1. Roads

1. Villages Pedestrian Road Safety project: I will request Langbank be included in the next phase (Phase 3).
2. Pavement Parking Exemption Traffic Order:
   1. There is a statutory consultation which ends today for certain roads to get an exemption including a section of Middlepenny Road (North side, from 18 to 20). Further exemptions are likely to be considered in the future.
   2. From November, cars found parked on the pavement are likely to get a warning notice but from 2025 could receive a fine.
3. Blocked gullies:
   1. Station Road: I recently checked the gullies which were mostly clear except for one which I requested be cleared and I understand that this has also been cleared now.
   2. Middlepenny Road: I had requested these gullies be cleared and will chase this up.
4. Main Road Parking: The hatched area either side of the parking spaces opposite the bowling club has worn away and I have requested the parking bays be refurbished. This has been added to the list of work and will be issued to a contractor as soon as resources allow.
5. M8 Closures: Closures will take place to allow for SPEN overhead works on 14th-15th September 2024 and 12-13th October 2024 between the hours of 10pm-6am.
6. A898 Erskine Bridge Closure: Routine cable inspections will take place every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm until 6am, under a Southbound carriageway closure and a Northbound offside lane closure until Saturday 26th October 2024 inclusive.

2. Overgrown Vegetation etc.

1. Main Road, North Side: Council has not adopted this pavement and will not be treating the grass on the pavement.
2. Dennistoun Road Overgrowth: A section of the kerb is becoming overgrown. I have reported this.
3. Station Road Vegetation: The hedge at the bottom and the overhanging trees has been passed to the tree and woodland Supervisor to organise works.
4. Overgrown Vegetation Covering Signs: A number of signs have had vegetation cut back. One sign turned to face the correct direction and another will be replaced in due course.

3. Station Road Playpark

1. Rubber Matting: The matting on the old play area has been taped off as it can get very slippery.
2. Grass Cutting: I recently chased up the grass cutting by the tractor which was promptly cut.
3. Lighting: The trees around the lampposts in the park are making the footpath quite dark. Cutting back the branches has been added to the Arbor Team work programme.
4. Overgrowth: I recently requested that the undergrowth at the edge of the path be cut back. An operative did come alone but did very little. I will chase up a proper job.

4. Footpaths/Cycletracks

1. Clyde Coastal Path: SPEN, the electricity company, is offering funding to local groups from £1000 up to £500,000 for infrastructure. More info here.
2. Cycletrack to Westferry: Transport Scotland says their project to upgrade and adopt the Westferry to Langbank Cycleway is making headway and they are hoping for a start before Christmas.
3. Westferry to Bishopton: Council’s active travel team are working on the plans for Westferry to Bishopton.

5. Renfrewshire’s Events

The Council is conducting a consultation on Renfrewshire’s Events. This is your chance to shape the programme and priorities of events for 2025 and beyond. Complete the questionnaire here by Monday 23rd September.

6. Street Lighting

Most streets seem to have had their cut-down lampposts replaced with new ones. Any problems with lights on 24 hours, or not at all, then please let me know.

7. Bin Collections & Litter

Refuse are currently having issues with the calendars on the Council website. Until this is sorted, residents can request a calendar using this link.

8. Local Development Plan

The Council is currently preparing its 2024 development plan scheme. Your views on how the Council intends to engage in the preparation of the local development plan, as set out in this draft participation statement, are sought by Friday 27th September 2024. Details can be found here.

9. Pension Credit

Find out more about pension credit entitlements on this website. Advice Works can assist in claiming this benefit: Details here.

10. Public Transport

1. Bus Service: We are constantly being urged to give up our cars, but Langbank has no bus service. Many residents would like to take a bus to Largs for the day, and children to visit school friends in Erskine. No survey has taken place on bus transport since the Under 25s bus pass was introduced. I will ask SPT about getting a bus service.
2. Train Services: A change to the timetable has meant many commuters take their cars to Bishopton for the Glasgow train and get on there. The reduced service has meant there is often standing room only as no extra carriages have been added. The service to Gourock has been stopped and passengers need to change trains in Port Glasgow. This is highly unpopular. I will contact SPT about this.

Please email me with your updates and requests. My next Langbank surgery will be in the church on the 7th of October at 6:30pm. 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 - please request 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