What came up at our September meeting
From Trinity High School and parking problems to Halloween, litter and local planning applications, there was plenty to talk about at our September meeting. Here are some of the main things that came up.
What’s happening with Trinity High?
As detailed in Renfrewshire Councillors report: The future location of the new Trinity High School was discussed. Work is continuing on the Netherton Avenue option, alongside the three shortlisted sites — one of which is King George V Playing Fields.
Other possible sites within Renfrew are also still being looked at.
Parking problems
As detailed in Renfrewshire Councillors report: Parking continues to be a frustration in a few parts of Renfrew. Broadloan was raised again, including concerns about the condition of the car park and abandoned vehicles. There has also been work at Cockles Loan car park, opposite Arkleston Primary School, where new lining has been introduced to make better use of the available spaces.
A separate issue was raised on Porterfield Road, where concerns were expressed that parking spaces appeared to be smaller after being repainted following recent works.
Weeds, litter and keeping Renfrew tidy
As detailed in Renfrewshire Councillors report: We also heard about ongoing concerns over weed growth in parts of Renfrew, including Arkleston and Newmains. Litter around King George V Park and behind Tesco was also raised, particularly around school lunchtime. Renfrew High School has already spoken to pupils about littering, and the wider issue remains something residents are continuing to raise.
Bin collection changes
New bin collection schedules are now being introduced across parts of Renfrew. For most households, collection frequencies are staying the same, but collection days are changing.
It was also confirmed that people who already receive assisted bin collections will continue to get that service.
Two local planning applications
Two planning applications were highlighted at the meeting.
At Mulberry Square in Ferry Village, there is a proposal to turn the former Barratt Homes sales building into a nursery, with an outdoor play area and community garden.
There is also a proposal for a double-sided digital advertising screen on the pavement at Canal Street. Renfrew Community Council agreed to object to the Canal Street application.
The scaffolding at the sorting office
If you’ve wondered why the scaffolding is still up at the Royal Mail sorting office on Canal Street, you’re not alone. The issue was raised again at the meeting. Correspondence has taken place with Royal Mail, factors and others to try to establish who is responsible for the building and for dealing with the scaffolding.
Planning some things to look forward to
We also started mapping out some of the community activities we’d like to see over the coming year. The early plans include Halloween in October, Remembrance in November, the Christmas Light Competition, an Easter event, Gala Day and the return of the Garden Competition in 2027.
Some of the dates and details still need to be confirmed, but the calendar is starting to come together. There was also a suggestion that funding could be used to support local charities or good causes in the run-up to Christmas.
A new way of sharing the work
We also agreed to try a new way of organising some of the work within Renfrew Community Council during the year ahead. Instead of relying only on traditional subcommittees, members will take responsibility for different areas of work. The new approach will be piloted during 2026–27.
A few other things
We heard that the Scouts are holding another Strawberry Tea to coincide with Doors Open Weekend. A concern was also raised about Renfrew Police Station after someone visited shortly after the advertised 9am opening time and found the station closed.
Coming up next
Our next meeting is our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 6 October at 7pm at Renfrew High School. Meetings are open to the public, so if you’re interested in what’s happening around Renfrew, you’re very welcome to come along.
