LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY 14th June 2023 at Langbank Village Hall, Middlepenny Road @ 7.30pm
Present: Neil Barrington (chair), Maggie Hancock, Carly Deheer, James Hunter, John O’Brien, Carolyne Bryce, Julie Gilmour and Jacqueline Doherty(secretary).
Also in attendance: Cllr James MacLaren, James Archibald, David Hallworth (snr), David Hallworth (jnr), Leslie Fairlie, Gillian Kulwicki and Trixie Brown.
Apologies: Gloria Dunn (treasurer), Cllr Colin McCulloch, Cllr Fiona Airlie-Nicolson.
Police Report:
No police report available.
One of the two speed monitors which had been placed on Main Road was removed by persons unknown. This is extremely disappointing as many residents have reported concerns around speeding on Main Road.
Village website and Facebook updates:
Minutes added to website as normal. Bit of controversy over the Bishopton Day post, comments turned off and hidden as a result.
Repairs to Langbank Roundabout:
No repairs to roundabout have taken place and further damage has occurred.
Villager had reported details of accident to Cllr MacLaren and this confirmed it was a serious accident.
At least one other serious accident has been reported since last meeting.
Chairman read out extract from Cllr Airlie-Nicolson’s report, which addressed roundabout actions and also addressed issue of unsafe parking at junction of Middlepenny and Main Road. This is still an issue and does pose a risk to car drivers and pedestrians – villager had reported this and was particularly concerned about safety of pupils catching Park Mains school bus.
Cllr MacLaren was able to provide information that first report from Transport Scotland due October, but unsure whether this information will be shared.
Parking issues at COAST restaurant on Main Road:
No update since previous meeting. Minutes from previous meeting was read out.
Two previous emails sent to Scottish Ministers to be forwarded to the newly appointed Scottish Ministers, as no reply ever received to the previous letter.
Clyde Coastal Path Meeting developments:
Short meeting with Sustrans to ask questions about application process – not much additional information available.
Hope to arrange a meeting for end of July to discuss application as group would like to have this ready to submit once new grant submissions opens. No date yet but may be late summer/early autumn.
MUGA status:
Julie Gilmour has made contact with new chairperson of Bowling Green.
Bowling Green have had two open days since meeting in April, although no feedback provided by the club.
“Street Stuff” is back and very popular, although bus has not been available this time – Cllr MacLaren
confirmed that bus is being used elsewhere and won’t be sent to Langbank. Unfortunately this will finish again on 28th June and if the village wished for this to continue they would have to find funding. Renfrewshire Council (RC) have been approached to ask why Langbank does not qualify for this service. There was concern raised at the meeting that as Langbank is not an area of social deprivation the children miss out on opportunities, further increasing the potential for social isolation. This service is certainly not provided equitably throughout Renfrewshire.
Question asked as to whether a response had been received from Bowling Club over issues raised at the April meeting in respect of the second hut which had been erected without any consultation and the decking which had been fixed in place, rather than being removable. The situation of the second hut unfortunately gave no consideration to children’s safety and it was suggested that bowling club should be asked to fence off the ‘blind spot’ area at the back. When MUGA was being designed children’s safety was paramount and it is important that any new developments are consulted on and safety is considered. As the decking is fixed leaves and debris cannot be cleared from edge of MUGA.
A volunteer from village has been working on the grassy area at the front of the MUGA; tidying it up and planting shrubs. Thanks were expressed for his efforts.
LSR have recently had a successful grant application from RC Villages Investment Fund for £30,000 for Outdoor Exercise equipment at Station Road playing fields. They are currently conducting a consultation on type of equipment – closing date 16th June 2023. This equipment will be installed at same time as the children’s play equipment which was voted on as part of the RC YouDecide campaign. A consultation on this equipment is being undertaken by RC – closing date 18th June. It is likely to be the end of the year before installation.
RCCForum Mtg on 5th June @ Johnstone Town Hall:
Postponed from 11th May. Changes to RCC Forum Constitution were ratified at this meeting.
There was a presentation from Gavin Hutton of RC, who explained the justification for the new brown bin collection charges. Numbers of questions asked about this. RC will not pro rata the charges for this year despite it being part way through financial year.
