Latest news with #JimPaterson
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Renfrew's Arkleston Road set for partial reopening after bridge crash
A traffic management plan was set to be introduced yesterday but it will now be initiated tomorrow. The reopening of a busy Renfrew road has been delayed after 'a wrinkle in the plans' was discovered. Arkleston Road, which acts as an access route to the busy M8, has been closed since Wednesday, June 4, after a lorry travelling westbound on the motorway crashed into the bridge. Transport Scotland suggested an initial structural assessment of the bridge indicated significant repairs were required and would come with a potential six-month closure of the arterial route. However, this was deemed totally unacceptable with an action plan drawn up to get the road open again. A traffic management system was settled on with yesterday expected to be the day for reopening. But there was a late snag with Councillor John Shaw, an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, saying it will now be tomorrow when the road opens to ease the burden of motorists and the local roads network. In a statement on social media on Tuesday, he said: 'There's been a bit of a wrinkle in the plans to partially reopen Arkleston Road Bridge tomorrow. 'The council's roads team have advised that a temporary speed restriction of 20mph is required on the bridge and, to legally enforce this, a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) needs to be in place. 'Unfortunately, that means the partial reopening will now be delayed until Friday.' Both SNP Councillor Jim Paterson and Reform UK politician Jamie McGuire blasted the initial six-month closure prediction. Cllr Paterson, who last week branded the move as 'not acceptable', had stated: 'Although it is not ideal to have temporary traffic management in place, it is at least positive progress from the potential six-month closure which was initially announced. I will share further updates when available.' Meanwhile, Councillor McGuire added: 'A closure of up to six months on Arkleston Road will cause significant disruption to local residents and add pressure to surrounding routes like Renfrew Road and Paisley Road. 'I know how frustrating this will be for people trying to get to work, school, or hospital appointments. While safety has to come first, I will be exploring every option to reopen the road sooner. 'We need clear updates, a plan to manage traffic, and proper consideration for those affected.'
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Flamingo Land developer criticises 'hysterical' opposition to Loch Lomond resort plans
Lomond Banks has hit back at the campaigners who have been opposing the proposed Flamingo Land development at Loch Lomond. The developer behind the controversial plans to bring a Flamingo Land development to the banks of Loch Lomond has expressed "extreme disappointment" after ministers recalled the application following a fierce campaign from activists. Theme park operator Flamingo Land, through its subsidiary Lomond Banks, had proposed to construct two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail at Balloch in a £43.5million development. Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee had previously declined to step in regarding the decision to proceed with the plans. But last week he confirmed that the government would now 'call-in' the plans. In a statement issued this week, Lomond Banks said that the move 'undermines the objective and independent judgment of the DPEA reporter'. Lomond Banks Development Director, Jim Paterson, said: 'As you would expect, we are taking legal advice. 'We have engaged with the planning process in good faith, following every regulation and expectation set by the National Park and Scotland's new national planning framework. "The land in question has been allocated for sustainable tourism development for decades, a fact acknowledged by the DPEA reporter. To have this long-established planning context disregarded at the eleventh hour raises serious questions not only about the integrity and consistency of the Scottish planning system, but also about Scotland as an investment destination.' He continued: 'The opposition has, unfortunately, relied on a sensationalist and misleading campaign, filled with hysteria, mistruths and inaccuracies, some of which disconcertingly continued to be relayed in last week's parliament debate. "Claims that we are developing a 'mega-resort' or bringing a 'theme park' to Loch Lomond are not only false, they are deliberately designed to stoke public fear and misinformation. There is no Flamingo Land-style park in our proposals, and such language is nothing more than a cynical attempt to derail a responsible development that aligns with the local development plan. 'Suggestions that this project will 'dominate the loch' are also disingenuous. Our development would front onto just 280 metres, that is 0.2 percent, of Loch Lomond's 153.5-kilometre shoreline. This is a proportionate and thoughtful approach, directly aligned with earlier developments such as Lomond Shores and fully consistent with the National Park's own vision. 'Contrary to the false narrative being pushed, this project has strong local support. Anyone genuinely interested in the views of the Scottish people need only look at the widespread positive engagement on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a clear desire for sustainable, year-round economic activity and job creation.' Mr Paterson insists the firm 'categorically reject' the 'baseless and offensive claim' that the firm are a Yorkshire-based company 'infiltrating Scottish shores'. He added: 'Flamingo Land is a Scottish-registered business, incorporated in 1973, and all taxable profits are retained within Scotland. Despite the name conjuring up connotations of a theme park style resort, Flamingo Land is the overarching company behind Lomond Banks – which is also a Scottish-registered business. These types of attacks are not only factually wrong, they are intentionally divisive and completely inappropriate. 