The public were excluded from any discussion of the future of the town's waterfront - but boy are they making their views known now.

Since Argyll and Bute Council announced the results of the secret bidding war for Helensburgh's waterfront development, residents have been having their say.

It took 24 hours for the local authority to reveal councillors agreed with officers awarding Forrest Group "preferred bidder" status.

The plans will include a supermarket, but no detail of which retailer would move in. No images or vision for the site has been released.

The Advertiser approached every Helensburgh and Lomond councillor for comment. Two refused because they are on the planning committee, most didn't reply at all.

READ MORE: Helensburgh waterfront preferred bidder revealed by council

But our coverage of the limited official detail for the town's premier site prompted an outpouring of comments - with derision you could smell from Greenock.

Shona Bulloch wrote: "A super market??!! Surprise surprise....NOT!

"Why go to the bother of asking for suggestions only to be totally ignored.

"I can't imagine anyone in the town suggesting another supermarket.

"The front was looking good...this is totally going spoil that whole area."

And with sarcasm visible from space, Rose le said: "'Let’s go for a nice day out to Helensburgh and visit the new waterfront supermarket' says nobody ever…."

READ MORE: Helensburgh has a pyramid of power over waterfront

Louise Rutkowski chimed in: "How utterly dreary. The lack of vision and creativity stuns me. Or does it? No, actually it doesn't."

Marina Grymma Gray made her views clear and wrote: "It doesn’t matter who it is, the unpleasant backside of any supermarket is going to be hard to disguise. Shame on the council."

The council's press release about the bid mentioned the skate park that was recently returned to the seafront, but with an asterisk - they want to move it elsewhere.

One reader wrote: "I wish they'd build something that could be of benefit to the young people like myself that live in Helensburgh.

"It would be great if there was more to do for us, all we can do these days is go swimming or go to the park and that can get really boring so I wish they'd build something for us young people."

And Tweedie CCliffordd posted: "Is it just myself who would love to see Helensburgh thrive with a proper seafront with attractions, maybe even something different - a bowling alley with a lounge and arcade area attracting holiday makers to maybe an affordable place for a fun day out and have the seafront and surrounding beautiful landscapes to take in also.

"We have so many beautiful places around us that brings people from all over the world, but what do we have to keep them more than a day or two with a young family.

"Something fun and affordable and fun to do with our families instead of having to head out the area we can have a place to have fun with a bowling alley arcades and in the summer have an area where markets can take place but also have a community hub 'area' where youth clubs can be held."

Many comments focused on how the proposed development will impact the view of the Clyde.

Carole Annie said: "That will absolutely ruin the look of the seafront in Helensburgh. Why are they developing another retail unit when loads are lying empty!

"A nice grassy open area with a permanent skate park, picnic area and playpark would have been brilliant for the children of Helensburgh and surrounding areas.

"How do we stop this happening?"

And DannyRosie Mccallum replied: "Carole Annie my nine-year-old grandson said the same thing.

"just shows kids come up with better ideas than our councillors. It's a joke - never listen to locals unless lookin for votes. Not be getting mine again."

Yaya Jgm said: "A poor decision councillors. A complete lack of vision for Helensburgh.

"You had the opportunity to develop the space into a major hub for the towns people and visitors to Argyll and Bute.

"We have been encouraged to wave to the Waverley today when she passes in the hope that you authorise the fixing of the pier.

"Now even our view of her in the future will be askew. A very sad day for the people of Helensburgh who love their town."

And Lisa Moran wrote: "I would have preferred the area stayed open. I liked the idea of a multi use area. I like the food festivals and such which have been happening and that could have been built on.

"I didn't really mind the idea of retail as long as it was sympathetic to the location but this company builds retail park type buildings, not what you want front and centre of a town like Helensburgh.

"But the council don't care. Why should they, do any of them live here?"

With no details from the council or developers, many chose to look up Forrest Group's past work.

Simon Vella said: "If you Google the developers, you will see what they have done in the past. So we can guarantee a really aweful big box on the front."

And others focused on the councillors who rubberstamped the decision by their officers.

Robin Smith wrote: "When are the next council elections? Time to vote with our feet folks.

"Also, if people can stay strong, and simply not use or protest against the opening of this retail white elephant , you never know five years after being put up it might be ripped down again if they can’t make a viable business out of it.

"Look at what’s happened to the café in Hermitage Park."

In the council press release, Councillor Ross Moreland, policy lead for finance and commercial services, said: “It is really positive that we attracted such a high level of interest in this important site in what are very challenging economic and commercial circumstances.

"It shows a lot about the strength and attraction of Helensburgh. The regeneration of the waterfront is about supporting day-to-day life and longer term economic success for Helensburgh.

"Today’s decision is another step forward in building on the successful transformation the waterfront area has already seen.

"It’s about making good things happen for Helensburgh.”

Donald Stewart, managing director of Forrest Development Ltd, said: "We are delighted to have been named preferred developer for this exciting project and look forward to sharing our plans."