Over the past two weeks, the Advertiser has examined the background to the 1994 referendum and studied the impact of the vote to leave Dumbarton District Council, now we ask if it was the right move.

The decision redrew the map and shook up services, meaning choices affecting the area were made 65-miles away in council headquarters, in Kilmory, Lochgilphead.

Around 71 per cent of residents voted in favour of moving to Argyll and Bute, based on a 65 per cent population turnout.

Following the referendum, the proposal was to wind previous districts down by March 1996, with new authorities assuming control on April 1, 1996.

And 20 years later, the area’s political figures are undecided if the decision was the right one.

Alan Reid, MP for Argyll and Bute, said he has seen the debate from ‘both sides’, living in Cardross before becoming the MP for the original constituency of Argyll and Bute, and after the inclusion of Helensburgh and Lomond.

He said although the ‘unique’ area doesn’t fit in with either side, it is too small to run a modern council on its own and residents are ‘better off’ with Argyll and Bute.

Mr Reid added: “The early days of the marriage were undoubtedly difficult. Plans and budgets are set years in advance. Strathclyde and Dumbarton had planned nothing for Helensburgh whereas many projects were planned in the original Argyll and Bute. I can remember receiving complaints that Helensburgh didn’t get any money spent on it, but that has all changed now.

“We’ve seen a new academy, every primary school upgraded, Victoria Halls renovation and CHORD.

“The new civic centre is due to open next year and money has been allocated for a new swimming pool and work at the pier head.

“Helensburgh Councillors are influential in Argyll and Bute. Ellen Morton is currently deputy leader and James Robb was leader for a time.” Jackie Baillie, MSP for Helensburgh and Lomond, said the context and outcome of the previous referendum in Argyll and Bute provides an interesting opportunity for Helensburgh and Lomond residents to reflect upon the choice facing them on September 18.

She said: “I know twenty years ago in Helensburgh there were concerns about the administration of Dumbarton District Council. Now however the context is very different. I see the difference between the two neighbouring local authorities – the cost of social care is substantially less in West Dunbartonshire than that charged by Argyll and Bute for everything from home care to meals on wheels; there are services like free swimming during the school holidays in West Dunbartonshire which are unavailable in Argyll and Bute and many more examples besides.

“When it comes to redrawing the political map, whether for local authorities or an entire nation, it is clear that once you vote for it there is no going back.

“Only time will tell if the decision was in the best interests of Helensburgh but if I had a pound for every time I heard someone express their regret about leaving we could have probably completed the work on Colquohoun Square in record time. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.” However, Stuart McMillan SNP MSP said the decision taken by Helensburgh and Lomond residents 20 years ago, can’t be compared to the vote on September 18.

He added: ““The upcoming referendum on Scotland’s Future is the biggest political decision the people of Scotland will ever make.

“Therefore, it’s vital everyone entitled to vote is registered and they weigh up the arguments on both sides and decide which has the most positive vision for Scotland and it’s future.” Finally, Joyce White, chief executive of West Dunbartonshire Council, was asked if Helensburgh would be welcome again within West Dumbartonshire.

She said: “Many years ago the residents of Helensburgh and Lomond voted in favour of joining with Argyll and Bute Council and we respect that decision. Today we are more interested in working in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council on shared issues that ensure this region of Scotland can have as bright a future as possible.”