Issue - meetings

The Group considered an update from Inspector Roderick (Roddy) MacNeill, Police Scotland, which highlighted information relating to the appointment of a new Divisional Commander; work carried out over the festive period; the prevalence of COVID-related absences across the service at the beginning of the year and subsequent improvements in this; the appointment of a new Youth Engagement Officer; work being carried out with other agencies to prepare for the Spring season and an anticipated increase in visitors to the area; measures to tackle speeding, including the planned installation of a static speed camera in Cardross; and the future re-implementation of the Police Scotland Youth Volunteer group. Inspector MacNeill also introduced temporary Inspector Alan Heron, noting that he would be one of the Group’s Police Scotland contacts during Inspector MacNeill’s upcoming period of absence.

Discussion took place around youth anti-social behaviour in the area, and it was agreed that a partnership approach to discuss diversionary tactics should be explored. It was agreed that, following the meeting, representatives from Police Scotland, Live Argyll’s Community Learning Service, the Royal Navy’s Family and People Support and the Ministry of Defence Police should meet to discuss ways to improve the situation. It was also noted that the promotion of Police Scotland and SFRS youth groups could be beneficial when both services were up and running again, with possible links between the two being investigated in due course.

Further discussion took place around youth anti-social behaviour at Hermitage Park, and Inspector MacNeill confirmed that an action plan was in place to address this and he would be happy to note any suggestions for other actions which could assist. Sephton MacQuire noted that there were issues with youths climbing on the old school roof and advised that other housing associations had seen success with the use of increased signage. Fiona Baker enquired about the use of CCTV in the park, particularly following the fundraising efforts by the Friends of Hermitage Park, and Inspector MacNeill confirmed that he was already in discussion with the Council around this and would copy Fiona into further discussions related to the funding of CCTV.

Inspector MacNeill also highlighted a new livestock worrying campaign being launched in Kintyre, noting that new livestock legislation would be relevant to the whole of Argyll and Bute and beyond. He advised that PC Laura Evans would provide documentation around this to be distributed to the Group following the meeting.

Information was also provided in the written update in relation to the Keep Safe initiative and the ways in which the 4 Keep Safe Places in Helensburgh and Lomond could be identified and accessed; the implementation of the Herbert Protocol to assist those living with dementia; continued work to highlight and reduce incidents of fraud; and the ways in which partners could become involved with the Keep Safe and fraud prevention initiatives.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    noted that an update on partnership working in relation to youth anti-social behaviour would be provided at the next meeting. 

(Reference: Report by Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland, submitted)