Issue - meetings

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Derek Wilson gave an update to the Group on the last quarter of October to December 2016.  He advised that there has been an increase in deliberate fires but assured that Scottish Fire and Rescue continue to work with partners and young groups to raise awareness.  He confirmed there has been a small decrease in accidental dwelling fires but have also been working with partners and assisting in home fire safety visits to give guidance where they can.  Derek advised there has been a good decrease in special services call outs which are not fire related events. 

He updated the group on the Biker Down Campaign which highlights the danger spots on roads to help to reduce accidents and he advised the ‘Cut it Out’ Campaign continues in schools working alongside the Council Road Safety Officer and would be attending Oban High School next week.

Derek spoke about the Oban Winter Festival and advised that Scottish Fire and Rescue held an event where 24 people took part and a good response was had.  He advised that over Christmas time they put an advert in the Oban Times to raise awareness for the festive and winter fires and have got information of this online.

He confirmed that they continue their programme with the British Heart Foundation for CPR training and advised Scottish Fire and Rescue will be going into Oban High School and training 6^th year students. During the following discussion it was suggested that it might be useful to provide recruitment information at the events to encourage young people to consider a career in emergency services. There was also discussion around providing tailored training to people with disabilities and Oban Community Council indicated that they would welcome a CPR training session a one of their meetings.

Police Scotland

Mark Stephen updated the Group on the Christmas Campaign ran by Police Scotland which focused on issues such as Anti-Social Behaviour and drink driving.  He confirmed this campaign was very successful and received positive feedback from the Police Scotland Twitter page where they were open and transparent with the public on their whereabouts with the speeding gun etc.

He advised that road traffic accidents are down since the last quarter and they have been out on the A85 to try and reduce fatal accidents.

He confirmed that there will soon be a launch of the Rural Watch Campaign in Dalmally and Appin followed by Kilmelford where Community Officers can feed information on crime trends back to Police Scotland through the website,

He advised that the Police and Priorities is working in line with the communities views on ‘Your View Counts’ where a survey is done locally and nationally.

He confirmed that the Youth Engagement Officer, Claire Brown, is working with pupils in Oban High School where she has set up a Mid Night League at the High School for Friday and Saturday nights and has set up an event in the local cinema for young girls to attend and talk about personal safety.  She has also arranged for hairdressing training to be given to boost confidence and self-esteem.  Mark advised that adult volunteers will be going through training at the start of April, working with guidance teachers to help pupils gain more confidence and be in the better part of the community.

He advised that two officers have been trained in Mull and Oban to go into the community and give counter terrorism advice at harbours/ports to get the message out there

Oban Community Council

Duncan Martin updated the group on the well-attended successful meeting that Oban Community Council held last month in the Corran Halls to address concerns regarding the potential closure of Oban Hospital which had been reported in the press. 400 people attended and everyone was impressed with the commitment to provide services locally.  They hope to hold another meeting in June.

Area CPG Chair

The Chair advised the meeting that she and the Vice Chair had attended a meeting the Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Area CPGs and the Chair and Vice Chair of the Management Committee in January. The meeting had been very useful and another meeting will be arranged in due course

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Police Scotland

Inspector Paul Robertson of Police Scotland gave a verbal update to the Group on activities in the last quarter in Bute and Cowal.   He advised that overall crime has been very low making the area a very safe place to work, live and visit.  He confirmed there has been a rise in Anti-Social Behaviour offences in Bute but explained that this was due to additional officers being placed on the island for a 4 week period leading up to the festive campaign which resulted in possession of controlled drugs being found for user amounts which lead to suspected drug dealers being searched under warrant.

On a strategic level, Inspector Robertson advised that Police Scotland Estates are reviewing all police office buildings, police houses etc and have recommended that Strachur Police house go up for sale.  He advised that Dunoon based Police have been covering the Strachur area and that no change to this arrangement is planned.  He confirmed some improvements have been made to the existing Dunoon Police Office building and advised that while Police Scotland have been engaging with partners and discussing opportunities for sharing at a local level however there is no current plans to move.

Inspector Robertson confirmed that the Rothesay Police Office is in a poorer condition than Dunoon and they would look to move from this office in the future.  He encouraged all agencies potentially interested in using the additional space available in the current police building contact him.

He gave an update on the town centre action plan which includes Pub Watch. He advised this is a very positive scheme that works well.

Scottish Ambulance Service

Julie-Ann Wallace gave a brief update on the services that are provided in the Bute and Cowal area.  Discussion took place on transport to hospitals and care in the community.

