PEOPLE living in Rhu have voiced concern at the prospect of large timber transport lorries returning to the village's narrow streets later this year.

Members of Rhu and Shandon Community Council (RSCC) quizzed an Argyll and Bute Council committee on the use of Station Road and Pier Road in the village as timber transport routes.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) have used the route regularly to bring lorryloads of timber harvested from the Highlandman's Wood and Torr Wood above the village for onward transport elsewhere.

Argyll and Bute, as roads authority, agreed in 2016 to classify the roads as a 'consultation route' for the purposes of timber transport by HGVs.

John McGall, RSCC's convener, told the Helensburgh and Lomond area committee this week: “This route has been an area of significant concern and investigation for several years by the council, Police Scotland and the community council to try and find a solution to a number of hazards.

“RSCC objected to any use of Pier and Station Roads in the interest of road safety as these roads were dangerous, compromised pedestrian safety and are clearly, in our view, unsuitable as a timber haulage route.

“In 2021, after phase one of timber harvesting was completed, we surveyed residents neighbouring the haulage route area and 96 per cent of those who participated fully supported the community council’s objections.”

Mr McGall also pointed towards the identification of a potential haulage route nearly a decade ago linking a site near the Highlandman's Wood with the A818 between Helensburgh and Loch Lomond.

He continued: “At a meeting on September 16, 2022, between our community council, Scottish Forestry, Scottish Woodlands and the Argyll Timber Transport Group, all present agreed the local community have legitimate concerns with the current haulage route provided by the council.

“[It has also been] agreed in principle every effort will be made for a new route that will serve both Highlandman’s and Torr Woods and the afforestation of former Letrault and Stuckenduff Farms - in total 1,400 acres of phased tree felling which is to be carried out in perpetuity.

“We have highlighted the existence of detailed 2014 plans for a haulage route from the A818 to a proposed wind farm site east of Highlandman’s Wood, which failed to come to fruition - part of which could be used and adopted for this purpose.

“We believe phase two of Highlandman’s Wood harvesting could begin later this year.

"In light of the foregoing information, can I ask our councillors to ensure that proper communication and consultation with our community will take place in good time prior to any forestry activity?

“[Can I also ask] that serious consideration is given for the current Highlandman’s Wood TTMP [Timber Transport Management Plan] to be paused until the conclusion of these recent developments is resolved in the interest of road safety?”

Argyll and Bute's Provost Maurice Corry, a Conservative councillor for the Lomond North ward, which includes Rhu and Shandon, said: “As far as I can be aware, and I came into this halfway through, I will have to talk to the director of (land owners) Gresham House.

"I think that is what needs to happen and I will undertake now to do that.

“Maybe you can join with me on that, and I will be in touch. I have seen the correspondence.”

Mr McGall said: “I understand the grounds are available and may have to be applied for, but we need to get to Gresham House.”

Councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) added: “This is another issue where we do need a proper consultation.

"Things are happening again and again without consultation and we need to get a grip on it.”