HELENSBURGH and Lomond Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the decision to defer a final verdict on the town’s proposed new leisure centre.

Vivien Dance, a member of the Chamber’s board, spoke at length at Monday’s hearing about concerns over coach parking issues and potential effects on businesses in the town.

And in a statement later submitted to the Advertiser, Mrs Dance spoke warmly of the decision to continue the debate to a later date.

Members of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee decided to wait for new climate change forecasts, due to be released later this month, before a final decision is made.

Mrs Dance said: “I was pleased that on Monday we were able to present to councillors who were actually listening to us and shared our concerns over some aspects of the seafront development.

“The decision to continue this matter was the common sense approach and will give members of the committee time to look for the compromise solution which is indeed there.

“It just needs the officers to accept that they are unable to reassure elected members on the wisdom of their proposals and accept that with the few amendments jointly proposed by the Community Council and the Chamber of Commerce then the town can have its long overdue leisure centre and the surrounding area can be developed to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.”

Mrs Dance had intimated at Monday’s hearing that coach drivers had stated to the Chamber that they would no longer visit Helensburgh if there were no suitable long-term parking facilities available.