LANGBANK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 2025 - Minutes
WEDNESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2025
Meeting to be held in the
LANGBANK COMMUNITY CENTRE, MIDDLEPENNY ROAD @ 7.30pm
Start and welcome
Present:
Jacqueline Doherty, John O’Brien, Julie Gilmour, Maggie Hancock,
Caroline Bryce, Neil Barrington, Carly Deheer
Also in attendance:
Lesley Fairlie, Iain McDougall, Caroline MacLean, Cllr James MacLaren
Apologies:
Cllr Fiona Airlie-Nicolson, Cllr Colin McCulloch, James Hunter
Acceptance of last meeting minutes - WEDNESDAY 8th JANUARY 2025
Proposed: Maggie Hancock Seconded : Caroline Bryce
Police Report (if applicable)
No police report
Constable Stewart Sutherland, K186, Local Problem Solving Team not in attendance
Village website and Facebook updates.
Issue around posts during Storm Eowyn, with several comments being removed.
It needs to be stressed that the Facebook page is not an emergency service and is never intended to replace members reaching out to appropriate services or actively reaching out to vulnerable residents in person, rather than ineffectively via the FB page. Prior to Storm Eowyn the admin team ensure the relevant information and important contact details with appropriate organisations had been shared.
Comments also removed from a post relating to Chinese lanterns.
Comments had been reported, and as per previous similar comments, were viewed as exploiting a post to make comments of a personal nature.
Village Groups Updates
LSR /MUGA
MERRY CHRISTMAS non personalised maybe more affordable. Wednesdays still well attended best in the area. Rateable Valuation to be updated, contacts updated to proprietor LCC and info@ email address
Church redevelopment
No update on church redevelopment, however new minister, Rev. Steven Owens, was inducted at a service on Tuesday 21st January. Newsletter will be distributed at Beginning of March
Winter Connections Grant
IMcD checking for screen costs for Hall, WIFI for hall – JMcL will investigate other funding streams for this.
Suggestions – Family Games night in the Hall
Pickle Ball at MUGA - equipment and 5 sessions coaching / taster sessions, targeting adults as opposed to kids. Strathgryffe might have a coach.
FIRST AID course not going to be within time limit for this GRANT funding, course costs have escalated.
Environmental matters
Recent storm damage
Middlepenny Road and Station Road (both top and bottom) were blocked by fallen trees.
Middlepenny Road, cleared shortly afterwards, although pavement remains blocked.
LF has contacted the homeowner no response. RC removed the broken lamp-post
JMcL will chase with RC
Top Station Road partially cleared night of storm, however lower Station Road and full clearance at top didn’t happen until Sunday morning. JD called 0959 RC Emergency line to advise ALL pupils from that area would need to go under tree to get to school buses.
Residents then cleared majority debris from pavement and road, although still not ideal.
CB Fence down at property end of Dennistoun Road, concerned that will block the path.
IMcD spoke to Scottish Power, the initial powerc cut and the length of time it tiook for power to be restored was largely caused by falling trees damaging the power lines. Trees are ultimately the home owner’s responsibility.
Scottish Power also noted that not many people in Langbank included in the Scottish Power vulnerable list. They are given priority in the event of power cuts. Wouldn’t have made a difference in this particular event but may in future, ie Would prioritise fix in smaller outages. Many residents would meet the criteria to be added to the vulnerable list eg over 60s.
IMcD suggested the purchase of a generator for hall (including installation circa £ 10,000) - possible LAP grant possibility. Providing the community with a facility for power cut events in the future.
Swing Park fence now repaired, repair work has not encompassed dangerous pothole at fence on pavement – been reported previously. JMcL noted for chase.
Planning
Email : SCOTPLAN John Smith
Thanks for your response and next week I am meeting with Ross Nimmo of Mission Clyde at Greater Glasgow . The matter I will be discussing is the funds that may be available to create a new enlarged car park for Langbank railway station and COAST but my research so far indicates that the Land owner cannot obtain such funds and to improve a coastal community they should come via an appointed body such as the Community Council.
My ideas are that the land held by Transport Scotland (between the A8 and Main Road), could accommodate a sustainable car parking area with renewable energy power for car charging and potentially a local shop and an enhanced landscaped entrance to the village.
