Minutes for June 2026
RENFREW COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING
Tuesday 2 June 2026
19.00-21.00 hours
Trinity High School, Renfrew
Welcome and Apologies
Apologies from: Gary McGuire, Stuart England, Cllr Paterson, Cllr Hughes
Attending:
Jane Williamson, Ian Cunningham, Michael Shearer, Jonathan Deeney, Gavin Reynolds, Callum Reid, Lee Moyes, Maureen Kerrigan, Jan Bunch, Tracy Lundie
Visitors: Cllr C McEwan, Cllr, Jamie McGuire, Isobel Lundie, Alison Moyes, Jacqueline O’Neill, Kevin Sheridan, Violet Hornsby, Diane Grater. PC Kyle Reid, PC Jay Gibson
Susie Wood, Paul Shaw from Better Buses for Strathclyde
Declaration of Interest - none
Minutes of previous meeting
Approved
Proposed by Ian Cunningham
Seconded by Gavin Reynolds
Matters arising - none
Police/Councillor Reports
Police reported the following for May 2026: 8 shoplifting, 1 fuel theft, 1 robbery, no serious assaults, 15 common assaults, 2 possessions of drugs, 31 antisocial disturbances, 14 vandalism, 20 road traffic incidents, 18 others.
E scooters continue to be a problem in Renfrew. Police pointed out that they have no power to pursue or pursuit, this requires a law change. They did seize 3 scooters in Renfrew last week, however, they can be retrieved by paying a fine of £200.
Cllr C McEwan report
I have had many residents of Arkleston and Newmains contact me about concerns regarding Street Maintenance and grass cutting schedules around the many Planters in their area. The main complaints are that areas around Planters are totally overgrown and the real need for a clear up operation in place after grass cutting . I have advised residents that I will contact Environmental and Housing Officers for an investigation and for concerns to be addressed. I will also arrange a Walkabout in the Arkleston and Newmains area by Environmental and Housing Officers for them to see first hand the concerns highlighted to me.
I have had concerns given to me about no traffic calming measures in Newmains Road, Renfrew, which could be causing speeding issues to be a problem. I am also told that there has been a huge rise in the use of Quad bikes in this road. I have contacted Roads Officers and asked for an investigation into concerns and for myself to be kept updated.
Looking forward to Renfrew Gala Day as I have been asked to lead the Parade into the Robertson Park. The event will celebrate the theme of Summer of Sport and will offer a wide range of fun sporting activities alongside a packed family-friendly programme including live dance and music stages
Councillor Jim Paterson Report
Trinity High School ConsultationThe consultation on the proposed locations for a new Trinity High School has been paused following agreement of an amendment at the Education & Children’s Services Board. The amendment was supported unanimously, with agreement that further information on the Netherton Avenue site should be brought back to the Board before consultation progresses further.
Renfrew Library – Pavement ParkingBollards have now been installed outside Renfrew Library to prevent pavement parking. This followed concerns from residents around pedestrian safety and vehicles reversing onto Paisley Road during busy periods.
Broadloan Car ParkI have been contacted regarding issues at the Broadloan car park, where several spaces are currently inaccessible due to abandoned vehicles and fly-tipping. I have asked for this to be addressed and for the car park to be relined to maximise available spaces.
Cockles Loan Car ParkResidents contacted me regarding the car park on Cockles Loan opposite Arkleston Primary School, with requests for lining works to improve parking layout and make the best use of available spaces for parents and other users. I have passed this request to the Roads Department.
Central Reservation ImprovementsI have received confirmation that the central reservation between Arkleston Roundabout and Cockles Loan will be resurfaced as part of the 2026/27 programme. I have also requested that the section between Cockles Loan and Porterfield Road be included in the following year's resurfacing programme.
Weed GrowthWeed growth across Arkleston and Newmains continues to be an ongoing concern. I have contacted the Director of Infrastructure, Land and Environment requesting urgent additional attention be given to Ward 2, particularly these areas.
