Dumbarton Reporter | News | RIVER DEEDS DISPUTE HEADING FOR COURTS

Wednesday, 9th July, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 13th May, 2008 10:30

RIVER DEEDS DISPUTE HEADING FOR COURTS

By Mike Farrell

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Sweeney's Cruises

A LAND grab attempt alongside the River Leven has led to one angry businessman to accuse the council of using Robert Mugabe-type tactics.

Ownership of sections of the river is at the centre of a dispute between businesses and West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC).

And the council is using a legal charter nearly 400-years-old as its proof of ownership.

Meanwhile, occupants of the land say they have the legal title deeds and the council can forget it.

With ambitious plans for the river in the pipeline — including building a canal alongside it to create a navigable waterway for boats to Loch Lomond — who owns what sections could become a major stumbling block.

But it looks likely that argument will end up in the courts.

The council has been trying to negotiate with the companies on the banks to surrender the deeds, but the businesses are not going anywhere without a fight.

John Sweeney, who owns Sweeney’s Cruises says that the 1609 Royal Charter is “nonsense”, as the title deed for his land was bought in 1964.

At a meeting of the Housing, Regeneration and Environment committee last week, ways forward were discussed, including raising an action in the Lands Tribunal.

The committee opted to have an in-depth report drawn up for its next meeting in August.

A council spokesman said: “Although the council has a valid title to the River Leven, over the years some individuals have encroached into the river and have claimed title to these areas of ground.

“Applications have been recorded, despite the Royal Charter — it appears the Keeper was not aware of the charter.”

WDC is currently consulting an expert QC on the matter.

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