My response from Ross Nimmo to such suggestions could be discussed by the CC at a future meeting.
I await your response when convenient
Email from John Smith SCOTPLAN
Discussed that we should possibly try snd make contact direct with Mission Clyde to ensure that LC part of any proposals.
Clyde Coastal Path proposal
JD has a contact at ATKINS that may be able to assist with an initial quote. JD will speak to rotary members and RC to try and keep momentum
Transport Concerns
A8 roundabout
Study to be completed info in JMcL report
Storm damaged signage
Active Travel
Proposed new active travel link between Bishopton and West Ferry
Utilising the existing road corridor on the A8, the proposals incorporate widening of the existing footway on the northern side of the A8 between Chestnut Roundabout and West Ferry Interchange in order to deliver a shared use path. The path will be at least 3 metres wide to allow use by pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists. The existing carriageways will be narrowed accordingly. Proposals also include improvements to crossing facilities at the start and end of the route, and where there is a desire line across the A8 e.g. at the existing bus stop and to tie in to walking routes. Furthermore, improvements are proposed to junctions along the route to make it easier and safer for people to cross.
Cycle Path A8
JMcL will chase Transport Scotland as they said they would install a fence alongside the footpath next to the A8. This has not happened yet
Local Cllr updates and monthly reports
Reports attached : Cllr James MacLaren, Cllr Fiona Airlie-Nicolson, Cllr Colin McCulloch
AOB
Local Area Partnership
Neil previously served as our CC representative on this group with Jacqueline currently representing LSR. Neil’s resignation leaves a space for a community representative on the LAP and all present were asked to consider this role. There are 4 meetings of this group per year with majority taking place via Teams.
Next meeting will be this Thursday 13th February at 6pm.
Applications for the 2025/26 round of Local Partnership Funding have now opened.
The fund launched for applications on Monday 10 February and will be open until midnight on Thursday 13th March, with decisions due to be made by the Local Partnerships in April / May.
Local Place Plan
For those community councils interested in preparing a Local Place Plan, we have been made aware of a series of training events for community councils. They are online and start this Wednesday. Further information is available at - https://www.communitycouncils.scot/events
Local Plan drop-in session. Monday 26/02/2025 & 03/03/25 at 5pm on Microsoft Teams
POTHOLES – NB
Destroyed his wheel and suspension, in the middle of the road on Hatton Brae. This hole has been filled previously but appears to be breaking up again. JMcL will follow up.
NOTED – NO ACTION AT PRESENT :
Fireworks Control Zone – designating areas (link below for consideration prior to meeting)
FAO Community Councils
Please be advised that our application process is now open, to allow communities to request that we consider designating areas as Fireworks Control Zones, under new powers.
Fireworks Control Zones are defined geographical areas, where the majority of residents wish to have the use of private, domestic fireworks controlled, and where there is evidence to suggest that a Zone may solve a nuisance, or problem.
Fireworks Control Zones cannot ban fireworks completely – they are only intended to stop personal use in a person’s own property. Full information on Fireworks Control Zones, including how to apply can be found at: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/14295/Firework-control-zones
Glasgow Airport’s Airspace Change Proposal – Stage 3 Gateway Update – attached
From: Glasgow Airport <airspace@glasgowairport.com>
Sent: 20 January 2025 4:20 PM
To: Langbank Community Council <jacquelined2012@btinternet.com>
Subject: Glasgow Airport’s Airspace Change Proposal – Stage 3 Gateway Update
Dear Langbank Community Council
Glasgow Airport’s Airspace Change Proposal – Stage 3 Gateway Update
I am writing to inform you that on 16th January 2025 Glasgow Airport was informed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that they are provisionally satisfied that we have met the requirements for the Consult/Engage Gateway. This stage is when the CAA reviews and accepts documents relating to Stage 3 of CAP1616.
CAP1616 is a 7-stage process for implementing and engaging on airspace change. Public consultation is part of Stage 3 of this process and follows engagement with stakeholders during Stage 1 and 2.