'We remain fully committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood will be preserved and actively managed through a dedicated woodland management plan. Public access will not only be maintained but improved through upgraded core pathways. 'Claims that wildlife will also be affected are also unfounded, as the DPEA reporter concluded, there is no evidence to support these concerns. 'We now call on all Ministers, especially the planning minister, to uphold the integrity of the planning system. This process must remain impartial and evidence-led, not subjected to political opportunism or pressure campaigns built on misinformation. The rules must apply fairly and equally to all, or public trust in the system will be irreparably damaged. 'We urge the Scottish Government to see through the hysteria and consider not just the facts of this proposal, but the precedent it sets for all future investment in Scotland.' Campaigners against the plans last week welcomed the decision. Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust (LLSCDT) chairwoman, Lynne Somerville said: 'The people who live here must have a real say in the future of this place—not as an afterthought, but as equal partners. 'The overwhelming response from the community shows not only opposition to inappropriate development, but also a clear appetite for something better—something rooted in fairness, sustainability, and local benefit. 'Under the 2015 Community Empowerment Act, communities like ours are legally entitled to be heard and treated with respect in decisions that affect our land and future. It's time that legislation was meaningfully upheld.' Three local charities in favour of the development voiced their concerns that the Scottish Government had 'buckled to pressure'. The Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Maid of the Loch Steamship Company, and Helensburgh and District Access Trust argued that the government had made a U-turn due to the Lomond Banks planning application 'becoming a political football in the run up to the Scottish Parliamentary elections next year'.
STV News
16-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Scottish Government urged to ignore ‘hysteria' around Loch Lomond proposals
The developer behind controversial plans to build on the banks of Loch Lomond has urged the Scottish Government to ignore the 'hysteria' from opponents. Lomond Banks – owned by theme park operator Flamingo Land – has proposed to build a multi-million-pound mega-park. It includes plans for a water park, two hotels, 104 wooden lodges, spa, cafes, shops, restaurants, brewery and more in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire. In May, the Scottish Government Reporter approved the plans – allowing them to go on to the next stage of planning and development – despite opposition from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority itself and more than 150,000 people who joined the Save Loch Lomond campaign. The Scottish Government initially said it had 'no intention' of stepping in to re-evaluate that approval, but Scottish ministers U-turned last week, once again putting the Flamingo Land plans in doubt. On Monday, speaking for the first time since that decision, Lomond Banks development director Jim Paterson said the firm was 'extremely disappointed'. 'We have engaged with the planning process in good faith, following every regulation and expectation set by the National Park and Scotland's new national planning framework,' he said. 'The land in question has been allocated for sustainable tourism development for decades, a fact acknowledged by the DPEA (Planning and Environmental Appeals Division) reporter. 'To have this long-established planning context disregarded at the 11th hour raises serious questions not only about the integrity and consistency of the Scottish planning system, but also about Scotland as an investment destination.' 'That's why Mr Paterson called on ministers to back the Flamingo Land proposals. 'We now call on all ministers, especially the planning minister, to uphold the integrity of the planning system,' he said. 'This process must remain impartial and evidence-led, not subjected to political opportunism or pressure campaigns built on misinformation. The rules must apply fairly and equally to all, or public trust in the system will be irreparably damaged.' Mr Paterson added: 'We urge the Scottish Government to see through the hysteria and consider not just the facts of this proposal, but the precedent it sets for all future investment in Scotland.' Mr Paterson accused opponents of the development – spearheaded by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer – of a 'sensationalist and misleading campaign' full of 'mistruths and inaccuracies'. More than 150,000 people signed a petition to halt the plans, and 50,000 wrote to the Scottish Government to intervene, but Mr Paterson claimed the project has 'strong local support'. 'Anyone genuinely interested in the views of the Scottish people need only look at the widespread positive engagement on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a clear desire for sustainable, year-round economic activity and job creation,' he said. Public finance minister Ivan McKee said last week the government would recall the plans for the Flamingo Land resort, saying it raises issues of national significance due to its impact on the national park area. Over 150,000 people objected to the development through a petition launched by the Scottish Greens. The final outcome will be now be decided by Scottish ministers. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Flamingo Land accuses critics of 'sensationalist hysteria'
