Introduction

This report summarizes the results of public input, encompassing:

• 120 statements
• 26,104 votes
• 1 topics
• 9 subtopics

All voters were anonymous.

Overview

Below is a high level overview of the topics discussed in the conversation, as well as the percentage of statements categorized under each topic. Note that the percentages may add up to greater than 100% when statements fall under more than one topic.

• Other (100%): This topic included a range of issues related to community safety concerns, including crime and safety concerns, transportation and traffic issues, infrastructure and maintenance problems, and environmental degradation.

Top 5 Most Discussed Subtopics

9 subtopics of discussion emerged. These 5 subtopics had the most statements submitted.

1. Crime and Safety Concerns (51 statements)

Prominent themes were: • Need for increased police presence • Concerns about safety at night • Importance of community engagement • Issues with anti-social behavior • Need for improved lighting and infrastructure

2. Transportation and Traffic (28 statements)

Prominent themes were: • Speeding and reckless driving • Insufficient public transport • Poor road safety measures • Congestion and parking issues • Lack of pedestrian crossings

3. Infrastructure and Maintenance (27 statements)

Prominent themes were: • Poor Road Maintenance • Inadequate Lighting • Insufficient Warden Presence • Congested Traffic • Uneven Pavements

4. Youth and Anti-Social Behaviour (17 statements)

Prominent themes were: • Lack of spaces for young people • Anti-social behaviour by youths • Need for positive activities for young people • Intimidation by groups of young people • Inadequate community resources and support

5. Environmental Issues (15 statements)

Prominent themes were: • Dog Fouling Concerns • Poor Maintenance of Public Spaces • Safety Issues with Roads and Pavements • Fly Tipping and Litter Problems • Inadequate Lighting in Public Areas

Topics

From the statements submitted, 1 high level topics were identified, as well as 9 subtopics. Based on voting patterns both points of common ground as well as differences of opinion have been identified and are described below.

Other (120 statements)

This topic included 7 subtopics, comprising a total of 120 statements.

Crime and Safety Concerns (51 statements)

This subtopic had high alignment compared to the other subtopics.

Prominent themes were:

• Need for Increased Police Presence: Many statements express a desire for more police presence in communities, particularly at night, to deter crime and improve safety.
• Concerns About Specific Areas or Spaces: Several statements identify specific areas or spaces that are perceived as unsafe, such as poorly lit walkways, bus stops, or areas with high levels of anti-social behavior.
• Importance of Community Engagement and Prevention: Some statements emphasize the need for community engagement, education, and prevention initiatives to address underlying issues contributing to crime and safety concerns.
• Lack of Confidence in Reporting Safety Concerns: A few statements express a lack of confidence in reporting safety concerns, citing unclear reporting processes or a lack of response from authorities.
• Impact of Social Issues on Safety: Several statements highlight the impact of social issues, such as poverty, mental health, and substance misuse, on safety and crime in communities.

Common ground: No statements met the thresholds necessary to be considered as a point of common ground (at least 20 votes, and at least 70% agreement).

Differences of opinion: There was disagreement about the level of safety in the community, with some participants feeling safe, while others expressed concerns about specific areas, such as the bike track between Montrose Avenue and Kilmacolm, and the presence of drug users and immigrants. Opinions also differed on the effectiveness of current measures, with some participants suggesting that police and wardens are not visible enough, while others felt that more preventative work and engagement with young people are needed. Additionally, some participants highlighted the need for more resources to address issues such as addiction and mental health, which they believe are linked to crime. [comment_581,comment_585,comment_673,comment_569,comment_599,comment_594,comment_604,comment_681,comment_646,comment_622,comment_571,comment_592]

Transportation and Traffic (28 statements)

This subtopic had high alignment compared to the other subtopics.

Prominent themes were:

• Speeding and Traffic Safety Concerns: Many statements express concerns about speeding vehicles and the need for improved traffic safety measures, such as speed cameras, traffic lights, and speed bumps.
• Parking Issues and Congestion: Several statements mention problems with parking, including double yellow lines, congestion, and lack of parking spaces, which can lead to safety concerns and difficulties for residents.
• Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility: Statements highlight the need for improved pedestrian safety, including better lighting, pedestrian crossings, and wheelchair accessibility, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.
• Public Transportation and Accessibility: Some statements mention issues with public transportation, including limited bus services, withdrawn bus routes, and difficulties for residents without cars, which can impact safety and accessibility.
• Community Engagement and Reporting Concerns: A few statements mention the need for better community engagement and awareness about reporting safety concerns, including the role of community wardens and the need for clear contact information.

