Hundreds show their opposition to the sale of common good land on Helensburgh's waterfront

Dear friend

What a week it has been, with hundreds of local residents joining events this week to show their opposition to the sale of common good land at Helensburgh's waterfront.

Thank you for all your support.

On Thursday, Helensburgh Community Council was delighted to host Andy Wightman, a Scottish land ownership expert, at a packed public meeting at the Civic Centre. Peter Brown, convenor of Helensburgh Community Council, also addressed the meeting. Peter explained all the twists and turns that have brought us to the current proposal from Argyll and Bute Council to sell the common good land at the waterfront. Andy helped us understand why we have common good land, the extent of it in Helensburgh, and shared some ideas for how we can protect it so the people of Helensburgh can benefit from these assets.

"Argyll and Bute Council has the worst record of any council I have seen for recording Common Good assets"

This was Andy Wightman's damning verdict on Argyll and Bute Council's management of common good land.

There are also major questions for the Council to answer about why Helensburgh does not have a Common Good fund, which should contain all the proceeds from the sale of common good land and property in Helensburgh. This includes land at the waterfront, the Victoria Halls and the Peckham's building, as well as countless valuable pictures and furniture.

Where have Helensburgh's common good funds gone?

There is plenty for us to hold the Council to account over in the weeks to come - and we will.

For now, the priority must be to make sure everyone responds to Argyll and Bute Council's current consultation before midday on the 10th August

Yesterday, 400 people joined the rally against the sale of the common good land at Helensburgh's waterfront. It was a lively affair, beginning with pipers from the Colquhoun Pipe Band.  We heard from Peter Brown of Helensburgh Community Council, and Fiona Baker, of Destination Helensburgh, who explained how significant the waterfront is in bringing visitors to Helensburgh. Folk wrote messages of support on stones and built a cairn on the site. We formed a human chain around the whole site and chanted: "Whose land? Our land!".

Not for Sale

With opposition to the sale of the common good land from hundreds of people, there can be no doubt about what the community wants Argyll and Bute Council to do. It must not sell the land for a supermarket development.

Make sure you complete the consultation so your voice is heard, and encourage your friends, family and neighbours to do the same, before midday on 10 August.

Make your voice heard in the consultation here

Thank you for your continued support. Your encouragement, joining our events and generous donations are keeping this campaign going.

Best wishes,

Polly and everyone at Helensburgh Community Council