Area Community Planning Chairs & Vice Chairs meeting

The Chair updated the Group on the recent Area Community Planning Chairs and Vice Chairs meeting which was held in Helensburgh.  He advised that CPGs are now taking the lead role on criminal justice and Health and Social Care Locality Planning.  He advised that the next meeting is being held in Lochgilphead in April/May and felt this meeting was very useful and was interesting to hear there is communality between all 4 Area Community Planning Groups.  The Chair recommended there be more frequent meetings or sub meetings that deal with serious issues which can then be fed back to the Community Planning Group meetings.

Scottish Fire and Rescue provided a written update which was tabled at the meeting.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Derek Wilson from Scottish Fire and Rescue gave an update to the group on a number of recent activities and statistics over the last quarter.  He confirmed that there has been a reduction on deliberate fires but an increase in accidental fires. 

He updated the group on the campaign which they ran last year with Oban Phoenix Cinema to help promote home fire safety visits and advised that this year they are tasked with a number of events to further promote home fire safety visits with includes working with the Oban Winter Festival.  He advised there have been 73 home fire safety visits in the last quarter and hope to have carried out more next quarter.

He confirmed that there have been no accidental dwelling fires but the number of road crashes and aeroplane crashes has increased.

Mr Wilson updated the group on the initiative which is ongoing throughout Argyll and Bute called ‘Bikers Down’ which invites bikers into local offices to take part in first aid training and provide information to reduce casualties.

He gave an update on the major fire incident which happened at the Mill Park depot and advised that 50 fire fighters were called out as a multi cylinder exploded at the time to cause a substantial fire.  He confirmed that the fire was brought under control after 2 hours and that the Commander instantly put information online to inform people what was happening. He advised that officers came up from Hamilton to carry out a fire investigation.

Councillor Robertson congratulated Scottish Fire and Rescue on the way the fire was handled.

The Chair asked if there was any feedback available from the survey which was carried out at the start of the year.  Mr Wilson agreed to look into this and circulate an update to the group.

Police Scotland

Sgt Mark Stephen gave an update to the group on Police Scotland’s involvement with the fire at the Mill depot and advised that they worked closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue and were very impressed with the service they provided.  He confirmed that Police Scotland took total control of the scene for investigation reasons and that they handed it back to the Council on the Monday.  He advised that the Police investigation is still ongoing.

He referred to the recent press article which talked about closure of the Oban Police Station and confirmed that this was inaccurate and that there are no plans to close the Oban Police Station. He advised that there have been discussions regarding the possibility of Police Scotland moving into Oban Community Fire Station Cllr Roberson intimated that she had been asked by Connel Community Council to request information on the custody arrangements if the Police Station was to move and information on this matter was given to the group.  He also confirmed that the current officer covering Taynuilt has moved out of the area and while Police Scotland has agreed to give up the Police Station in Taynuilt for financial reasons, the level of police cover in the area would remain the same. He informed the group that the replacement officer had originally been on a summer secondment in Oban and is moving back to the area as he liked it and will start on 28^th November.

He updated the group on the drink driving launch which is underway and spoke about the crime bakers initiative which will take place over winter where the CID in the mobile police unit will be about to detect people coming into the area.  It was noted that Oban Live was such a success that it will increase in size next year which has great financial benefits for the town.  He confirmed that they had no disturbances this year from a police perspective.

The newly appointed Youth Engagement Officer, PC Claire Brown was introduced to the group.

Argyll and Bute TSI

Joan Best advised the group that they have a third sector network meeting on 28^th November 2-4pm in the Glencruitten Church Hall about partnership working and the way forward and to help work better and apply for funding.

Adult Learning

Brian Marden gave an update to the group on dyslexia week and advised they had two successful screening in Oban library. He confirmed there was a lot of publicity on the website and they handed out a number of blue ribbons to show appreciation and awareness as well as turning McCaig’s Tower blue for the week.

He advised that there is a model on Leon which goes live in January with resilience stories on adult learning and why it is important and how it has affected 10,000 people. 

Mr Marden confirmed that Argyll and Bute Council are the first local authority in Scotland to receive their first award in Dyslexia awareness initiative.

He gave a further update to the group on Book Week Scotland and confirmed that as part of the book week Scotland celebrations, the Scottish book trust ran an online poll to identify the best Scottish book-to-film adaption and Oban’s choice were two classic films which were are being shown in Oban Phoenix cinema at the end of the month – “The 39 Steps” and “Sunset Song”.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park representative provided the Group with the following email update:

Two decisions from National Park Board Meeting on October 24^th:

Live Park – the new Local Development Plan for the National Park – has been approved by reporters representing the Scottish Ministers. Some minor modifications have been implemented. The modified version is now out for final consultation, before being adopted.

