A RALLY against plans for a waterfront supermarket will focus Helensburgh's efforts this weekend.
Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) have dubbed the event as a "celebration" of it being public space instead of large retail.
More than 4,000 people have signed a petition against the decision by Argyll and Bute Council to award preferred bidding status to plans for a supermarket next to the leisure centre.
HCC have also launched a crowdfunding drive to launch a judicial review over the bid by Forrest Developments. It is understood their plan would see the Co-op move from Sinclair Street to the West Clyde Street site.
Saturday's rally will follow similar public shows of support, such as the recent crowd on the pier cheering the PS Waverley approaching Helensburgh.
READ MORE: Helensburgh Community Council launch waterfront appeal fund
Community councillors have argued restoring the pier and a mixed-use space at the waterfront are vital to the town's future. The council said large retail was needed to protect Helensburgh.
The community council said: "Our waterfront could be a vibrant community space to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
"Instead we are to be given a supermarket that is harmful to Helensburgh’s wonderful view over the Clyde, as well as our fragile local businesses.
"Argyll and Bute Council’s process for selecting the winning supermarket bid has been flawed and secretive.
"It has disregarded the views of the community and is using weak and out of date evidence. Despite the strong community opposition, Argyll and Bute Council is still not listening to the community."
The rally to "save our waterfront" will be held from 12pm to 1pm on October 26 at the waterfront site.
Organisers said those who attend would be given an update on the plans, see the skate park facility and hear local musicians. HCC said it would "mark your opposition with wildflower bombs and ribbons".
Council bosses put up a question and answer page on their website about a month after the announced the preferred bidder for the waterfront. Forrest has not put out further details since.
Neither has responded to a request for comment on the judicial review fund-raiser.
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