HELENSBURGH councillors have failed in a bid to have Kidston Park and Hermitage Park dropped from a list of potential sites for a permanent skate park in the town.

A recommendation to pursue Kidston as a preferred option, with Hermitage as a secondary alternative, was agreed by local councillors at a meeting on Tuesday.

However, different councillors appealed that both should be removed from the thoughts of officers.

Argyll and Bute Council’s depute leader, Helensburgh Central Conservative councillor Gary Mulvaney, said that it was the right process to explore all potential options for the skate park site.

The discussion took place at a meeting of the authority’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on December 12.

Councillor Mulvaney said: “I think a sensible way forward is to narrow down the options, discard the ones which are not going to make the grade, and look at the two with potential, which are Kidston and Hermitage.

“I find the approach from economic development to be a bit odd, because when you ask them to look at Hermitage Park, which is Tarmac, what do you actually see?

"An informal skate park, with obstacles created and gone over with skateboards and bikes.

"I think that the theoretical issues do not quite square.

“I think the whole idea of Hermitage was to create an area for all age groups. We have equipment there for younger children and those into their teens.

“The point that sometimes gets overlooked is that when we created a skate park next to the old swimming pool, it was temporary. It was always clear that was not the permanent home.

“It does concern me that there is a bit of a re-writing of history on occasions, as it was always subject to what happened on that site.

“Officers are right to look at every option for a permanent home that Helensburgh could be proud of.”

But Councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) said she believed Hermitage Park should not be considered at all.

She said: “Hermitage Park is unique in that it is the only municipal park of its type in Argyll and Bute.

"Sited as it is on the grounds of the former Hermitage House and the Millig Mill, with the remains of both incorporated into its design, it provides a direct link to the town’s less frenetic Victorian past.

“It is an oasis of peace in the heart of the town and offers fresh air and open space to many hundreds of people - from the very young children who love the play area, their mums who enjoy the chance to meet friends and enjoy a coffee while their children play, to the elderly residents of the new residential home built on the former parks department land.

“It is used by the University of the Highlands and Islands, by many groups promoting mental health and wellness, by groups from local schools and nurseries.

“Our historic listed war memorial sits inside the walls of the former walled garden of Hermitage House and attracts hundreds of visitors to pay their respects and reflect in its silence every year.

“The inclusion of a skate park into this little haven would not only destroy the peace, which is hard to find in urban areas these days, but may well intimidate the sometimes vulnerable people who rely on the park for their space, recreation and relaxation and may well impact on the use of the Pavilion.

“Add in the potential loss of the National Lottery money for the park upkeep, there are more negatives than benefits in this proposal and it should not be included in the search for new skatepark sites.”

Councillor Paul Kennedy (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh and Lomond South) suggested Kidston should not be considered either.

“It is too far out from the town centre," he said.

"Young people from Kirkmichael would have to travel through the town centre and then for another mile. It should be forgotten about, so no money is wasted."

But Cllr Kennedy's ward colleague, Conservative councillor Gemma Penfold, the committee's chair, said: “I do not agree with either of those. We are just looking into the options, and if you are doing that, you are better looking into them all.”

She then moved that the committee agreed the recommendation for officers to investigate Kidston Park, with Hermitage Park as a secondary alternative.

Councillor Howard moved an amendment which stated that Kidston Park should be the only facility looked into.

However, Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess (SNP, Helensburgh and Lomond South) was the only other councillor to back the amendment, with five voting in favour of Councillor Penfold’s motion.