The implementation plan for Your Park – the plan for new bye-laws and for the introduction of camping management zones in a few selected areas of the Park which experience significant visitor pressure – was approved and will come into force in March 2017. None of the areas subject to these new bye-laws or management zone are in this part of Cowal.   

Police Scotland

Inspector Ewan Wilson from Police Scotland informed the Group that Pubwatch is still operational in the Cowal area with nine licensed premises currently signed up to it. It was reported that this initiative is working very well.

Scottish Fire and Rescue

A Scottish Fire and Rescue representative informed the Group that they are currently piloting a Slips, Trips and Falls initiative in partnership with NHS Scotland in the Oban Area. If this proves successful then it will be rolled out across Argyll and Bute. The Group were reminded that if they have any concerns regarding anyone at risk to contact Scottish Fire and Rescue who will arrange a home visit.

Opportunity for Community Planning Partners to highlight items of interest and future events.

Police Scotland

Chief Inspector Baillie introduced herself to the Group.  She firstly gave an update on the Road Safety Launch which will commence on Monday 22^nd August due to the rise in fatal and serious road accidents.  She confirmed that this will be a multi-agency partnership which will result in an increase of police presence stopping cars coming in and out of Oban.

She advised that Police Scotland are currently looking at child safety by making sure that children’s car seats are safely fitted into vehicles.  She confirmed this will be ongoing for 3-4 weeks to support the road campaign to try to reduce the number of deaths on the roads.

Chief Inspector Baillie advised the Group that they are interviewing for a Youth Engagement Officer on Tuesday 23^rd August to be based in Oban High School and the Oban Police Station.  The new youth Engagement Officer will be there to try and improve relationships with young people to help divert them from crime.  She confirmed that there will be an article in the Oban Times introducing the new Youth Engagement Officer to the town and explaining what they will be involved in.

Chief Inspector Baillie gave an update on the Taynuilt Police Office and advised that Alison Simpson is transferring post in October. The Taynuilt Office may be closed and the building sold. She assured the Group that the Dalmally Police Officer would be covering Taynuilt and advised that while the current officer had been away on training, there had been no change in volume of incidents in Taynuilt..  She confirmed that Police Scotland will be engaging with the Community Councils affected over this matter

The Community Development Officer introduced Naomi Campbell, Modern Apprentice to Chief Inspector Baillie and suggested it would be beneficial if she arranged a meeting with the new Youth Improvement Officer as their roles both involve youth work.

Oban Community Council

Marri Malloy, Chair of Oban Community Council raised a concern in regard to the number of young adults which are dangerously cycling on the pavements in the Oban area with particular concern around the Stafford Street area.  She confirmed that she has contacted Police Scotland numerous times had been advised that it is not a criminal offence.  Chief Inspector Bailie agreed take this forward to the OLI Anti-Social Behaviour Group.

Mrs Malloy asked Chief Inspector Baillie if they were still looking into having a muti-agency working group to deal with road closures. Chief Inspector Baillie confirmed that this would not be going ahead due to resource implications. 

Discussion took place on an issue which arose at the previous Community Planning meeting in relation to road closures and lack of communication with Oban High School.  Chief Inspector Baillie agreed to look into this.

Lorn and Islands Partnership

Sandy Mohamed introduced himself to the Group and advised he had been in post for 3 weeks with a partnership which has been funded until March 2017.  He advised that the project has been late in starting due to national Elections but advised he will be covering 4 islands, Luing, Lismore, Easdale and Kerrera. These islands have low populations and it can be difficult to resource community development activity on an individual island basis therefore his role would be looking at a proposal for joint working and to come up with an individual plan for each island.  Mr Mohamed agreed to come back to future Community Planning Group meetings and update the Group on his progress.

The Lorn and Islands Partnership was also invited to join the Area Community Planning Group

OLI Health and Wellbeing Network

Eleanor MacKinnon advised that she is currently reviewing the joint improvement plan for OLI Health and Wellbeing Network.  She spoke about the link to the recent survey that they carried out and it was agreed that the Senior Area Committee Assistant would re-send this survey to partners.

Argyll and Bute TSI

Joan Best advised the Group that the Community Transport Group for the Argyll and Bute Workshop will now take place on * at 10:30am-3:30pm at the Great Western Hotel.

Ministerial Visit

The Chair advised that she and the Vice chair had been involved in the recent ministerial visit from Kevin Stewart, Cabinet Minister for Local Government and Housing and had discussed Area Community Planning.

