WE must secure the future of our town’s small businesses – and the views of the Clyde.

That is the view of the Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce, who have expressed concerns about the waterfront proposals which will go under the microscope next week.

As reported in last week’s Advertiser, chamber members have already agreed to leaflet town centre business about their concerns for the future.

These include the lack of coach parking in the proposed new seafront development, and the future creation of a shopping mall which could block the scenic views. It is also a worry that the retail outlet could discourage visitors from using the town’s existing businesses.

Council chiefs face a crunch meeting at the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre on Thursday, June 21, on the future of the waterfront plans.

A statement from the chamber said: “Helensburgh’s future as a destination of choice for coach parties is under threat from the waterfront development plan, threatening the economic well-being of the town’s many small businesses.

“The attack on the town is coming from two sides, the omission of coach parking in the new seafront and the future creation of a large new shopping mall which will not only discourage any visitors from exploring further into the town but also be a visual blight blocking the views across the Clyde.

“The waterfront project team initially highlighted the importance of community support and buy-in, as a means of ensuring that any scheme delivered is one that is regarded as “fit-for-purpose” and seen as meeting community needs.

“In discussing the published scheme, Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce members have concluded that the proposed project fails on both these counts.

“The proposed new car park includes only a coach drop-off point and there has been a suggestion that the coaches might leave their passengers at the drop off point.”

Chief executive John Clark added: “One could be forgiven for developing the belief that the project is simply about the new pool and fitness centre, together with some necessary hard landscaping.

“However, the reality is that the implications of this project for Helensburgh as a day visitor destination, and for those businesses reliant on that trade, are pretty serious indeed.

“The loss of almost half of the current car parking spaces, coupled with the complete loss of all coach parking facilities in the town centre will have serious consequences for a wide range of businesses.

“If there are no parking facilities then coach drivers will look to the many alternative destinations first.”

The chamber has also expressed concerns about the proposed new swimming pool, including the lack of a disabled changing area, with a standard disabled toilet part of the plans.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney told the Advertiser: “Views are not a planning matter. In terms of the overall building, most people are happy with the position of the building and are delighted by how it looks.

“In terms of the future retail development, that will be subject to the planning application process.

“I think people would be delighted to get a new £18m swimming pool, which is badly needed. It was decided that this would be a community pool, but would be able to accept galas.

“Most people in the survey conducted by the community council said the amount of public seating was sufficient. The proposed building will meet full disabled requirements.”