Common ground: No statements met the thresholds necessary to be considered as a point of common ground (at least 20 votes, and at least 70% agreement).

Differences of opinion:

There was disagreement about the specific safety concerns and potential solutions for the community. One statement proposed that traffic monitoring and safety attendants at schools would improve safety, while another suggested that speed cameras on certain roads, such as Port Glasgow Road, would be effective. Other participants mentioned concerns about speeding on various roads, including Bridge of Weir road, Grieve Road, and Sinclair Street, and proposed solutions such as traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and speed bumps. Additionally, some participants suggested improving infrastructure, such as widening pavements and making curbs wheelchair accessible, while others proposed increasing CCTV and public transportation to address safety concerns. [comment_682,comment_672,comment_655,comment_617,comment_619,comment_629,comment_632,comment_660,comment_612,comment_647,comment_640,comment_684]

Infrastructure and Maintenance (27 statements)

This subtopic had high alignment compared to the other subtopics.

Prominent themes were:

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Many citizens express concerns about the poor state of infrastructure, including potholes, uneven pavements, and lack of gritting, which poses a risk to safety and accessibility.
• Lighting and Visibility: There are numerous comments about inadequate street lighting, particularly in areas such as Wemyss Bay, Fore Street, and Gourock Park, which can make people feel unsafe, especially at night.
• Traffic and Speeding: Citizens raise concerns about speeding vehicles, particularly on roads like Bridge of Weir Road, and suggest measures such as speed cameras, improved signage, and traffic calming measures to address the issue.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Some comments highlight the need for improved accessibility, including wheelchair-accessible pavements, and express concerns about the impact of parked cars on pavements and public walkways.
• Community Engagement and Reporting: There are suggestions that the council should improve communication and provide clearer information on how to report safety concerns, as well as increase the presence of wardens and police in the community.

Common ground: No statements met the thresholds necessary to be considered as a point of common ground (at least 20 votes, and at least 70% agreement).

Differences of opinion: There was disagreement on the specific areas and issues that require attention to improve community safety. One statement proposed that improved street lighting is needed throughout various areas, including Gourock, Wemyss Bay, and Port Glasgow, while another suggested that traffic lights or a safer crossing system is necessary at the bottom of Bow Road. Additionally, opinions differed on the need for more wardens, with some suggesting that their presence is necessary in areas such as Dubbs Road and Kestrel Crescent, while others proposed that their powers and support should be improved. [comment_598,comment_608,comment_658,comment_626,comment_636,comment_656,comment_601,comment_684,comment_685,comment_680,comment_637,comment_643]

Youth and Anti-Social Behaviour (17 statements)

This subtopic had high alignment compared to the other subtopics.

Prominent themes were:

• Lack of Spaces for Young People: Many statements mention that there is a lack of spaces for young people to go, leading to them hanging around streets, shops, and other areas, which can be intimidating for some community members.
• Anti-Social Behaviour by Young People: Several statements report instances of anti-social behaviour by young people, such as vandalism, underage drinking, littering, and intimidating behaviour, which can be frightening for older people and those who live alone.
• Need for Meaningful Activities for Young People: Some statements suggest that young people need meaningful activities to engage in, such as sports, craft clubs, or youth clubs, to channel their energy and creativity in a positive way.
• Concerns about Safety and Intimidation: Many statements express concerns about safety and intimidation, particularly at night, due to large gatherings of young people, speeding cars, and lack of police presence.
• Need for Increased Police and Warden Presence: Several statements suggest that an increased police and warden presence, particularly in areas where young people congregate, could help address safety concerns and anti-social behaviour.

Common ground: No statements met the thresholds necessary to be considered as a point of common ground (at least 20 votes, and at least 70% agreement).

Differences of opinion: There was disagreement about the extent to which young people's behavior is a concern for community safety. One statement proposed that young people feel entitled and have little respect for the law or others, while another suggested that young people are simply in need of meaningful activities to occupy their time. Some participants noted that groups of young people can be intimidating, particularly in certain areas such as outside shops or at beaches, while others felt that young people are not a significant concern for safety. [comment_598,comment_581,comment_665,comment_594,comment_641,comment_646,comment_590,comment_628,comment_577,comment_664,comment_662,comment_639]

Environmental Issues (15 statements)

This subtopic had high alignment compared to the other subtopics.

