HELENSBURGH'S MSP has lodged a formal objection to proposals for a major tourist development on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Jackie Baillie had not made any formal statements about the Flamingo Land project until last week, when she pledged her support for those locked in a bitter battle to fight the development.

Ms Baillie was a speaker at a public meeting in Alexandria, where she voiced concerns about the project.

Now, the MSP has written a letter of objection to the plans with the planning authority, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority.

READ MORE: Public still angry at Flamingo Land 'Lomond Banks' plans

In her letter, Ms Baillie detailed five points of concern, the cost of the sale of the land, the infrastructure of the local area, the effects on local business, the lack of information on the jobs to be provided and the impact on the River Leven.

The MSP told the Advertiser: “It is clear that Balloch relies on tourism to support the local economy, but that does not mean that we should accept any type of tourist offer.

"In my objection to the National Park I have outlined a number of concerns which range from the land value, to transport infrastructure, and from jobs to the position of the River Leven boat clubs.

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"None of my concerns have been answered by either Scottish Enterprise or Flamingoland, despite almost two years of dialogue and correspondence.

“I hope that in future a proposal will come forward for the area which complements the tourist offering already available in Balloch while maintaining access to the area for local people.

“I will continue to work with the River Leven boat clubs to ensure that no matter what is decided, their place on the River Leven is protected.

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"And I hope that the National Park Planning Board will consider the evidence about the proposal and reject the application.

"Balloch deserves better. ”