MORE than 3,000 responses have been received to Argyll and Bute Council’s consultation on the future of Helensburgh’s Waterfront.
A councillor has also said that the authority “must do the very best for Helensburgh” when deciding what to do with the site in front of the town’s leisure centre.
The six-week consultation asked the public for their view on the council’s proposal for a supermarket, three smaller retail units, a skatepark and additional car parking.
After the process closed at midday on Monday, August 10, the Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted all 10 Helensburgh and Lomond councillors for their thoughts on what should happen on the site.
A council spokesperson said: “Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond to the Helensburgh Waterfront consultation.
“This proposal is all about securing scarce investment for Helensburgh that could create jobs, help keep customer spend in the town and make further investment in the local area possible. It’s about bringing retail and leisure services together on the Waterfront.
“We understand that proposals such as this one can bring a range of views and we will now take the time to review over 3,000 responses before a report goes to Councillors for consideration.”
Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) said: “The second consultation on the seafront in Helensburgh has now closed and we must await the results soon. We need to hear what these are and what the responses have been.
“My opinion is that the council must do the very best for Helensburgh and local community and take on board the points being made by our residents and businesses. Both need to flourish successfully and, in particular, for all age groups in our community.
“The Common Good Land position on the seafront must be respected and adhered to by the council in all decisions going forward, particularly if this has not been done so previously and plans rectified to comply as necessary with the Common Good Land requirements and legislation.”
Three other councillors responded, with Councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) saying: “The consultation has just closed and obviously there is a no indication as yet what the results of that will be.
“I am sure you will understand that as an elected representative of the people of Central Helensburgh I would be foolish and undemocratic to make any public declarations of how I will vote until the full outcome is known.
“Rest assured I have watched the process very closely, attended relevant meetings and paid attention to the strength of the public voice.”
Councillor Mark Irvine (Independent, Lomond North) added: “Let’s wait and see what the outcome of the consultation is.”
Councillor Iain S Paterson (SNP, Lomond North) said: “Now that the consultation has closed, I think the appropriate thing is to allow the responses from the community to be properly considered before reaching any firm conclusions about what should happen next.
“I have spoken to several people about the Waterfront and it is very clear to me that there are strongly held views about both the proposals and the future of the site. I believe those views need to be listened to and given proper weight.
“The Waterfront is an important public space for Helensburgh and whatever ultimately happens there needs to deliver a long-term benefit for the town and have the confidence of the community.
“For that reason, I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to pre-empt the outcome of the consultation by advocating a particular alternative at this stage.”
No response has yet been received from the other six Helensburgh and Lomond councillors.
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