Prominent themes were:

• Environmental Degradation: The statements highlight various forms of environmental degradation, including dog fouling, fly tipping, and neglect of public spaces, which are perceived as safety concerns and nuisances.
• Infrastructure and Maintenance: The statements express concerns about the poor maintenance of public infrastructure, such as pavements, paths, and gutters, which can lead to accidents and safety hazards.
• Lighting and Safety: The statements emphasize the need for improved lighting in public areas, such as parks and streets, to enhance safety and prevent accidents.
• Waste Management: The statements suggest that inadequate waste management, including the presence of multiple plastic bins and lack of public bins, contributes to environmental degradation and safety concerns.
• Community Engagement and Collaboration: The statements imply that community engagement and collaboration among agencies are necessary to address local issues and concerns, including environmental degradation and safety hazards.

Common ground: No statements met the thresholds necessary to be considered as a point of common ground (at least 20 votes, and at least 70% agreement).

Differences of opinion:

There was disagreement about the specific safety concerns and potential solutions for various areas in Inverclyde. One statement proposed that traffic lights or a safer crossing system should be installed at the bottom of Bow Road, while another suggested that more lighting and improved maintenance of paths and pavements were needed in various locations, including Fore Street, Port Glasgow, and Gourock Park. Other concerns raised included dog fouling, speeding cars, fly tipping, and the need for more wardens and improved waste management. Some participants also suggested that digital inequalities and lack of accessible services, such as GP surgeries and baby changing facilities, were safety concerns. [comment_608,comment_617,comment_659,comment_626,comment_612,comment_648,comment_616,comment_627,comment_649,comment_639,comment_584,comment_573]

Reporting Concerns and Community Support (8 statements)

This subtopic had high alignment compared to the other subtopics.

Prominent themes were:

• Lack of Awareness on Reporting Concerns: Many residents are unsure of who to report community safety concerns to or how to do so, leading to a lack of confidence in reporting concerns.
• Importance of Advertising Reporting Channels: There is a need for better advertising of reporting channels and processes to inform residents on how to submit concerns.
• Uncertainty in Response to Reported Concerns: Some residents have experienced uncertainty or lack of response when reporting concerns, which can discourage them from reporting issues in the future.
• Community Engagement and Inclusion: Residents feel that community meetings and engagement can help address safety concerns and promote a sense of inclusion, but some suggest moving meetings online to increase accessibility.
• Physical Environment and Safety: The condition of the area, such as graffiti and road accidents, can contribute to feelings of unsafety, and residents suggest implementing measures to identify and address these issues.

Common ground: No statements met the thresholds necessary to be considered as a point of common ground (at least 20 votes, and at least 70% agreement).

Differences of opinion: There was disagreement about how to report community safety concerns and who to contact. One statement proposed that reporting concerns should be advertised better, while another suggested that community meetings could be moved online to help people address their concerns. Some participants felt uncertain about who to contact to report concerns, with one mentioning that they had tried contacting Community Wardens but received no response. Others mentioned that they would contact Inverclyde Council or attend a community council meeting to report concerns. [comment_623,comment_668,comment_663,comment_574,comment_687,comment_597,comment_575,comment_602]

Community Engagement and Activities (6 statements)

This subtopic had high alignment compared to the other subtopics.

Prominent themes were:

• Community Engagement and Inclusion: Community members suggest that more local community engagement and meetings could help address concerns and improve safety, with some proposing online meetings to increase accessibility.
• Infrastructure and Maintenance: There are concerns about the condition of local areas, including poor street lighting, vandalism, and neglect of parks, with suggestions for improved maintenance and repairs.
• Youth and Family Support: Some community members propose more funding opportunities for youth working groups and the reintroduction of facilities such as tennis courts and paddling ponds to provide activities for younger people.
• Accessibility and Digital Inequality: There are concerns about digital inequalities, lack of accessible GP surgeries, and inadequate cycle paths, with suggestions for more inclusive and accessible services.
• Trust and Communication with Authorities: Some community members express a lack of faith in authority figures and suggest that more open discussion and clearer communication channels are needed to address concerns and improve safety.

Common ground: No statements met the thresholds necessary to be considered as a point of common ground (at least 20 votes, and at least 70% agreement).

Differences of opinion: There was disagreement on the specific steps to improve community safety and address concerns. One statement proposed improved street lighting, increased powers for transport police, and more funding for youth working groups, while another suggested identifying deprivation and issues within the community to prevent accidents. Some participants felt that community meetings could be moved online to help people address concerns, while others proposed implementing a board for repairs and possible timeframe to address uncertainty. Additionally, opinions differed on the role of authority figures, with one participant stating that the community lacks faith in them, and another suggesting that being more open to discussion could help alleviate issues in worse-off areas. [comment_658,comment_616,comment_597,comment_603,comment_653]