The issue of increased fly tipping was mentioned and apparently this is not the case in areas where charges have already been implemented. RC will however monitor situation.
Langbank Church conversion follow up:
No update available. Church Session meeting being held this evening.
Village Hall update:
No update available, although it was confirmed that RC had now unblocked drains in kitchen.
Planning Application 23/0128/PP 30 Glamping Pods, Gleddoch House:
Recap to Local concerns raised by villagers over this application – objection raised by LCC based on these discussions.
Possible sewerage overload into a weak system with previous leaks into the village.
Possible overload on water supply (mains/local spring water)
Access roads to construction site and permanent layout – traffic will use single track Station Road.
Must maintain full access to the Hotel and Gleddoch Wynd at all times.
Control of increased noise and litter collection.
LCC encouraged the RC Planning Dept to review these concerns in depth.
Previously LCC had raised concerns about a previous proposal to build chalets – on the basis that these were close to being permanent dwellings. Noted that current proposed pods are all to high specification.
Having completed some research an attendee had noted that SEPA and Scottish Water hadn’t previously provided any reports on previous planning. Neither of these public bodies have provided reports for this current application.
Further discussion relating to these concerns and concerns around previous applications – which have not always been transparent.
The 3 local councillors requested that this should be decided by the Planning Policy Board rather than officers of the council.
Serious environmental concerns as well as safety issues around access are of a very real concern.
James Archibald raised fact that additional information with regards to this PP had been submitted late.
Everyone should be encouraged to go to the planning application and read this additional information carefully.
With a development this size there will be more visitors able to reside in Pods than in the current Gleddoch Hotel.
Chairman has struggled to speak to the manager of Gleddoch Hotel to agree to meet with him to date, but will continue to try.
The additional information provided details of expected clientele, however difficult to see how this can be guaranteed.
Suggestion made that LCC either approach RC planning department directly or Gleddoch Management.
Agreement that best route would be to approach RC.
Concerns raised about Gleddoch Management not taking responsibility for previous issues caused by
developments.
Question asked as to whether Scottish Water and SEPA had been approached directly with regards to
legitimate concerns about new planning application. It would seem strange that neither body do not have an obligation to explore this.
It was pointed out that none of the three local councillors sit on the Planning and Change Policy Board (PCPB) and therefore all with objections should forward concerns onto relevant councillors.
29th August or 7th November are next two PCPB meetings.
Suggestion that Bat Survey should be completed in advance of development and also noted that there are badgers in the area.
Discussion around the second planning development about the increased height to the fencing around the Driving Range. Concerns about the dangers this would cause to birds and also poor maintenance of existing fence resulting in golf balls not been contained and local residents being put in danger.
Noted that objector have no right of appeal but the applicant does.
Attendee asked if three local councillors could request that the second application relating to fencing also be brought to the PCPB. The process for doing so was explained and although not straightforward a request could be made.
Members of LCC offered to find appropriate contacts at both Scottish Water and SEPA as it was agreed that they should be contacted. Jacqueline to forward CC letter of objections to councillors on PCPB.
Update from Treasurer:
Money in account (exclusive of Mary Park path reserved funds) is £2364.49
Cheque to be issued to cover costs of plants and soil improver for village planters.
Meeting closed…….
Cllr MacLaren’s monthly input;
Roads. A8 Roundabout: - I’m aware of another accident on the A8 roundabout. As reported previously, Transport
Scotland are surveying the roundabout. I have written a motion to the full council meeting calling on the council to impress on Transport Scotland the urgency of this report and the need to see something done here.
Damaged Sign: - The 30-mph sign knocked down at the west entrance to the village off the A8 will be
repaired.
Houston Road: - A week long speed survey will take place near the foot of the hill.
Old Greenock Rd: - Roads will install “SLOW” markings across the road just prior to the dip, heading east from Gleddoch, and “SLOW” markings will be installed at either side of Station Road.
Speeding on Main Road: - Monitoring equipment was installed on 16 th May, between Holmfield East and Janefield West, but the one on the houses side of the road was removed by persons unknown, between the 16th to 25th. Another device will have to be ordered and at some point, the detectors will be back out on Main Road, but information is sort as to who removed it and why.
