COUNCILLORS have criticised aspects of a consultation process on a proposed new ferry terminal for Kilcreggan - voicing fears that Helensburgh residents could be put off taking part.

The survey, conducted by Mott MacDonald and made available through Argyll and Bute Council’s website, is seeking views on proposals for the future of the ferry terminal.

The council's preferred option is to build a new reinforced concrete pontoon to the west of the existing pier to serve a new ferry for the Kilcreggan-Gourock service.

That preferred option would see Kilcreggan's existing wooden pier - used by the current ferry - retained for leisure and recreational use, including the paddle steamer Waverley.

The preferred option was chosen in spite of community feedback suggesting local residents would rather see the existing pier incorporated into the new design. 

The council says it "confirmed at the outset" that the existing timber pier could not be used in its current form for a new larger ferry to use in all weathers or at all states of the tide.

When taking part in the consultation users are greeted with a question asking whether they are a resident of Kilcreggan, a resident of Rosneath, or 'non-Helensburgh and Lomond'.

SNP councillor Jim Lynch, leader of the authority's Strategic Opposition Group, told a meeting of the Argyll and Bute harbour board he had received an email from a Kilcreggan resident expressing concern at the consultation.

His party colleague, South Kintyre councillor John Armour, said he had received the same email.

The issue was raised at the harbour board's meeting on Thursday, March 2.

Councillor Armour said: “One question the gentleman had was that in the consultation, it asks whether you are a Kilcreggan resident, a Rosneath resident, or a non-Helensburgh and Lomond resident.

“Has this been picked up, or is there a reason for it?”

Scott Reid, the council’s marine operations manager, responded: “The Kilcreggan ferry, as does the Dunoon ferry service, serves a bigger area than the locality of where the boat comes into the terminal.

“Where the consultants have drawn the line is basically a descriptive term. It will not make any difference as to the proposed option.

“Anybody from Helensburgh who wants to state that in the remarks section will be included as part of it.

“When it comes down to why it is described as it is, it tries to draw a line around people who will be affect by infrastructure, and people using the ferry service. It should not make a material difference.”

Councillor Armour then said: “Would it have been better to have Kilcreggan resident, Rosneath resident, or other, rather than 'non-Helensburgh and Lomond'?

“It does look as if it is only Kilcreggan and Rosneath residents and those who do not live elsewhere in Helensburgh and Lomond that you are looking for responses from.

“If I lived in Helensburgh or Garelochhead, I would say that I do not qualify for this, because I do not tick any of the boxes.”

Mr Reid said: “We will see if there are any anomalies in the responses we get, but we have had a good response from people in Kilcreggan.”

Councillor Armour said: “But it does not matter; it says non-Helensburgh and Lomond resident, so that precludes people in Helensburgh from ticking the box.”

Mr Reid responded: “We can look at the figures that come back. I do not think it is something that is putting people off taking part but I will look at the email and get back to you.”

Councillor Ian MacQuire (SNP, Helensburgh Central) - the only Helensburgh and Lomond councillor on the harbour board - added: “I agree with Councillor Armour. As a Helensburgh resident I would take it that I cannot complete the form.”

The consultation is available through the council's website at argyll-bute.gov.uk/kilcreggan-ferry-terminal until Sunday, March 12.

Mott MacDonald has been contacted for comment.