Helensburgh campaigners consider complaint over waterfront

Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) is mulling over the idea of an official complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman about the behaviour of Argyll and Bute Council over the town's waterfront development.

HCC bid unsuccessfully to create a mixed-use community space on the site between the new leisure centre and West Clyde Street, formerly occupied by the now-demolished Helensburgh Swimming Pool.

But the rest of the selection process, believed to be nearing its conclusion, has been shrouded in complete secrecy.

Council officials and the administration defended the process and their communication with HCC.

The identity of the other eight bidders, the final five and now the last two options are unknown to everyone except council officials and elected councillors, who are forbidden from speaking about the bids.

HCC has twice written to the new council leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, about their concern that a large retailer is not what the community wants and will harm the existing independent shops that Helensburgh is known for.

Council officials replied on Cllr Lynch's behalf, insisting concerns were unfounded - and refusing to meet.

Instead, Cllr Lynch's own words were played at HCC's meeting on July 25, where he made a pitch to become the new leader of Argyll and Bute Council.

Video of the April council meeting where the administration changed was played at the meeting (Image: Newsquest)

He argued a new approach was needed and repeatedly promoted better relations with community councils.

Cllr Lynch told his fellow councillors back on April 4 that "many communities now feel disconnected and ignored" and that "community councils can be a health check" on how the local authority operates.

He was later elected as the council's new leader following a cut of the cards after a tied vote.

HCC convener Peter Brown, who played the recording at HCC's latest meeting, said: "I cannot put it any better. We feel we are very disengaged.

"We don't know what we are objecting to because of the lack of transparency. We have demonstrated that large retail is not wanted there."

Mr Brown also cited a letter from Ross McLaughlin, head of commercial services at the council, who told the town's MP, Brendan O'Hara, that the community had seen the "type and form" of the bidders.

(Image: Newsquest)

Mr McLaughlin also wrote that the council was seeking to move the recently restored skate park to Kidston Park or Hermitage Park. And that there would be opportunity to respond to an eventual planning application after the council chose who to sell the land to.

"I think we have a straightforward untruth there," Mr Brown said about Mr McLaughlin's insistence about the process being open.

"The community has not been provided with any information about the bids submitted."

Mr Brown said the way HCC was being treated supported the feeling that the group was being dealt with "second hand".

"It's very disappointing," he added, "and I feel we need to compose a response."

When another community councillor said it was time to go to the ombudsman, Mr Brown agreed that seemed to be the case.

The future of the site following the opening of the new leisure centre and the demolition of the old pool has been the subject of many months of debate and dispute.

Repeated surveys carried out by HCC have shown mixed public views, but the majority of residents are against a large retailer taking over the site.

But Argyll and Bute Council has insisted the mixed responses prove there is no community unity on the issue.

The authority says new retail options are essential to keeping business in the town instead of losing shoppers to nearby Dumbarton and Alexandria.

Small businesses in Helensburgh, however, have warned that a big retailer will hurt their waterfront profile and footfall.

A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: "We would like to have constructive relationships with all our communities as we share a wish to do the best possible for the area.

"We have carried out community engagements as part of the waterfront masterplan, local development plan and the most recent appointment of a preferred bidder process. 

"All of those exercises, including some of the Community Council’s own survey results, show there is no clear consensus on the final phase of the waterfront development. 

"The community will be engaged again when the preferred bidder brings forward their proposals, at that stage some real detail will be available to consider.

"The Helenburgh Waterfront Development is part of a £20+ million investment to create a new leisure centre, additional parking, flood defences, and public realm improvements.  

"A commercial area to underpin the financial sustainability of the project has always been a feature. 

"This project is about getting the best overall outcome for Helensburgh and helping to strengthen the town’s long-term economic success, creating jobs and attracting visitors to the area.”

Cllr Lynch said: “Since becoming council leader in April, I’ve been clear that I value and want to build constructive relationships with all of our communities, including Argyll and Bute’s 54 community councils.

"When I was in touch with Helensburgh Community Council directly recently, I noted that other commitments would not permit a meeting in Helensburgh in the near future, but reiterated that I am happy to continue to stay in touch.”