Pest Control IssuesI was contacted by residents in Newmains and Arkleston regarding issues with rats in the area. Following a visit by the Council’s Pest Control Team, a number of issues were identified within several lock-ups nearby. Actions have now been agreed to address the source of the issue and I will continue to monitor the situation.
Monoblock CornersFollowing concerns raised by residents, I have contacted the Environment Department regarding the condition of the monoblock corners at Broadloan, Lang Avenue, Holmes Avenue and Newmains Road. I have asked for these areas to be cleaned and brought up to a better standard.
School Summer FayresBoth Newmains Primary School and Arkleston Primary School recently held successful Summer Fayres. I was pleased to attend the event at Newmains Primary, which was very well attended. Credit goes to all the volunteers and school staff involved in organising and supporting these events for the local community.
Cllr Jamie McGuire Report
A large number of road closures in the area recently with no information to the public. Communication needs to improve
Grass Cutting is an ongoing issue in the ward, Jamie will continue to keep on top of this.
Michael Shearer highlighted the flooding at Fishers Road walkway. Jamie will check who is responsible for maintaining this area
Jonathan Deeney raised the increase in brown bin charges and had asked the Council for a breakdown of the costs. Council said this information was exempt from FOI. Tracy advised that private companies may be involved, this would then be detrimental in the tender process. Costs may be available after the work is completed.
Secretary Report
Meeting Venue for 2027/27 booked through One Ren at Trinity High School
Note the school is not available for our meetings in January or April due to school holidays so we need to decide which other venue to use.
Police contacted regarding littering of drugs on Abbotsinch Road and Netherton Avenue recently. Also raised young men smoking weed at The Grid and Clydeview Park. These points to be raised at the meeting with them and hopefully they have some feedba
Treasurer’s Report
Current bank balance £8996, repayment of grant for £7070 to be arranged on 3 June
Better Buses for Strathclyde www.betterbuses.uk/strathclyde
Susie Wood and Paul Shaw joined the meeting to give information about the campaign to return bus services to SPT which will give public control of the buses and can set routes, fares etc to suit the needs of the community.
This is currently set for action in 2031 but this campaign is pushing to bring this forward and then ultimately to have connectivity with trains, ferries and the subway.
Discussion amongst the group continued, to summarise:
Private providers do not service the needs of the public, particularly poor that there is no direct service to Royal Alexandra Hospital from Renfrew. SPT would be set up to address issues like this and offer subsidised routes for those in need
Other areas that have done this format is Edinburgh (but only for buses which is not privatised). The concept of Manchester is most attractive as it integrates buses, trains, trams and cycle hire. Note that English law is different regarding transport to Scotland
£2 bus cap in recent government manifesto is welcome to reduce fares. However, if bus routes are not available then this is not going to help increase bus travel and people will revert to cars.
Role of Community Council is to promote the campaign and affiliate formally with Better Buses.
Community Council vote agreed to join this campaign.
Projects/Subcommittee Updates
Gala day plans for 7 June fully organised.
Stall promoting community council, Best Garden Competition and raffle in aid of Stroke Association.
Best Garden Competition now live, £200 prize
3 entries so far
Community Council Members and Councillors can now join the meeting remotely through a hybrid link. Full details will be given prior to each meeting.
Motions and Decisions
Interim Election 2026 motion presented, to run over the summer with closing by 18 August.
Co-opted members advised they need to re-apply or stand for full membership at this time as the current co-option with expire.
Agreed by Community Council
Any Other Competent Business
Michael Shearer currently posts planning applications on Facebook weekly if relevant. Asked the Chair to check the metrics on our FB account relating to this to see if it is valuable to the community.
Tracy reported that the recent stall by the Community Council at Arkleston Primary School Summer Fayre was very successful.
Date of Next Meeting
1 September 2026 at Trinity High School
