Our minutes from May 2026
RENFREW COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING
Tuesday 5 May 2026
19.00-21.00 hours
Trinity High School, Renfrew
Welcome and Apologies
Apologies from Callum Reid, Lee Moyes, Cllrs Jamie McGuire and Jim Paterson
Welcome to Lee Moyes as a new Co-opted Member of Renfrew Community Council
A moment of reflection extended after the death of former Treasurer of Renfrew Community Council, Jim Gamble.
Attending
Community Councillors: Jan Bunch, Gavin Reynolds, Michael Shearer, Ian Cunningham, Jonathan Deeney, Jane Williamson, Stuart England, Maureen Kerrigan, Tracy Lundie, Gary McGuire
Visitors: Diane Grater, Violet Hornby, Isabel Lundie, PC Chris Craig, PC Simon Humphyrys.
Declaration of Interest None
Minutes of previous meeting
Approved
Proposed by Jan Bunch
Seconded by Ian Cunningham
Matters arising – none
Police/Councillor Reports
Police report for April 2026 presented by PC Humphrys.
High number of recorded incidents, again increased due to active road traffic campaign that has been running in the area for 2 months
Discussion about fireworks recently in Clydeview Park, also increasing the safety issues with scooters and e-bikes. PC’s agreed to raise the scooter issue with more education at schools.
Report from Cllr Jim Paterson
Council Activity
The Outline Business Case for a new Trinity High School was considered by the Education Board in March. I moved an amendment to include an additional site at Netherton Avenue, Renfrew, for consideration. This was accepted, and a further report on all potential sites will be brought back to a future Board meeting. It was also agreed that any additional sites identified through the consultation process could be taken forward for further assessment.
Planning
David Lloyd – Self-Storage Application (25/0706/PP)The application was withdrawn by the applicant and was therefore not considered by the Planning & Climate Change Board.
Westway Applications (26/0102/AMC & 25/1052/FUR)I have been contacted by residents in Moorpark regarding concerns about the potential impact of these applications. I met with the Case Officer to outline these concerns, which mainly relate to vehicular access and noise. I also suggested a number of conditions that could be attached to help address these issues, which are being considered.
Roads, Traffic & Infrastructure
Renfrew Library – Pavement ParkingI have received complaints regarding pavement parking outside Renfrew Library. Following discussions with the Roads Department, they will explore the installation of bollards to help prevent this.
Community & Environment
Environmental Issues – Pest ControlI have received a number of complaints regarding rat sightings in the Newmains and Arkleston areas. I have asked the Council’s Environment Team to investigate, identify the source of the issue and take the necessary action.
Renfrew Community Council Easter EventI attended the Renfrew Community Council Easter Egg Hunt in April. It was a well-attended community event and credit to all those involved in organising it.
Advice Surgeries / Scottish Parliament Election
My surgeries scheduled for Wednesday 6 May were cancelled due to the Scottish Parliament election taking place on Thursday 7 May. I would encourage all residents to take part and vote. Surgeries will resume as normal in June.
Secretary Report
Update on Brown Institute site garden
Drawings due June 2026
Tender process July/august
Approval at Finance Board 10 September
Contractor appointed September 2026,
October-December installation and finalisation
Secretary made contact with Council to ensure no delays with this plan and have asked for confirmation that original artefacts that were saved from the Brown Institute will be reused as promised
Better Buses for Strathclyde visit planned for our next meeting on 2 June
Resident requested information about the possibility of Town Hall being the home of Renfrew Library? Cllr Hughes and McGuire updated me on this and confirmed this is an early stage discussion. If any plans are recommended for this move then full consultation, including with Community Council, will be put out to all parties
Scottish Fire Request regarding the Parish Church fire safety -see attached report.
Treasurer’s Report
Current balance £9039.93. Still no advice from Council how to return grant funds owed despite regular contact. TL to follow up with further contact information to Treasurer.
Projects/Subcommittee Updates
Gala Day – Agreed to run Gala day stall with raffle and a magnetic dartboard for fun and support the theme of “Sports.”
Raffle tickets at £1 each, all profit to be donated to Stroke Association Scotland.
Jane and Tracy agreed to set up stall at 12.00 on 7 June, rota will then be agreed amongst helpers.
Treasurer to provide a cash float of change to help with raffle ticket sales.
Suggested to Jane that we contact St Mirren Foundation for another prize for the raffle.
Kirklandneuk Play Area
Jan raised the issue that there is no playpark in Kirklandneuk.
Gary and Michael both highlighted other areas with no play park – Arkleston and Deanpark areas.
Community Council agreed that Jan is to identify areas of need and will organise site visits with a view then to approach National Lottery for funding and get agreement to gift to Council for adoption thereafter. The equipment will need to be of low maintenance and high quality so that it will last and have significant warranty.
Best Garden Contest
Proposal put forward from Callum Reid was agreed and approved by Community Council
Motions and Decisions
Renfrew Collaborates
Gary Mcguire presented information relating to Renfrew Community Council joining with the Development Trust in a group called Renfrew Collaborates. The aim is for local organisations to connect, share information, build stronger relationships and explore where we can work together for the benefit of the community.
First meeting will be held on Tuesday 2 June at Renfrew Town Hall from 17.30-18.30
Community Councillors voted on this proposal and agreed the motion by a majority.
Any Other Competent Business
Gary proposed that Community Council should take a stall at Arkleston Primary School event on 28 May at a cost of £25.
Use this platform to promote the role of CC and encourage interested parents to join the group.
Tracy to provide game to use at the event.
Banner and leaflets to be available from Callum
Jan proposed that she could promote Community Council in the town centre during the summer (July) using the gazebo and leaflets. Maureen agreed to support this.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 2 June 2026, Trinity High School, 19.00-21.00 hrs
