TWO charitable groups in Dumbarton have been told to leave their premises to allow work to start on a new housing development.

Last Wednesday West Dunbartonshire Council’s housing and communities committee agreed to give the Bellsmyre Schools Out Club and Bellsmyre Digital a “notice to quit” the Longcrags Centre, despite a last ditch attempt by four councillors for a stay of execution.

The committee was presented with a report outlining options for the two groups using the centre, which formed part of the former Aitkenbar Primary and has been earmarked for demolition as part of the authority’s new homes programme, which has to be completed by March 2021.

Robert Aitken, treasurer of Bellsmyre Digital, told councillors: “I was surprised this report has come to this committee as nothing has yet been agreed.

“We help people that come to this country from abroad get set up in the construction industry and provide a range of services to the community.”

Councillor John Millar said: “I was at a meeting with the groups along with Councillors Jonathan McColl, Ian Dickson and Jim Bollan back in August and it was agreed nothing would be done until December.

“I am concerned this report has come here before consultations have taken place.

“This is not a political issue, this is a community issue. Officers have not put enough effort in and the groups feel they have not been heard.

“It’s not that I’m against new houses – all I’m asking is the decision be delayed until December.”

But in a statement to the Reporter after the meeting, Cllr Dickson, who was absent from the committee, said: “Cllr Millar arrived towards the end of the meeting and missed the first half.

“We advised we would move a motion delaying the notice to quit, which was going to be moved at the August meeting.

“Before the meeting I sent Jonathan [McColl] a copy of the motion which was then sent to the two groups.

“It does not state that there will be no notice served until December, but clear alternatives would be known before the last council meeting of the year. It gives a few more weeks to sort alternative accommodation if needed.”

Peter Barry, WDC’s strategic lead for housing and employability told the meeting: “Everything has to be finalised by March 2021, with every key to the new houses handed over, to achieve Scottish Government Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding and contribute to the Scottish Government’s 50,000 new homes target.

“It is anticipated 51 new homes will be built on the Longcrags site.

“We have the demolition, then the ground has to be surveyed – and we don’t know what’s underneath – then the houses built. Time is against us.”

The agreements with both groups are currently on a year-to-year basis, with six months’ notice required to quit.

A five-year funding commitment was given by WDC in March 2018 of £35k to Bellsmyre Digital and £6k to the Schools Out Club.

Councillor Gail Casey asked the committee: “What difference would it make to have four weeks’ breathing space?”

But Councillor Iain McLaren replied: “We have a target to meet and I don’t believe we should delay any longer.”

Committee chair Councillor Diane Docherty, who moved that the notice to quit order be implemented, added: “I appreciate how passionate everyone has been, but at some point a decision has to be made, and we have reached that point.”

Afterwards a spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “Council officers met with the groups on numerous occasions and explored several options to try and find a solution they were happy with.

“The options include the offer of a £35,000 investment to upgrade Howatshaws Pavilion and space within the Concord Centre.

“Sadly the groups do not feel these venues are acceptable, but we will continue to work with and support them over the coming months.”