Residents could get the chance to walk their estates with council workers to identify areas in need of improvement.
Community walkabouts are one of a range of ideas set to be discussed at a full meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council tomorrow (Wednesday) in an attempt to spruce up the appearance of local housing estates.
A report produced in response to concerns from Labour councillor David McBride says that estates are in a good condition, but that further action could be taken to improve them.
Councillor McBride highlighted worries after almost two years of disruption to maintenance services due to the pandemic.
And he hopes residents will welcome news that action is being taken.
He said: “It is clear local tenants’ concerns were well founded. I have been calling on the council to make every effort to ensure our tenants and residents live in acceptable estates and if anyone fails to reach expected standards they can be assured their landlord will take the necessary action.
“I would like to thank all the tenants who took the trouble to contact me and hopefully, they will welcome the actions proposed”.
Councillor McBride previously submitted a motion, highlighting issues in estates. It aimed “to ensure our tenants do not suffer a third summer growing season in a row of unacceptable standards, with the need for a rigorous action plan to be developed and implemented between now and spring.”
A report set to go before councillors says that the local authority is now “focused on full recovery” but that this “will take time given the legacy impact of the pandemic.”
It outlines plans for estate walkabouts with members of local communities, as well as resident groups and community councils.
Proposals which will also be looked at that could see taxpayer-funded skips being brought into areas to allow residents to dispose of larger items, as well the potential of waiving fees for bulk uplifts and the Care of Gardens scheme – a move that would cost the council an estimated £14,000 annually.
CCTV cameras in areas including Cranloch Court and Woodburn Avenue, in Balloch, could also be set for upgrades to cut down on antisocial behaviour.
However, there is currently no budget for the installation of additional cameras linked to a monitoring station in new locations.
The council is also set to work with Police Scotland to target alleged drug dealing in Renton’s Tontine Park, whilst an update from developers on plans to redevelop Dalmonach play park has also been requested.
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