Published 16 July 2024
People across West Dunbartonshire are being asked to tell the local council what’s wrong with West Dunbartonshire — and to suggest and support improvements in the area.
One of these “important” surveys Tell Us About Your Place is an opportunity for residents and those with an interest in West Dunbartonshire to provide feedback on what’s working well in their neighbourhood, what’s important to them and suggest improvements to the likes of homes, recreation, access to nature, transport and services.
That’s everything the 22 recently elected councillors in Church Street said they already knew when they took office after the last local government election.
Each of them told voters in their election material that they were familiar with the area, knew what its problems were and that they were the best candidates to find solutions for them.
A council spokesperson said: “The feedback will help the Council understand how well the area is serving its people and will inform a range of plans and services over the next decade.”
Convener of Planning Lawrence O’Neill and his depute Cllr Gurpreet Singh. Want public to advise them on how to improve West Dunbartonshire.
Meanwhile, they say the Call for Evidence survey is seeking feedback, information and ideas about specific places and topics to inform a new Local Development Plan.
Their spokesperson said: “The plan is a vital tool in ensuring West Dunbartonshire evolves over the next decade, including through new homes, businesses and open spaces.
“Both surveys are open to everyone, regardless of where they live, however anyone who lives, works or visits West Dunbartonshire is especially encouraged to respond to the Tell Us About Your Place survey.
“Community groups, businesses and other organisations interested in how land is used in West Dunbartonshire are invited to respond to the Call for Evidence survey.”
Few people are likely to respond that they wish to see Balloch become the site for the controversial Flamingo Land project, although the council should already know that tens of thousands of them are opposed to the plan for this which comes up before the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority for approval in September.
Convener of Planning, Labour councillor Lawrence O’Neill, said: “These two consultations are really important in helping to shape the future of West Dunbartonshire.
“The Council is intent on delivering for the people who live, work and visit West Dunbartonshire therefore it is vital that people take the opportunity to engage in these important surveys.
“The information which we receive through this will help us plan for the future in West Dunbartonshire.”
However, West Dunbartonshire Council’s track record for responding favourably to public opinion as expressed in petitions such as the Flamingo Land project is abysmal.
Vice Convener of Planning, Labour councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, says he supports the consultations and the money they will inevitably cost council taxpayers.
He said: “We want to properly understand the priorities of our residents, community groups, businesses and those who visit West Dunbartonshire. That’s why we would like as many residents to take part in this consultation as possible.”
The surveys will be open until 30th September. The Call for Evidence survey is at https://arcg.is/1bLzan0 and the Tell Us About Your Place survey is at https://arcg.is/1D8yvS1
Paper copies of the surveys are also available from 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, G82 1QL. Queries about either consultation can be submitted to LDP@west-dunbarton.gov.uk