Old Greenock Road Signage: - Signage (new street name sign on Gallahill Rd and replacement bend
warning signs) has now been repaired/replaced.
Education & Childrens Services Policy Board
The Conservative councillors put forward an amendment that Park Mains HS should not be extended and that a new HS be built in Bishopton. "Identify a site in or around Bishopton for a new high school to accommodate over 1000 pupils."
Unfortunately the amendment was not successful and council now plan to extend Park Mains to
accommodate 2000 pupils.
Garden Waste Collection
Details of the £40 charge for uplift of garden waste was recently announced in the SNP February budget with details forthcoming at the recent ILE Policy Board. This is a charge per bin and a permit must be obtained before 10th July if you wish garden waste to be uplifted. Please apply by 25th June to https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/3745/Garden-waste . Food waste will still be removed for free, if garden waste is not included. Householders who choose not to take up the option to participate in the permit scheme will continue to be able to dispose of their garden waste free of charge at any of the 5 Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Gleddoch Sewage
SEPA carried out an inspection in July 2022, and attended the area to check that the local burn was
recovering. With the pollution stopped, pipework replaced and the burn recovering SEPA concluded their investigations and issued a warning letter to the hotel.
Waste Collection Updates & Bins
Over the last month there were issues collecting the blue bins from Gleddoch Wynd, and a vehicle
breakdown meant collections of some other bins were a day late. I also had to chase up collection of brown bins from Marypark Road again.
Main Road Bin: - I have requested a new litter bin for next to the station.
There was a short discussion about a collection of brown bins 2 weeks ago and lorry appeared to ‘swallow’ bin. This should be reported to RC to ask for replacement – discussion around this and it would appear that despite it not being resident at fault as there may be no proof then there is likely to be a charge for new bin.
Mobile CCTV Cameras Catch Fly-tippers
We have cameras deployed at the moment and rely heavily on local intelligence and analytical information to decide where they will next be cited. I have asked for Hatton Brae (Greenock Rd) to the be looked at in the near future to gauge suitability for the cameras.
Upgrade to Station Road play park ;
Please fill out the short surveys giving your views on upgrades to Station Road play park by Sunday 18 June 2023 online at https://arcg.is/0KPWrL .
Burst Pipes
Water Leak, top of Middlepenny Rd: - we should get some rain next week and our engineer will hopefully see the source of the offending water then.
Planning Application
Gleddoch 23/0128/PP (glamping pods): - This application is to be determined by the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, though none of the local councillors are on this Board.
StreetStuff
The bus will not be returning as they are trying to spread activities and resources as wide as possible and to the areas “that need it most”. StreetStuff are due to move out of Langbank at the end of June and will touch base with the Community Council to see if any parents/volunteers would be willing to support the activities going forward. They are happy to support parents/volunteers who need training to enable this to happen. I am told that the number of attendances in Langbank tends to drop during the summer period with families going on holiday unlike other areas where there was a higher demand.
Overgrown grass at station
I raised the matter of grass cutting with Network Rail and the Station Manager will have the grass looked at and cut.
It was noted that the path running along railway line is badly needing cut back as it is becoming
impassable.
Cycle Path:
I am chasing Amey for a new fence alongside the A8.
There was a short discussion around the state of many of the lamp posts on Middlepenny Road and time taken to fix lighting issues - A rotting lamppost at top of Middlepenny Road fell into a residents garden. This was removed the next day and has not be replaced. Cllr MacLaren informed meeting that a contract will be awarded in September to have lampposts replaced.
Cllr Fiona Airlie-Nicolson report
Planning . A number of contacts in terms of peoples objections to the planning application for the erection of glamping pods at Gleddoch House. All three councillors have requested that this application be called to the board for consideration rather than it being decided by the officers. I have also forwarded all emailed correspondence to the planning department to ensure that the constituents concerns are considered by the board.
Various queries in terms of the implementation of the Garden Waste Permit scheme permit scheme.
Some Renfrewshire Council information that you may wish to share if asked.
The information below aims to provide you with a summary of the key points of the garden waste collection permit scheme, including allowing you to answer any questions you may receive about the service from your community.
