1. Roads

1. A898 Erskine Bridge Closure: Routine cable inspections will take place every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm until 6am, under a Southbound full carriageway closure and a Northbound offside lane closure until Saturday 14th September 2024.
2. Cleaning Signage: The Council is purchasing a telescopic pole with a wash brush and squeegee to clean signage. Graffiti was recently removed from the countdown signs on Ferry Road, and bushes have been cut back.
3. Pavement Parking Exemption Traffic Order: New parking laws come into force from November 2024. Streets like West Porton Place and Craighead Estate have received exemptions. Full details are available on tellmescotland.gov.uk.
4. Renfrewshire Villages Traffic Safety Study: Feedback is being gathered via the online survey until Sunday 22nd September 2024.
5. Kingston Road: Ongoing traffic light issues, recent accidents, and pavement resurfacing are being addressed.
6. Almond Drive: New fence erected, tree cut back, pavements swept, and gullies cleared.
7. Fence on Greenock Road: Replacement done, but the wall beneath the new fence is in poor condition and will be monitored.
8. Craigton Drive: Additional traffic calming measures are being explored due to HGVs affecting the road.
9. Trees Obscuring Streetlights on Greenock Road: Tree inspections and works are expected to be completed by mid-September 2024.
10. Drainage: Investigations into drainage issues on Newton Road and Greenock Road are ongoing.
11. Ferry Road Pavement: Repairs to the west side of the pavement at the junction with Greenock Road are being chased up.

2. Street Lighting

1. Street lighting issues have largely been resolved. If there are any problems, please report them.
2. Yarrow Crescent: Street lighting has been repaired, including the corner footpath light.

3. Bishopton Chit Chat Group

I enjoyed attending the Bishopton Chit Chat Group, discussing my role as a Councillor. Several questions and issues were raised, and I will follow up on them.

4. Grass Cutting

Grass cutting has been a challenge this year due to aging tractors. Two new tractors are expected by the end of the year, which will help with future grass cutting.

5. Renfrewshire's Events

The Council is conducting a consultation on Renfrewshire's Events. You can shape the events for 2025 and beyond. Complete the questionnaire by Monday 23rd September 2024 at this link.

6. Bin Collections & Litter

1. Bin Collections: Residents can request a calendar here.
2. Litter Bin: A new bin has been placed opposite Bruce Road on Ferry Road.
3. Chestnut Avenue: This road has been added to the brown bin collection route.

7. Local Development Plan

The Council is preparing its 2024 Development Plan Scheme. Your feedback is requested by Friday 27th September 2024. Details can be found here.

8. Pension Credit

For more information on Pension Credit, visit this website. Advice Works can assist with claims. More information here.

9. Newton Road Playfields

1. Graffiti on Pavilion: Most graffiti has been removed or painted over. There is an idea to create a mural wall, pending local consultation.
2. Football Pitch: Drainage works are expected in Spring 2025.

10. Bishopton and Dargavel Community Funding

Five project groups have been awarded up to £1,000 each as part of the Dargavel Health and Wellbeing Centre development.

11. Unpaid Work

1. Bishopton Library: The library railings have been painted.
2. Cornerstone: The Unpaid Work Team is considering a request to paint the halls.
3. Bishopton Primary School Railings: I am following up with the Community Payback Team to have the railings painted.

12. Accounts Commission Renfrewshire Council Update Report

This report was published on 20th August 2024. The full report discusses financial transparency and challenges. The full report can be found here.

13. Glasgow Airport Noise Action Plan

Feedback is being sought on the Glasgow Airport Noise Action Plan. The survey is open until Sunday 6th October 2024. Submit feedback here.

14. Bonnie Bishopton

Recent vandalism, including overturned benches and planters, has caused damage. Donations have been received to assist with repairs.

15. New Dargavel Primary School

An open day to view the plans for the new school has already taken place, with another scheduled for Thursday 12th September 2024.

16. External Funding

SPEN, the electricity company, is offering funding to local groups from £1,000 up to £500,000 for infrastructure projects.

17. McGill's 514 Service

Concerns have been raised about frequent breakdowns of the bus with no backup vehicle available. I will be discussing this with SPT.

Please email me with your updates and requests. My next Bishopton surgery will be in the Community Centre on 16th September 2024 at 6:30pm. I hope you find this newsletter interesting. If you would like to help deliver my newsletter in your area, please get in touch. You can also subscribe to receive a copy of my monthly report to Bishopton Community Council by requesting this via email.

Councillor James W.H. MacLaren
Conservative & Unionist
Ward 11 - Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank
Telephone: 0300 300 1291
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/councillormaclaren