However, as you may be aware, Glasgow Airport is working alongside Edinburgh Airport and NATS (NERL) to deliver a coordinated change proposal to modernise airspace in Scotland. The CAA is unable to formally approve Glasgow’s progress to the next step until all three sponsors are successful in passing the Gateway assessments.
We are therefore currently working with the other sponsors to establish timescales for the Stage 3 public consultation and will be in touch as soon as we have a confirmed programme. Further information about our public consultation will also be shared then.
About this proposal
The UK’s airspace is being upgraded as part of the UK Government’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy. Twenty UK airports across the UK are undertaking airspace changes to modernise their routes below 7,000ft. NATS (NERL), the UK’s leading Air Navigation Service Provider for en-route operations, is upgrading the route network above 7,000ft.
As part of this initiative to deliver quicker, quieter, cleaner flights, Scottish Airspace Modernisation was formed of Glasgow Airport, Edinburgh Airport and NATS (NERL) to deliver a coordinated change proposal to modernise the airspace over Scotland.
Further information
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our consultation team atairspace@glasgowairport.com or on 0800 066 8943.
Should you determine that you no longer wish to receive updates in relation to this ACP you are welcome to opt out of subsequent messages by responding to us with UNSUBSCRIBE in the email header.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Beveridge
Managing Director, Glasgow Airport
0800 066 8943
CC Forum - Environmental Sub-group
Langbank Community Council February Report from Councillor James MacLaren
Roads
Temporary Road Closure, Netherton Road: - This notice will be in force from Monday 17th February 2025 to Friday 21st February 2025. Closure Reason: Openreach Works. Alternative routes: Old Greenock Road, Gallahill Road and vice versa.
Transport Scotland, Roundabout Survey: - Following the results of the survey last year, an optioneering/feasibility study is currently being developed to identify potential options to improve the A8 entry onto the roundabout. It is anticipated that this study will be completed by March 2025. Any road safety measures identified from this study will be taken forward for design in the 2025/26 financial year, subject to available funding.
Roads Capital Programme 2025/26: - Next year’s capital programme is being prepared and I have sent in the roads and pavements which I think need resurfacing.
Pavement Parking Ban: - See the website for a map showing proposed exemptions: https://ren.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=5a1a2a5273f043e4b89071c7fdee60b1
Gallahill Road: - The drainage problems on this road have been passed onto our drainage officer who will look into this.
OGR Signs: - New signage should be installed soon for the junction with Houston Rd.
Accident Damage, Middlepenny Rd: - Council requested quotes for the fence to be repaired, and this has now been repaired.
Finlaystone Burn, OGR: - Roads will have the gully and outlet cleaned and jetted at the bridge. With regards the water which is coming off private land, our inspector and drainage officer will contact the land owner to try and resolve this.
Finlaystone Road: - Our Roads Inspector and Flooding Engineer will investigate complaints about drainage and the poor road surface.
Storm Damage, Trees & Road Sweeping
Blocked Roads: - I reported a number of roads blocked by fallen trees after the recent storm, including Station Road.
Hatton Brae, A8 Greenock Rd: - I requested sweeping here which was done.
Westferry Streetlighting
In relation to the ownership of the lighting at Westferry Interchange, council are waiting on a meeting being arranged between them and AMEY/Transport Scotland. I am chasing this.
Refuse & Litter
Food Waste Recycling: - I have a few spare food bags.
Fly Tipping OGR: - I reported fly tipping at the corner just down from Gallahill Rd.
Middlepenny Place Footpath
The disposition to George Wimpey and title deed for Middlepenny Place indicates that the area of unadopted path, including the gate into the field, would be the residents’ responsibility.
Fireworks Control Zones
Fireworks Control Zones can be applied to some streets if the majority of residents wish to have the use of fireworks controlled, but cannot be applied to commercial premises. Full information on Fireworks Control Zones, including how to apply can be found at: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/14295/Firework-control-zones
Funding
The FCC Scottish Action Fund: - This fund offers funding to projects through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund (SLCF). I see this fund can be used for a number of things including providing, maintaining or improving a public park or other public amenity.
