As we head out of Covid restrictions, there are still many challenges ahead, but also opportunities to look forward too.

The community council has looked at a number of subjects at our recent meetings.

Knoxland Square

In an attempt to improve Knoxland Square, there is an initiative that is seeking funding to make improvements.

For now, three planters will be set in the middle of the square, pavement work will be carried out and plants and other necessary equipment is to be purchased. Local shops in the area are keen to be involved in this project.

Funding options will be looked at for the revamped green corridor from Dumbarton East Station down to the castle

New Highway Code

An accident at the crossing point at Riverside Lane, where an elderly person was recently knocked down by a bus, has raised concerns.

The crossing point at the RBS is neither a full crossing, nor is it a junction where drivers are now guided to give priority to pedestrians waiting to cross (or already crossing).

Our concerns over the status of this “crossing” was raised with Councillor David McBride, who we have asked to liaise with the bus company who are investigating the accident, with a view to inform possible safety improvements.

Pavement Parking

Ongoing problems for disability buggies, wheelchair users, prams and day-to-day pedestrians that were to be addressed by the implementation of the pavement parking legislation are still stalled.

We understand this is now awaiting government funding.

We are well aware of the problems that cars cause for pavement users, and the damage that they can do to pavements which also causes problems to anyone trying to use the pavements, and we hope that it can be addressed quickly.

Connecting Dumbarton

This is one of the three Levelling Up Fund projects.

If the recommendation to allocate £1.2 million is approved, it is said that it will enhance the historic connection between Dumbarton Central Station and the High Street, create a gateway to Dumbarton for people arriving by train, and improve Station Road, and the route of National Cycle Network (NCN7) through Dumbarton Town Centre.

It will also contribute to a move towards active travel, such as walking and cycling.

However, recent reports of reductions to train station ticket office hours, and that Dumbarton Central usage is down 90 per cent requires to be addressed/reversed if the town will benefit fully from this initiative.