 Eleanor MacKInnon advised that the Cabinet Minister had also met with Oban Communities Trust and the Oban Winter Festival at Rockfield which was successful.  Mrs Malloy advised that the Cabinet Minister also visited Atlantis Leisure.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

National Park

David MacKenzie on behalf of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park informed the Group that they were currently undertaking three major projects which were Your Park, Live Park and the National Park Partnership plan which is due to go out to consultation at the end of the year.

Police Scotland

Lana Stewart from Police Scotland provided the Group with the following verbal update:

·         Police Scotland are currently working with various third sector organisations to create an Appropriate Adult service.

·         The Keep Safe – I am Me initiative is being run by police Scotland to raise awareness of people with disabilities feeling safe in their communities. Safe places will be identified throughout Argyll and Bute where vulnerable people can go if they require assistance. Further information on this project will be brought to the November Bute and Cowal CPG meeting.

·         Sargent Stewart informed the Group of the Contest strategy – Counter  Terrorism and how this project was being put in place to help keep young people safe online and to prevent online recruitment into terrorist organisations. A more detailed update on this item will be brought to the November Bute and Cowal CPG meeting.

Bute and Cowal Community CAUCUS

Iain McNaughton on behalf of the CAUCUS informed the Group that they were currently looking at the following items:

·         The new parking proposals which will be going out for consultation.

·         An objections letter to the Bounday Commissions prososed changes to the Bute and Cowal wards.

·         The CAUCUS now has a representative on the Health and Social Care Partnership Locality Planning Group.

Fixed Link Project – Cowal

David McKenzie on behalf of the Cowal Fixed Link Project informed the Group that research into the economic impact of having a fixed link is currently being undertaken by students at Strathclyde University. He further informed the Group that a number of route options are currently being developed.

It was also noted that the project has been through the Bute and Cowal Area Committee for Elected Members information and that further detail on the project can be found by contacting the Senior Area Committee Assistant for Bute and Cowal who will forward the appropriate contact details onto any interested party.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

The group heard verbal updates from the following partners:

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Derek Wilson of Scottish Fire and Rescue gave an update to the Group.  He thanked everyone who attended the Engagement Event on 27th April and confirmed it has been their highest attended meeting to date.

He confirmed that their Strategic Plan is due to be released for a 10 week consultation period on 31st May 2016 and that this will be online and sent out to Community Councils.

Mr Wilson advised that training is now underway for the Swift Water Rescue and all staff will be trained by mid-July at technician level.  He confirmed that a boat will be supplied to Oban Fire Station in August and training will be provided with a go live date before the end of the year.

Mr Wilson updated the Group on the seasonal action plans which cover grass fires, wild fires and similar and they have raised awareness of the issue with farmers within the area.

He advised that they are continuing their partnership with the British Heart Foundation by offering CPR training to anyone who is interested at no cost.  Mr Wilson agreed to get in touch with the Head Teacher of Oban High School to carry out training with pupils.

Mr Wilson confirmed that there are 5 new trainees which have started in the Oban station who have completed their training and have all joined a group in the force. He advised that not all fire fighters chose to locate their families in the Oban area and mentioned housing availability as a potential issue.

The group noted the information provided and it was agreed that accommodation for new workers coming to Oban be brought up with ACHA at the August Community Planning Group meeting.

Police Scotland

Sgt Long gave an update to the group on the recent recruitment drive that Police Scotland are currently undertaking to target local people for local jobs so they can remain in the area with their families.  He confirmed that there are both full time and Special Constable posts available.  He advised that there are currently 3 officers on secondment in Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the tourist season and Police Scotland have provided them accommodation in the area.

Sgt Long confirmed that Oban Live was very successful from a Police point of view and there were no arrests.

He advised that they are following two strategies at the moment which covers rural crime prevention for theft of quadbikes, equipment, livestock etc where they are undertaking steps to prevent this occurring.

He confirmed that there is a new fire arms legislation which comes into action this year which allows individuals to licence their air rifles and they hope this will reduce the number of weapons on the street.

Stg Long updated the group on the online safety and sexting campaign which helps build awareness and advised that he visited Oban High School to talk to first and second years which went well.

The group noted the information provided.

Argyll and Bute TSI

Joan Best from Argyll and Bute TSI gave an update to the group.  She confirmed that a volunteer recruitment fair twill take place on 1st June between 11am-4pm in Glencruitten Church Hall and that  new organisations have signed up to provide volunteer opportunities.

She advised that Volunteer of the Year Awards will be taking place on 16th September in Oban this year in the Argyllshire Gathering Halls with Bill Clifford of Mary Meals being the guest speaker.  She asked members to consider making nominations

The group noted the information provided.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Police Scotland

Lana Stewart from Police Scotland provided the Group with the following verbal update:

·         Throughout Argyll and Bute crimes of violence have risen by 43%

·         Common assault figures have decreased

·         Increase in domestic violence

·         6 fatal road traffic accidents recorded.