Local Partnership Funding: - This is open for applications for the 2025/26 round of Local Partnership Funding. Applications can be submitted until 13th March, with decisions due to be made by the Local Partnerships in April/May. Local groups can apply for funding through the Renfrewshire Council website: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/localpartnershipfunding
Local Development Plan 2028
Some of the development proposals can be viewed on a map on the council website at: https://ren.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=778d449ec6f44bb887ceffd8b516e883 . Residents are reminded that submissions to the previous LDP will not be taken into consideration and new submissions will be required for the new LDP. Community councils should put together a Local Place Plan for their village which requires submission by the autumn. This will be used to inform the Local Development Plan.
Scottish Parliament Boundaries
Boundaries Scotland published its Additional Proposals for constituency boundaries.
A public consultation will run from 24 January to 24 February 2025 Full details of this latest stage of the Second Review can be found at: https://boundaries.scot/reviews/second-review-scottish-parliament-boundaries . Langbank has been included in the Renfrewshire North and Cardonald constituency (previously it had been included in the Renfrewshire West constituency).
Langbank Community Council
12th February Councillors Report
Fiona Airlie-Nicolson
Local Development Plan 3.
As you may be aware the renewal of the Local development Plan occurs every five years. This plan designates/identifies land use across the whole of Renfrewshire. The council recently approved the timetable for this and a new element is Local Place Plans, which if produced become part of the planning documents. A new Local Development Plan working group has been established to consider various issues, one of which was the timetable for local communities to produce local plans to meet the October 2025 deadline. Officers indicated that there is some flexibility in the timetable as a new LDP would normally take 3 years and local communities will get guidance if they choose to produce a place plan.
Pavement Parking.
A recent council board discussed the next stages of the pavement parking legislation. Officers replied to queries about referrals for exemptions. They stated that exemptions will be considered as they come in and assessed and response given. All roads will need to meet a certain criterion, to be exempted and the full rollout across Renfrewshire will likely take a few years. It is suggested that things will commence in the spring. Any enforcement in the meantime will be limited to where pavement parking is clearly causing an obstruction, single sided footways, junctions, crossing points etc. They will rely on complaints as a means of areas being identified as an issue. An app will be provided for members of the Community to alert the council to any issues, problem areas will be prioritised for action. In the meantime, anyone can apply for exemptions and these will be processed as per the legislation.
Local Transport strategy.
The Council will be going out to consult on the renewal of our Local Transport Strategy. This strategy will be asking for comments on all transport modes, links and connections including cycleways. This document is used to identify gaps in transport links, supports funding programmes and will tie in with wider regional transport plans. Its especially important that local villages express a view on connectivity and public transport provision.
Waste Collection.
The Council has invested in smaller bin lorries as a response to streets that are narrow or have become congested with cars. These lorries will be deployed in areas to allow a full service to be delivered. At the moment, many areas have missed bin collection entirely due to vehicles obstructing the access leading to increased costs and residents having a delayed collection.
Grant fund opportunities
Local Partnerships
Applications for the next round of Local Partnership grant funding are now open.
Funding is available for local community groups, organisations, projects and activities that align with the priorities set by each Local Partnership.
There are some important changes to this year’s application process including refreshed priorities for each Local Partnership and updated guidance.
Applications close on 13 March 2025. After that, your application will be considered by the Local Partnership you are applying to.
https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/localpartnershipfunding
Sports
The Renfrewshire Artificial Pitches Grant Fund is now open for constituted groups, charities or organisations to create new artificial pitches in the area, with the aim of increasing provision for all sports and activities in Renfrewshire.
A total of £800,000 has been made available by the Council, with up to a maximum of £400,000 in match funding available to a single project.
The funding is for new pitches on land owned or leased by the organisation and is not available for the replacement of current artificial pitches as part of their general maintenance.
Fencing, goals, floodlights will be considered for funding, but it is expected these would be funded from alternative sources.
The grant process is now open and constituted groups, charities or organisations can find out more at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/artificial-pitches-fund and register their interest by emailing ei@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
The funding coincides with the Scottish Football Association’s Pitching In campaign which launched recently and plans to build and upgrade 90 3G pitches and renovate 75 changing rooms by 2030 – part of a campaign to raise £50m over the next five years to improve football facilities across the country.