As part of our actions to meet the financial challenges faced by the council, an annual charge of £40 will be introduced from 10 July 2023 for the collection of garden waste from residents.
The council is not legally required to collect garden waste, so the decision has been taken to introduce this charge in line with two-thirds of other local authorities who offer a garden waste collection service in their areas.
Residents should apply for their permit by 25 June 2023 to ensure it is in place when the new service begins on 10 July 2023. The permit should be reapplied for annually so it is in place for the start of each financial year on 1 April and, once purchased, it will be logged onto our system and a permit will be posted out for their brown bin.
The permit should be attached to the front panel of the bin to ensure it is collected by our crews. Those with a permit should put food and garden waste into their brown bin for collection.
Anyone who does not wish to participate can continue to present their brown bin as normal with food waste only, but if garden waste is placed into the bin without a permit, then it will not be collected until the garden waste is removed or a permit is purchased.
The permit applies to one bin only so a permit must be purchased for each brown bin they wish to be
collected. A replacement can be provided should the resident move during the year to another address within Renfrewshire. Additional brown bins and permits can be purchased as required.
Those who share a bin, such flats or tenement blocks, can share a permit and the cost, but they must
coordinate this themselves and apply online for a permit/permits in the normal manner.
Anyone receiving full (100%) or severe mental impairment council tax reduction will not be required to pay.
They, or someone on their behalf, should apply online in the normal manner and follow the steps within the application form or call 0300 300 0380 if additional support is required. The exemption applies to one permit only and they will need to pay if they wish to have any additional permits.
Garden waste can be taken to any of our recycling centres for free or residents can pay for the council’s special uplift service to have their waste collected from their home.
Brown bins will continue to be collected every two weeks and all other bin collections will remain the same.
Our team of waste advisors will be available to support residents, communities, and elected members with the change to the service.
Further information on the service, including applying for a new or replacement permit, is available on our website atwww.renfrewshire.gov.uk/garden-waste-collection.
If a member of the community does not have internet access, they can visit their local library to be supported to apply or they can call 0300 300 0380. Paper applications will be available in due course at libraries and Renfrewshire House in Paisley, but the online form should be used in the first instance if possible.
Any questions on the service can be emailed to the team at garden.waste@renfrewshire.gov.uk
It was noted that this information has already been shared on the Community Facebook page.
Issues with Parking
Reports of parking on both sides at the bottom of Middlepenny Road near the traffic lights which makes this junction very tricky to navigate. There is physical infrastructure on the church side with a masonry wall and crash barriers which should naturally stop drivers leaving their cars on that side of the road, however it is an issue which persists. I have asked that our roads Inspector Victor Holmes in this email to visit site over the next few weeks and determine what measures could be considered plus check school bus stop road markings for refresh.
A8 Langbank Roundabout
The issue of speeding at the and the impact of this as it creates difficulty for residents leaving the village at the roundabout, especially for those heading West.
I am aware that a Scottish Transport/Trunk Road review has been ongoing.
Our Roads dept has advised me that an update will be provided to Council Board on 22nd June which
outlines that each year Transport Scotland, through its Operating Companies, undertakes a review of
collisions on the trunk road network to identify cluster sites, or routes with recorded collisions that may be worthwhile of further investigation. The screening process, together with a detailed understanding of collision trends around the network, results in a prioritised programme of sites that will be investigated further. This evidence-led approach ensures that resources can be targeted at locations where the greatest potential for casualty reduction is available. This approach has been successful in reducing casualties across Scotland’s trunk road network.
There is an investigation at A8 at Langbank to understand the collisions at the roundabout and consider if there are any common factors. The investigation will include a review of the collision data and existing road infrastructure along with results of a speed survey which will be undertaken in the coming months. While Amey will aim to undertake this before the school holidays, it is more likely that the survey will be undertaken in August or September when the schools return. From this investigation, proposed remedial measures may be identified for installation.
AOB
Proposed date for Gala Day will be Saturday 26th . Appropriate licences to be applied for and village groups approached re participation.
Suggestion that we approach Community Payback Team to clear verges on Main Road.
Noticeboard at Station Road entrance to playing fields now repaired and back in place.