HELENSBURGH residents want the town's waterfront to have more activities for young people, according to the latest public survey on the site's future.

Debate continues about what should happen with the so-called "grey site" of the former Helensburgh pool that is now empty between Helensburgh Leisure Centre and West Clyde Street.

Now a survey with more than 1,000 responses has found a majority want additional leisure facilities.

An exercise carried out by Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) showed only a quarter of respondents backed a large retail development.

The results of the latest survey were presented to HCC members at their latest monthly meeting on March 30.

Residents have previously voiced their opposition to a large retail development dominating the site in last year's Vision of Helensburgh survey.

The latest exercise backs that opinion, but Stewart Steel said it was not clear cut.

Get unlimited access to the Helensburgh Advertiser's online content: www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe

Mr Steel, who carried out the survey for HCC, told members: "There were two themes. It's young people first. It was astonishing, the theme that came up.

"If this is for anything, this is for them.

"Two, people want choice. It's not a 'slam dunk'. It was an interesting exercise."

Mr Steel said there was a desire to create a space to benefit residents and tourists.

Some responses classed McDonald's as a leisure facility. Others varied on what a large retail choice could be, ranging from M&S to Aldi.

READ MORE: Helensburgh waterfront survey: Public 'still opposed' to big retail

Mr Steel said "leisure" was quite a broad term, but a majority mentioned a soft play area, with other ideas including a roller disco, climbing walls and putting greens.

Other respondents wanted the space turned into parking spaces or just left as open public space.

In total, 41 per cent voted for additional leisure development, 26 per cent wanted community facilities, another 26 wanted a large retail development, five per cent said local retail development, and three per cent voted "other".

Local retailer suggestions included book stores or artisanal fashion.

Other ideas mentioned included clothing stores, a national retailer, and an enthusiastic push for the town's skatepark set to be restored to the site in the coming months.

There were also responses calling for a hotel and repairing Helensburgh Pier.

Expressions of interest in the site need to be in over the coming weeks, and HCC convener Norman Muir said there would then be discussions with Argyll and Bute Council about the area's future.

Mr Muir added: "We have the data to argue our case."