Published: Thursday, 21st January, 2010 11:28am

Ambulance future unclear

by Sharon Thompson

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THE future of ambulance provision for the town still hangs in the balance as a contentious planning decision for new facilities was yesterday put to a hearing.

A meeting was held at the council headquarters in Kilmory on Wednesday by the Local Review Board (LRB) where they discussed the refusal of planning permission to a new ambulance station based at the Victoria Infirmary.

It was confirmed at the meeting that the best course of action, given the high level of public interest on the matter, would be to hold a local hearing.

LRB Chair, Councillor Daniel Kelly said: "We are obviously aware of the strength of support in Helensburgh and the surrounding area regarding a new local ambulance station.

"Argyll and Bute Council understands the need for the provision of such a facility. However, at the same time we are also very mindful of our responsibilities as regards planning legislation, and the opinion of our planning officers is that this proposal is contrary to several planning policies.

"Given the complexity of this particular proposal and the high level of public interest, we have now decided to hold a local hearing into this application to receive further information on a number of specified matters. The hearing - which will also involve a site visit - will give the parties to the process the chance to respond to the matters identified by the Local Review Board before a final decision is taken."

But before the meeting on Wedneaday, agents acting on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service warned that the facilities might not be able to continue in Helensburgh if permission wasn't granted.

FOR MORE ON THIS STORY, TURN TO PAGE 9 OF THIS WEEK'S HELENSBURGH ADVERTISER - OUT NOW.

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