LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY
11th MAY 2022 7.30pm in the Langbank Community Centre, Middlepenny Road, Langbank.
Present: John O’Brien, Gloria Dunn (treasurer), Maggie Hancock, Neil Barrington (chair), James Hunter, Carly Deheer, Jacqueline Doherty(secretary) and Julie Gilmour. Also in attendance: Eileen Tamburrini, Cllr Colin McCulloch, Cllr James MacLaren, Cllr Fiona Airlie-Nicolson and Iain McDougall Apologies: Gordon MacPherson and Julie Arbon.
Start and welcome: The chairman welcomed everyone, congratulated the two returning local councillors (MacLaren and McCulloch) on their re-election and Fiona Airlie- Nicolson on her election. Police Report: No police report available. Acceptance of last meeting minutes: Maggie Hancock proposed and Julie Gilmour seconded. Chairman’s and Secretary’s Report:
○Village website and Facebook update The last LCC Minutes were added as usual, and Holly (Gleddoch House Hotel liaison) there has confirmed no fireworks due for this month at Gleddoch. There have been a considerable number of difficulties with the Community Facebook page over the last month, with some administrators finding it increasingly difficult to continue. The admin team try their very best to ensure all content is appropriate, in line with group rules and according to the areas that the admin team are aware of that cause most complaints/issues. This may result in posts being refused or people being asked to amend posts before they are approved, however once on the page the admin team do not need to approve comments, which has led to some members exploiting this and posting inappropriate comments. Unfortunately, not all members follow correct procedures and report comments/posts via the page, with some feeling it is appropriate to contact individuals from the admin team directly to voice their issues, often badgering them with regards to this, which can be frustrating/upsetting for the team. There was concern over bogus profiles – to the best of their ability the admin team has identified and removed these, however this has led to members of the admin team being subject to abuse from these individuals on other pages. This is very disappointing as the admin team are trying hard to work in the best interest of all members and try to protect everyone. Although these individuals have not been named it is known that they are teenagers from both within Langbank, Bishopton and Erskine. These profiles have been reported to Facebook, unfortunately they have not been removed from other pages. There was a discussion around the inappropriateness in the way the admin team are treated and also disappointment that these young folks appear to think that it is okay to make derogatory or false comments about another person whilst posing as someone completely different – this is akin to trolling and definitely shouldn’t be treated as a joke. Going forwards if the situation continues changes may need to be made to the Facebook page such as turning off comments completely or severely restricting posts. This would be disappointing, but necessary if a few individuals continue to behave in this manner. Advice was sought from Police Scotland Cyber Security team with regards to screening members and it was agreed that additional questions needed to be asked of any new members – this is an additional burden for the admin team, unfortunately necessary due to the recent abuse of the page.
Recent accident at A8 Roundabout: Amey have said that they will repair the short section of boundary fence on Main Road caused by the recent accident, however they may also consider repairing the whole fence – to be confirmed. They will also fix damage to roundabout. To the meeting's best knowledge, the driver was not local and claims not to have known there was a roundabout there. The accident happened during the hours of darkness. It was noted that many of the signs approaching the roundabout rely on solar panels and aren’t always lit. Attempts to purchase land adjacent to Coast Restaurant for parking: Unfortunately Transport Scotland will not allow any of the land opposite Coast to be bought/leased for a car park. Transport Scotland have said the responsibility for providing appropriate land lies with the local authority – however this does not take into consideration that there is no other suitable land. Transport Scotland have indicated that they need access to this piece of land, for temporary support vehicles during repair to the A8 carriageway, but It was noted that during the lengthy repair of the A8 road barriers many heavy roadworks vehicles are parked on Main Road outside Coast – adding to the current parking issues, that the request of this piece of land is trying to solve. A discussion followed as to a possible way forward and the question was raised as to how we could engage Scottish Ministers. One suggestion is to apply for planning permission for a car park, or raise a petition.. Renewal of Zurich Municipal Insurance policy for the LCC activities: This has been paid and confirmation that MUGA is also covered under this public liability insurance.
Clyde Coastal Path developments. Feedback from latest meeting: No update, meeting proposed for end May/beginning June. Now that local councillors have been elected this can be arranged.