The director behind a controversial proposal to site a holiday park in Loch Lomond has accused critics of "hysteria and mistruth".Jim Paterson, Lomond Banks' development director, said opponents of the plan had run a campaign with "baseless and offensive" claims about the Flamingo Land Scottish government last week stalled plans for the holiday park at Loch Mr Paterson said the move raised serious questions about the integrity of Scottish planning and risked investment in the country. The £40m resort would feature a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants, but it has attracted criticism from locals and politicians. Flamingo Land believed the proposal was set to be given the green light after an appeal to the Scottish government reporter overturned a rejection by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee last week said he would recall the plans as they raised "issues of national significance". Mr Paterson said the government decision "undermines the objective and independent judgment of the DPEA (Planning and Environmental Appeals Division) reporter".He also confirmed the company - which has operated a theme park in North Yorkshire since 1959 - would take legal Paterson added: "The land in question has been allocated for sustainable tourism development for decades, a fact acknowledged by the DPEA reporter. "To have this long-established planning context disregarded at the eleventh hour raises serious questions, not only about the integrity and consistency of the Scottish planning system but also about Scotland as an investment destination." Opponents of the plan, including Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, have argued the resort would cause considerable damage to the Loch Lomond area, affecting woodland and resulting in a huge amount of extra traffic in the region. But Mr Paterson said Greer's claims were an attempt to "stoke public fear and misinformation".He added: "The opposition has, unfortunately, relied on a sensationalist and misleading campaign, filled with hysteria, mistruths and inaccuracies, some of which disconcertingly continued to be relayed in last week's parliament debate."The director argued the Lomond Banks plan would not dominate the area as Paterson said the development would "front onto" 280m (0.28km) - 0.2% of Loch Lomond's 153.5 km (95.4 miles) also pledged green spaces, like the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood, would be Paterson called on the Scottish government to "see through the hysteria" when making a decision. And he said it was "baseless and offensive" for critics to accuse the Yorkshire company of infiltrating Scotland as it was registered in Scotland. Flamingo Land first submitted plans for the site in 2018, but withdrew them the following year after a wave of negative submitted updated plans in 2020, insisting the proposal would be a "major step away" from its other company have also argued the plans would boost unemployment in the region - a claim dismissed by critics who said most jobs would be short-term row has rumbled on over the last five years, with local community councils and environmental body Sepa expressing Lomond & The Trossachs National Park authority board unanimously voted against the development in September 2024, ruling that it did not comply with environmental and nature conservation the time Stuart Pearce, director of place for the park authority, said the resort plan created an "unacceptable risk" of flooding of the River Leven.
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Busy Scots road notorious for speeding drivers hit with new 30mph limit years after fatal crash
The road previously claimed the life of a man who was killed after being struck by a car SAFETY FEARS Busy Scots road notorious for speeding drivers hit with new 30mph limit years after fatal crash Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BUSY Scots road notorious for speeding cars has had a camera fitted to catch rogue drivers after a man was killed crossing the road. A speed camera has been put in place on Brediland Road in Paisley in a bid to enforce the 30mph speed limit. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A speed camera has been put in place on Brediland Road in Paisley Credit: Alamy It comes almost three years after pedestrian Jim Paterson, 63, was killed when he was hit by a car on the road just after midnight on Sunday, November 27, 2022. Following his death, numerous surveys of the road were carried out and found it has a high footfall, mainly of vulnerable users, due to primary and high schools nearby. Police Scotland Safety Cameras department also looked into concerns about the danger the road posed and found a history of collisions at the blackspot - with three collisions causing injury in four years. Speed surveys conducted in the area also found that 70 per cent of vehicles on the road were travelling above the 30mph speed limit. Alan Bowater, area manager for the West Safety Camera Unit; 'Most people aren't aware that the placing of a speed camera is in response to someone having been injured or killed at the location as a result of speeding. Excess speed is recognised as one of the most significant factors in fatal collisions. Police Scotland Safety Cameras aim is to reduce the number of people injured on our roads through targeted camera enforcement and improving driver behaviour. Without effective enforcement there can be no progress towards safer roads.' Local Councillor Anne Hannigan states this will be welcomed by residents. 'When I was knocking on doors in early 2022, speeding and general driving behaviour on Brediland Road was frequently mentioned as a major concern, and sadly during my first year as a councillor, in November that year a precious life was lost. "This will hopefully help prevent another truly tragic death on this stretch where all who use the road regularly witness speeding and frequent disregard of lights and pedestrian crossings, which is unacceptable on all our roads, but is even more selfish and worrying given the presence of two primary schools and close proximity of a high school.' Drivers caught speeding by a fixed camera nerally include a £100 fixed penalty fine and three penalty points on their license. Watch shock moment car get trapped on railway crossing before train speeds through However more severe speeding violations can lead to larger fines, additional points, or even a driving ban.
