLICE SCOTLAND REPORT
BISHOPTON
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 2026
Update from Previous Meeting
Concerns raised regarding ongoing speeding issues within the village.
Police high visibility patrols have been conducted, with the intention of doing further road traffic action places, including the use of the speed gun and conducting vehicle checks.
Crime Summary
Between 1st April and 30th April 2026, there have been a total of 12 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 1 1 X theft by housebreaking
Theft 5 5 x theft by shoplifting
Robbery
Serious Assault
Common Assault 1 1 x assault
Drug Offences
Anti-Social (breach
of the peace/vandalism/street drinking) 3 1 x vandalism, 2 x threatening behaviour
Road Traffic Offences 1 1 DETECTED - 1 x careless driving
DETECTED – 1 x careless driving
Other 1 1 x fraud
Crime Trends and Policing Priorities
Over the month of April, there appears to be a higher number of Theft by Shoplifting occurring, all of which are currently still under investigation. Investigating officers, along with community police officers, are working closely with the Retail Crime Taskforce to identify perpetrators and highlight actions to be taken to assist in reducing this.
Community Police Report
Local Community Officers have been carrying out both hi-visibility and plain clothes patrols in the local area targeting road traffic issues highlighted in previous meeting. Numerous vehicles stopped with un-marked police vehicle and relevant action taken with drivers.
Increased foot patrols at drop off and pick up times at Bishopton Primary School regarding parking and general congestion issues.
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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
Both sculptures have now been installed and are looking good.
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.
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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