People power triumphs in Cumbernauld

More than 630 objectors bombarded North Lanarkshire Council with submissions to its Licensing Board – slamming plans to create the off-sales on the former Red Comyn pub site which borders a play area.

The plan had been thrown out once but its backers controversially secured an appeal at Scottish Government level.

It went through the planning process again, only to be unanimously thrown out by the board on Friday – and cannot be appealed because of the sheer strength of the vote against it.

Kildrum Community Council chairman Bill Dempsey said: “This result was in deference to the people. It was a difficult thing but we stuck to our guns. We are delighted.”

Councillor Tom Johnston who addressed the board said: “Kildrum is a quiet, residential area and the people of Kildrum want it to stay that way.

“We don’t need this in the very heart of the area. It could cause problems with loitering youths. The people of Kildrum made a great effort.

“They demonstrated real evidence of huge opposition.”