MUGA Activity and update: The LCC chairman will meet with the president of the Langbank Bowling Club this Friday, in the hope of moving this forward, to allow the LSR to progress with proposed works. Further to last month’s meeting the proposal provided by the bowling club has now been revised and this was read out to the meeting and all were in agreement around the proposal. Question raised as to how the external socket would be secured/would it be easily accessible to public – this will be located within the locked weathertight box and only key holders have access. “StreetStuff” has gone smoothly so far with a fantastic turn out. There have been no major issues around the parking restrictions with views of some local residents being sought – it would appear that these restrictions from a Tuesday night to a Wednesday night are not causing additional frustrations for residents of Main Road, with most villagers being delighted to see the space being well used. Only issue highlighted by residents was the fact that there was some parking within the restricted area on a Wednesday morning/afternoon – concern is that if this continues more people will assume that the parking restrictions aren’t important and others will start to ignore them. Situation to be monitored as these restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety of the children attending StreetStuff and also to stop traffic congestion on Main Road during the activity. A safety guardrail will be placed on the road side of the pavement directly outside of the MUGA to deter users of the MUGA from running out of the MUGA and straight onto Main Road. RC will complete this work early June.
Recent storm damage to Playing Field notice board: The chairman has been attempting to dismantle the notice board in order to move it to a better location until it can be reinstated. Russell Overend has agreed to help Neil with reinstatement. Improvements at Mary Park Road: Network Rail have repaired the wall. This went smoothly with no issues.
Community Speedwatch Initiative: Bishopton community council are having a meeting tomorrow evening, if anyone able to attend. If available Caroline Bryce will attend. Question asked about records of speed monitoring approximately 10 years ago. From memory the average speed then was 36 miles average speed and some registered in excess of 50mph. Discussion around safety at Station Road bridge where drivers aren’t giving priority to pedestrians and frequently travelling under bridge too fast and on middle of road. Noted that this is getting worse, with delivery drivers driving particularly dangerously. Suggestion that RC should be petitioned on this matter. Vote on this and motion carried. James will forward details of the process.
Street lights on Mary Park and Middlepenny Roads: Streetlights are still on 24/7 at Marypark Road.. Middlepenny Road works on streetlights have still to be completed. New column in place but no lamp attached.
Cllr J MacLaren’s monthly input and updates - already received:
Roads Main Road/A8: - Following the recent accidents, Amey will carry out repairs to the roundabout and the damaged wooden fencing on Main Road. Transport Scotland will check on the extent of their ownership of the fence and repair/replace what they own. Westferry Carpark: - 2 litter bins have now been added to the carpark replacing the damaged one. Some long standing litter has been removed by me and the TUTCU team.
Leaking fire hydrant, Station Rd: - Roads Dept originally told me that the water running down the road was coming from a leaking hydrant, but Scottish Water have advised that this is ground water from the hill above getting into the fire hydrant chamber and running out. I have now gone back to Roads about this.
Gullies, Westferry roundabout: - I have requested a broken grating be replaced. Speeding: - Old Greenock Road: - As concern was expressed about the speed of vehicles on OGR, I asked for the road signage to be checked. Our Inspector has advised existing warning signage is sufficient. Too many signs reduce their effectiveness, however the road markings require refurbishment, but this section of OGR is due to be resurfaced in July/August and all road markings will be refurbished when the new surface has been laid. After this our Contractor will add ‘SLOW’ road markings and rumble strips next to each of the existing warning signs.
Middlepenny Road: - our speed detectors are being repaired at the moment but they will be set up to record speeds.
Parking at Coast: - Roads Dept have provided a plan showing double yellow lines on the north side of Main Road and near the roundabout on both sides. I am also investigating other options. Main Rd/Middlepenny Rd Junction: - Arrangements have been made to inspect the junction. Any safety defects will be addressed and repairs carried out. It would be next year before the junction is likely to be resurfaced.
Roads & Infrastructure Investment Strategy: - An interesting report came to the council meeting on 28/4/22 (Item 2): https://bit.ly/3Neo5PL Street Lighting, A8 Footpath to Marypark Rd Scottish Power renewed the supply to this column with a live supply so it is currently lit 24 hours. A photocell will be installed so that it will turn off during daylight hours.
Overgrown Hedge, Station Road The landowner has advised their contractor has since retired/moved on and they have since received details of a new contractor, and works will be carried out as a matter of urgency as soon as new contractor is in place.
