Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Sandy Mactaggart, Link Director

Viv Smith, NHS Highland

Martin Turnbull, Youth Services Manager

Students representing Bute & Cowal Young People

The minutes of the meeting of 18^th January 2011 were approved as a correct record.

The Group heard an informative presentation from Jolyon Gritten on the Core Path Plan.  Jolyon spoke on the Finalised Draft of the Core Path Plan and demonstrated how members of the group can access the information on the Council’s website.  Janet McKellar spoke on the Dunoon Community Development Group applying for Woodland In and Around Town and Forestry for People funding for the Bishops Glen and Fairy Glen.  The Group discussed specific areas and Councillor Marshall said that he had been contacted by property owners in the Ballochyle area which is partially in Argyll & Bute and partially in LL&TNP core path area who were concerned that the path took walkers directly past their properties and was on their land.     Councillor Simon said that there were alternative routes and Jolyon Gritten agreed to explore the possibilities

Jolyon further advised that there are some launch points for divers, kayaks etc and Chief Inspector Mosley spoke on the responsible use of paths and vehicles being parked, Jolyon said that he would be writing to all Diving Associations regarding this.

Decision

The Group thanked Jolyon for his presentation and agreed Janet McKellar would contact him regarding the plans for the local Glens.  It was further agreed a joint letter from the Police and the Council will be issued to the Diving Associations.

The Area Manager, Customer Services advised the meeting apologies had been received from the students because they are sitting exams and Martin Turnbull had suggested in order to take the Youth Work forward it may be advantageous for a selection of the group to attend the Youth Forum.

Decision

The Group agreed Shirley MacLeod would set up a meeting with the Youth Forum and 5/6 volunteers from the LACPG.

The Area Manager, Customer Services spoke the progress which has been made in making linkages of Strategic Local Partners to the Bute & Cowal Local Area Community Planning Group.  Shirley explained the information was provided by Partners.  The Group discussed the linkages in detail and where the document should be changed.  Shirley pointed out that some groups are attending duplicate meetings.  Shirley also advised that Highlight and Exception reports would be provided by some agreed partners for the LACPG.

Decision

The Group agreed:-

i.         To note the progress that has been made and agreed this should remain a standing item for consideration at future meetings of the Group.

ii.       The diagram would be updated and circulated to the Group, with partners forwarding any information to Shirley MacLeod.

iii.      Dunoon & Cowal Business Association would only attend the LACPG meeting if there was a relevant item on the agenda.

Tommy Keay intimated his apologies and left the meeting at this stage.

Chief Inspector Mosley said that the Bute & Cowal area of Strathclyde Police will be getting a Mobile Police Unit in the next 3 months.  He advised the Group that this unit can be used by partners wishing to market services. 

Councillor Marshall advised the Group that the Council now have two jet patchers called Roadmasters and have commenced work in Cowal area.  The Council have agreed to put nearly £6m into the resurfacing and surface dressing of roads in Argyll & Bute in the next financial year.   £3m of that being borrowed Capital

Lorna Ahlquist asked about the HELP funding cut and Janet McKellar explained that she had received support from Elected Members and was able to get the funding cut reduced.

Councillor Simon expressed his concern over 3^rd Sector Group being informed about their funding and Eileen Wilson advised that a new Thematic Group was being formed to support the 3^rd Sector when they start taking over work previously being provided by the Council.

Brian Chennell updated the Group on the Business Improvement District scheme and explained what it entailed.

Brian Chennell further updated the Group on the meeting about Public Procurement and advised that a workshop has been organised to find ways for local business to be more able to get work from the Council.

Councillor Scoullar intimated his apologies and left the meeting at this stage.

The Area Manager, Customer Services updated the Group on the progress which has been made by partners in delivering the agreed Bute and Cowal Local Community Plan.  The Group discussed the Community Plan in detail and Shirley MacLeod advised that this would be added onto the Council’s Pyramid System, she further advised that this piece of work has taken a step forward with Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Strathclyde Police and NHS having access to the pyramid system to input information. 

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Chief Inspector Mosley & Councillor McQueen intimated their apologies and left the meeting at this stage.

The Community Planning Manager spoke on the Consultation Diary advising the Group that it is for group to record consultations/surveys that are being carried out and what will be done in the future.  This enables people who are looking to do a survey to see if the information already exists.

Eileen Wilson also spoke on the Public Service Improvement Framework which is a model for self assessment that enables stakeholders to give their views.

Decision

The Group agreed:-

i.                     The Consultation diary will be circulated to the Group.

ii.                   The Self Assessment form will be circulated with the completed forms being returned to Eileen Wilson.

Eileen Wilson gave a presentation on the Council’s new website explaining where people could find information about Community Planning.  Eileen further advised the Group if they had any links/information to be included to contact her.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Councillor Simon, Brian Chennell, Toni Miles and Albert Baker all intimated their apologies and left the meeting at this stage.

Lorna Ahlquist spoke on the Mental Health Information Directory being produced and spoke on groups sharing information which in turn would save money.  Lorna thought the Community Planning Group would be a good vehicle to get other partners involved in this piece of work. 

Decision

The Group discussed the LACPG taking this forward and it was agreed that it should be raised at the Social Affairs Thematic Group and for Lorna to discuss it with the Executive Director of Community Services.

Environment

Social Affairs

Economy

The Area Manager, Customer Services updated the Partnership on the work being carried out by the three Thematic Groups.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

The Area Manager, Customer Services advised that the scorecard was being produced in line with the LACPG Community Plan and a report would be coming to the meeting in May.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.