What was discussed at Renfrew Community Council’s March meeting

Renfrew Community Council met on Tuesday 3 March 2026 at Trinity High School for its latest ordinary meeting.

The meeting began by welcoming new co-opted members Stuart England and Jonathan Deeney. Apologies were received from Jonathan Deeney.

Attendance

Those present included Community Councillors Gavin Reynolds, Tracy Lundie, Jan Bunch, Gary McGuire, Ian Cunningham, Maureen Kerrigan, Michael Shearer, Callum Reid and Jane Williamson, along with Stuart England.

Also attending were Theresa Roberts, Ian Roberts, Andrea McCullough, James Grant, Ishmael, PC Chris Craig, PC Beth McMillan and Cllr Jamie McGuire.

No declarations of interest were reported.

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 3 February 2026, were approved.

Police Update

Police Scotland reported increased activity around road traffic incidents in response to concerns previously raised by the Community Council. This additional focus is being supported and will continue through March.

Shoplifting also remains an issue, particularly affecting Braehead shopping centre.

Members were advised that changes are being made to community policing arrangements, with Renfrew now being split into two areas: Braehead/Hillington and Renfrew/Gallowhill.

PC Craig also asked the Community Council to help identify local organisations and events that could be shared with the Police Youth Volunteer Group. Tracy agreed to follow this up.

Councillor and Local Issues Update

Councillor reports were received, and Cllr Jamie McGuire made himself available for questions from members and residents.

A number of local concerns were raised for follow-up, including:

• a street light at the Town Hall on Dunlop Street not working

• overnight roadworks outside the Town Hall causing significant disturbance to nearby residents

• ongoing concern about Clydeview Medical Practice repeatedly closing except for emergencies

There was also a wider discussion on the role of the Community Council, including available training, improving working relationships with Renfrewshire Council and developing a stronger list of contacts.

It was noted during discussion that the role of community councils was originally established in the 1970s and has not substantially changed since then.

Chair’s Report

As part of the Chair’s report, Motion RCC 2603.01 was brought forward on the return of Local Partnership Funds totalling £7,070.

Members agreed that the Community Council could not deliver on the initial grant as intended and that returning it would allow that funding to benefit Renfrew in other ways.

The motion was passed unanimously.

The next step is to confirm the amount with Renfrewshire Council, obtain payment instructions and arrange repayment.

Secretary’s Report

The Secretary formally welcomed the co-option of Stuart England and Jonathan Deeney.

It was also reported that a SEPA questionnaire had been completed on behalf of the Community Council.

On school engagement, the Community Council is still awaiting follow-up meetings with Renfrew High School and Trinity High School, despite earlier expressions of interest.

Members also received a detailed response, via Cllr Jamie McGuire, in relation to the Renfrew Bridge. This set out the legal agreement governing bridge openings for river traffic and explained that closure periods depend on vessel type, size and direction of travel.

Residents were reminded that bridge information can be checked through the Renfrewshire Council website and via the Renfrew Bridge WhatsApp Channel.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer reported:

• Income: Forester Grant – £200

• Outgoing: Parish Church – £116.74

• Balance as of 19 February: £9,576.09

This included Local Partnership funds of:

• Festive Lights: £5,740

• Defibrillator: £1,330

The remaining Community Council balance stood at £2,506.09.

Project and Subcommittee Updates

Easter Egg Hunt

Preparations are continuing for the Easter Egg Hunt, which will take place on Sunday 5 April in Robertson Park from 1pm to 3pm.

Egg donations had already been received from Tesco, Alison Taylor MP and Cllr Jim Paterson, with further donations still to be raised.

Tracy will organise planting tokens for the event, and the maximum number of eggs per child will be agreed in advance. Jan will inspect the area ahead of the event in relation to health and safety, and marshals will also be required.

Callum provided ID cards and lanyards for Community Council members for use at this and future events.

Jane also presented an Event Questionnaire, which will be stored on the Community Council hard drive for use in future event planning.

Gala Day

The Community Council agreed to have a presence at Renfrew Gala Day on Sunday 5 June 2026. The agreed theme is Sports, and ideas will be brought forward to the April meeting.

Updated branding banners and materials are also being arranged.

Renfrew Development Trust

Work is continuing on documentation linked to collaboration with Renfrew Development Trust, with amendments still to be made.

Flowers and Planters

The proposal regarding flowers and planters was deferred until the April meeting.

Parish Church Clean-Up

Members heard that the Parish Church Clean-Up had been very successful, with strong community support and excellent feedback both locally and online.

It was also suggested that the fire service be approached to check whether fire safety reports for the empty Parish Church building are up to date, given concerns about its vulnerability.

Other Business

Further discussion covered a number of organisational priorities, including:

• improving Community Council branding and materials

• focusing on recruitment

• organising a summer roadshow to raise awareness

• seeking an interim election in August

• reviewing sub-committees

• identifying storage space for Community Council equipment and materials

It was noted that Community Council support within Renfrewshire Council is provided by Euan Gray, Julie Baron and David Low.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of Renfrew Community Council will take place on:

Tuesday 7 April 2026

7.00pm to 9.00pm

Renfrew North Parish Church Renfield Street, Renfrew, PA4 8RG

Please note this is a change of venue.