Refuse Collection & Fly Tipping The blue bins were missed at Gleddoch Wynd. One resident of Marypark Rd had her brown bin removed by the council as they said it was not on their route to empty brown bins there. I pointed out their error and the brown bin was returned.
Gallahill Road: - Reports of fly tipping at the top of the road near the telecom masts was temporary storage of carpets by the farmer. This has now been removed. Middlepenny Road: - I have requested the sandbags be removed that were there to hold the roadworks signage in place. Old Greenock Road: - Fly tipping of rubble to the west of Finlaystone Road has now been removed. Playpark, Middlepenny Rd I requested cleaning of the play equipment at the village hall and this has been done. Village Hall Leaking Pipe The Lead Facilities Manager has agreed to carry out a full camera survey of the drains, as there may be blockages/breakages within the underground system. Possible excavation/renewal work will follow thereafter and this has been issued to the contractor for a start date. Langbank Bowling Club I hope to have had a meeting together with the LBC chairman and the Community Council chairman prior to the next CC meeting.
Embankment Subsidence at Marypark Rd Some work has taken place to "secure" the fencing but it would not stop a vehicle going onto the tracks. I am looking for an Armco barrier to be installed which may involve work to stabilise the banking. Network Rail will examine the cutting further.
Gleddoch Sewage Leak Council has been informed that there is a sewage leak again. This is being investigated. The general manager for Gleddoch Hotel has stated that their drainage company had attended the recent blockage and carried out the replacement of 1-2m worth of underground pipework which was found to be in very poor condition. On completion of this work a CCTV survey of the full pipe run was completed on Thursday 21st of April. The survey found that further down the pipe there are signs of restriction which they have identified as more pipework in poor condition. They are working on a quotation at the moment and hope to have this as soon as possible. The manager has also stated that the drainage company has been instructed to continue flushing the drains until the repairs are complete.
StreetStuff I’m glad that StreetStuff is being enjoyed by the children. I was happy to help with the arrangements of the bollards. For the MUGA: - I have requested a couple of benches for the Muga and, fingers crossed, these will arrive later in the year.
Station Road Playing field: - I have arranged for the picnic benches to be power washed and spruced up.
Digital Exclusion I have asked for this matter to be put on the agenda for the Local Partnership meeting. An officer of the Chief Executive’s Service is looking into it. Compost from brown bin waste Our brown bin waste goes to Blantyre for processing to produce compost. I understand that you can go to the depot in Blantyre and pick up free compost. I have asked the council if they could bring a delivery of compost to a site in Renfrewshire for free collection. Feedback from Meeting Leaking fire hydrant, Station Rd: - I was reminded that SW said it was not them for the leak on Houston Road and it turned out that it was them. I will ask SW to check their info again.
Hedge cutting, Station Road: - Concern was expressed about nesting birds, as I had previously expressed. I will pass this on to our officer. Main Road fence: - I will chase up the fence repairs with Amey.
Parking, Main Road: - I will seek a site visit with Transport Scotland. A8 Count Down Markers: - Out of the 12 markers only one is lit at night. I will ask for repairs. Station Road: - I will chase up the “slow” markings on the north side of the bridge, and will send out the details on raising a petition with the council regarding further action around the bridge. Street Lamps: - There are 2 posts without lamps on Middlepenny Road. I will chase this up. Village Hall: - The kitchen is in poor condition. I will push for work to take place, A8 Speeds: - Reducing speeds on the A8 may be another reason for a petition. I will find out who this should go to.
Sunday - May 22nd – Village Clean- up day. Deliveries of litter pickers etc to Jacqueline Doherty who will attempt to coordinate the event.
Any other Business: Transport is an issue in the village and therefore question raised as to whether we should pursue public transport improvements. It was noted that there are many almost empty buses within the Paisley area during the day so the argument that there is insufficient demand doesn’t appear reasonable. Suggestion that SPT is contacted with regards to this issue. The lack of buses is a particular disadvantage to those older and younger age groups who are entitled to free bus travel.
Question asked as to how certain activities that are linked with West Ferry can be tackled. Would the police be able to have an increased presence there?
Meeting closed.
The chairman thanked everyone for their attendance at the first meeting to be held back in the Village Hall in Langbank and special thanks are to go to Caroline Bryce for organising the hall set up for our meeting. Everyone seemed very pleased with the change of venue.