Town Infrastructure -Helensburghs' civic pride
Civic pride is many things. Particularly excellent Public Realm Management - litter free : the maintenance of grass verges and hedges : the upkeep of mutual areas to the rear of property : rubbish collection : dog fouling : noise : chewing gum : inappropriate car-parking. The list goes on. While Argyll and Bute Council do some things well, change is required in others. For example:
- The Zero Waste concept. It is also a marketing tool. It attracts visitors. It provides local employment.
- The Safe Town concept. A balance is needed between pedestrians and motor vehicles (other than public transport); a balance which is in favour of the pedestrian - and cyclist. NB the term "pedestrians" includes such disadvantaged groups as adults with prams or toddlers, those who find walking difficult, people in motorised buggies or wheelchairs, and the blind. The Safe Town concept has another application as that of the perception of the absence of vandalism and crime. (See Young People, Strategy 5.)
INITIATIVES
- Campaign for greater social responsibility
- Need - many of the populace does not appreciate that they themselves can contribute to the well being of the community by being good neighbours.
- Benefit - the community at large, and visitors, by making Helensburgh a more attractive place in which to live and work.
- Involvement - the whole community and the relevant special interest groups.
- The reinforcement and extension of Argyll and Bute Council's Waste Management Strategy with emphasis on recycling.
- Need - there is still a long way to go for society to be living in a sustainable manner.
- Benefit - the whole community, and individuals who may be in employment as a result.
- Involvement - the whole community.
- Safer in-town routes, integrating Helensburgh Central Station, for pedestrians and cyclists qw
- Need - currently the emphasis is to give priority to motorists. Every motorist is also a pedestrian.
- Benefit - all pedestrians who would have a more pleasant, perhaps safer, and healthier environment; reduction in pressure on park-and ride facilities.
- Involvement - the Roads Authority, public transport undertakings, retail businesses and the community as a whole.
N.B. In the document, Initiatives that can be achieved fairly quickly are marked “-qw” (quickwin)
