Campaigners in Kilcreggan are calling for a “halt” to the plans for a new pontoon and breakwater in the village as residents’ opinions continue to clash with those of Argyll and Bute Council.
The council’s preferred option, known as option 4a, for the site would be implemented to the west of the existing pier to serve a new ferry for the Kilcreggan-Gourock service.
It would also see the existing wooden structure retained for leisure and recreational use.
Residents, however, have concerns over the environmental impact this could have, and how it will affect the future of the existing pier.
A community meeting was held at Cove Burgh Hall on Saturday, with more than 60 people attending - including engineers, naval architects, and environmental experts.
Tom Walker, a member of the Save Kilcreggan Pier campaign, said: “We’re against the preferred option because it has huge ramifications to the environment of the coastline, in terms of silting, and therefore potentially dredging, and the likely impact on the original Kilcreggan Pier.
“We all know what has happened to Helensburgh Pier, despite them both being listed.
“The council are saying that they will maintain the current pier, but that’s very difficult for us to believe.
“This option is being sold as an option free of the requirement of maintenance, but local naval and maritime experts seem to suggest that’s not the case. “
An online public consultation on the issue is also underway, and its closing date has been extended to Sunday, March 26.
However, Tom said he struggles to believe this will alter the council’s position at all.
He added: “They’re planning to do this anyway.
“I think the consultation is a sham, because they seem to be very enthusiastic about the preferred option, despite the fact that the community consultation is ongoing.”
The campaigners say the people of Kilcreggan and its surrounding villages would like to see a solution which makes the existing pier - which they believe to be the last wooden Victorian pier in regular service in Scotland – an integral part of the plans.
They would also like to see Helensburgh considered as part of these plans.
Tom added: “People in Kilcreggan want to get to Helensburgh. For most of us, our lives are Helensburgh-based.
“Returning to the days where there’s a Helensburgh-Kilcreggan-Gourock service would be really useful for everybody.
“We want them to halt this process, and as part of that they need to look at what’s happening with Helensburgh. Helensburgh can’t be a bolt-on later.”
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: “We value the opinions of our communities and have extended the consultation until March 26 to ensure those who wish to take part can do so.
“It is vital that we receive fair, accurate feedback that is representative of the whole community.”
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