CALLS have been made for Argyll and Bute Council to link up with a community group to restore the town’s battered pier.

A public meeting on Saturday attracted more than 200 people, the majority of whom wanted a joint rescue effort between the two bodies.

The pier was closed to marine craft last month, weeks after a report by the Helensburgh Seafront Development Project (HSDP) warned that it was unsafe.

MSPs Jackie Baillie and Maurice Corry were among those in attendance, with both expressing hopes that a solution can be found.

Gerard Lindsay, HSDP vice-chairman, said: “We wanted to gauge public sentiment in light of the recent closure of the pier to marine craft and get an idea of the level of support within the community for our plans to save and regenerate the pier.

“We welcomed the very honest opinions offered on what the public want and the main priority was that the pier be reopened to marine craft as soon as possible, and in particular what the status quo means for the future of PS Waverley calling in at Helensburgh Pier.

“We appealed for help in a number of different areas including donations, volunteers to join us and help in spreading and sharing our message.

“We received offers of help both during and after the meeting ended and we hope to move forward with a renewed vigour having witnessed the strength of feeling and support for Helensburgh’s iconic pier.

“The HSDP committee would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to this very positive event.”

Gerard added that a joint rescue effort between HSDP and the council was more popular with those attending than either party going it alone. However, it would require funding from the council and other external sources.

Ms Baillie said: “It is important that the full extent of the damage to Helensburgh pier is assessed.

“The pier is culturally and economically significant to Helensburgh so we should work as quickly as possible to repair the damage – it is important for tourism that the Waverley is able to dock in Helensburgh.

“I hope that Argyll and Bute Council find a way to work with the community on the restoration of the pier and consider a community buy out, not least, to maximise the funding streams available.”

Mr Corry added: “It is a great sadness at the moment that the pier is not really being looked after properly. What we don’t do in the Clyde area is really make use of our sea space.

“There is a budget in the marine part of the council and we want to get our fair share.”

“The HSDP have been working hard to not only save the pier from becoming neglected, but to find positive solutions to fund it and encourage more visitors to Helensburgh via the water.”

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson previously advised that consultants Arch Henderson had produced a draft principal inspection report on the pier. That report will be considered by the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board next month.