MORE than 100 comments have now been received by Argyll and Bute Council on Helensburgh's proposed Waterfront leisure centre.

Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce has been among those making their feelings known to the authority, continuing to express reservations about the impact of the planned building on local businesses.

In total, 112 comments had been received as this article was published - 106 of them from the public and the remaining six from consultees.

The Chamber's response, submitted by former independent councillor Vivien Dance, states that it endorses recent comments made by Helensburgh Community Council.

Mrs Dance said: "Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce objects to the plans as proposed but does not oppose the long overdue provision of a new swimming pool and improvements to the waterfront site.

"Helensburgh is one of the few towns in Scotland which currently enjoys over 95 per cent occupancy of its town centre premises, many of them independent traders.

"Commerce and trade in the town is currently thriving and unless the plans for the seafront site are amended in line with current town centre development and planning policy, the decision makers in this process will threaten not only local livelihoods but the ability of the town to survive and flourish for the same timescale as the predicted lifespan of the new leisure centre.

"A few amendments to the proposed plans would remove these threats and the Chamber of Commerce will pursue their demands for these to happen."

Many members of the public have raised objections to the proposals, but some have come out in support.

Nicholas Davies said: "Any scheme that improves the current pier area in the near future is welcome.

"I think a new swimming pool is an excellent idea, but it would be nice to see 'flumes' and water slides or similar features that will appeal to the young as part of the design.

"Plenty of adjacent parking is essential, including space for coaches."

John Penniston, of the Helensburgh Skatepark Project, has also made a representation, branding it neither a support nor objection.

He said: "Councillors supported our submission of a petition in support of a Helensburgh skatepark and proposal to develop a new skatepark.

"Planning for this can only commence when there is greater clarity within the overall Waterfront development plan."

It is expected that the plans for the Waterfront Leisure Centre will go before the council's protective, public services and licensing committee at its meeting on Wednesday, October 24.

A public hearing is one of the numerous potential outcomes from that meeting, as well as approval with or without conditions, or rejection.

Comments can still be submitted to the council at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning and searching for 18/01614/PP.