However, over the years a great deal of this land has come under threat due to a variety of planning proposals from both private and public developments.

One organisation has been committed to preserving green space throughout Dumbarton, the Vale and neighbouring Clydebank.

Launched in 1990, over the years Clydebelt has objected to hundreds of planning applications which it felt threatened this green space.

Speaking to the Reporter, Sam Gibson, who has been secretary of the group since around 1996, says Clydebelt is hoping to expand and modernise.

Mr Gibson said: “Over the years the membership has dwindled and the current group isn’t getting any younger.

“We’re looking for some new members, with some new ideas, we’ve maybe become a bit stale over recent years.

“The original idea was to protect the Kilpatrick Hills but over the years this has widened to any green belt land in the area.” Although Clydebelt is based out of nearby Clydebank, they take a keen interest in issues in Dumbarton and the Vale and a number of its members are from the area.

Sam continued: “We would like to attract more members from Dumbarton and the Vale, I’m sure there’s a lot of young folk out there with good ideas and strong opinions about the environment.

“It’s a bit like a community council I suppose, we have a committee of three members, anything we have seen in the previous couple of months we flag it up and discuss. But anyone is welcome to come along and raise an issue.

“At one point there were discussions about becoming a voluntary organisation but we decided to remain more of a pressure group — although we do have an annual clean-up.

“What I would say to people considering joining is this is your opportunity to have a say on the environment and to scrutinise planning proposals in the area, particularly the local plan.” Clydebelt meets on the third Tuesday of every second month in Trinity Church Hall on Roman Road in neighbouring Clydebank. The next meeting takes place on May 20, starting at 7.30pm.