·         There has been a 19% decrease in reports of theft

·         Cowal Police 5 A Sides will take place in June for the thirty ninth year running.

·         Police Scotland’s Summer Safety Speeding Campaign is ongoing.

·         Extra patrols are in place to help combat anti-social behaviour.

·         A recruitment open day will take place in Dunoon Police station on the 28^th May 2016. A recruitment drive is also underway.

·         The current legislation for air weapons is changing on the 1^st July and Police Scotland are offering anyone with an air weapon to hand it in to police stations between the 23^rd May and 17^th June.

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Stuart MacLean from Scottish Fire and Rescue informed the Group that there has been a slight increase in call outs to schools and that he had no other issues to raise with operational issues running smoothly.

Third Sector

Alistair McLaren on behalf of the Third Sector Interface informed the Group that they had two events coming up:

TSI procurement workshop on the 28 June 2016, Oban and volunteer of the year awards on the 19 September 2016, Oban. Alistair encouraged the partners around the table to support this event.

Bute and Cowal Community CAUCUS

Iain McNaughton on behalf of the CAUCUS informed the Group that there was no update at present.

Housing Associations

Iona McPhail from ACHA had already provided the Group with an update under Outcome 5, Item 8. (c) of the agenda.

Theresa Shields from Fyne Homes provided the Group with the following update:

·         Current projects include – New build site at St Cuthberts, Dunoon due for completion in June 2016. Eight new homes in Kilmun completed and to be allocated by the end of May 2016. Currently looking at building on the Spence Court site, Dunoon.

·         Funding for the nursery nurse has ended and will not be resumed.

·         Fyne Homes currently have a modern apprentice in place.

·         Fyne Homes are currently looking for office accommodation in Dunoon.

·         The Fyne Energy Wind Turbine project is progressing.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

The group heard verbal updates from the following partners:

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Derek Wilson of Scottish Fire and Rescue gave an update on the operational activity of the service within the locality; the cutting it out initiative, home fire safety visits and the be bright at night campaign rolled out to local Primary schools. 

Mr Wilson further advised that the CPR equipment is now available at the fire station and that there is an opportunity for groups and organisations to use the training facilities operated at the fire station to enable them to carry out CPR if necessary. 

The group noted the information provided.

Argyll Third Sector Interface (TSI)

Joan Best of Argyll TSI advised of the ongoing challenges faced in respect of funding for young carers, she advised that the TSI were currently working with over 80 young carers in the area and were raising awareness of the issues faced.  She further advised that the Peoples Health Trust Funding was now live across Argyll and Bute. 

Health and Wellbeing Network

The group noted that the next round of funding would be available from April onwards. 

Oban Community Council

Duncan Martin of Oban Community Council advised of a consultation between Network Rail and Scottish Rail.  The Community Planning Officer agreed to look into this matter and distribute as appropriate to all partners. 

Community Development

The Community Development Officer advised that she was currently working with two communities in the development of their community action plans.  She advised that they were Dalavich and Tiree.

Discussion took place in respect of the road closure arrangements in the Oban area in the aftermath of road accidents.  The Area Governance Manager agreed to raise this issue with the CPP Management Committee and in particular to the implications for pupils who travel by bus to and from school.  The Community Planning Officer agreed to liaise with local police and civil contingencies staff at Argyll and Bute Council to progress the matter.

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners:

Police Scotland

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Third Sector

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Bute and Cowal Community CAUCUS

NHS

Housing Associations

HIE

Police Scotland

Representatives from Police Scotland provided the Group with the following verbal update:

·         Currently trying to increase resources on the Appropriate Adult Committee.

·         Continuing to work with trading standards to target scammers in Argyll and Bute.

·         Funds were made available through Choices for Life which allowed Police Scotland and partner agencies to take a drug and alcohol misuse campaign to schools across Argyll and Bute.

·         Overall for the last quarter there was an increase in assaults, a contribution to this could be that there is a higher detection rate and also more people coming forward to report crimes.

·         Anti Social Behaviour has decreased in both Bute and Cowal.

·         Nine premises are currently signed up to the Pubwatch campaign and to date they have held two meetings.

·         Police Scotland are engaged with staff in local secondary schools with a focus on early intervention.

·         From a policing perspective the settlement of the Syrian refugees into Bute went smoothly.

Scottish Fire and Rescue

A Scottish Fire and Rescue representative provided the Group with the following update:

·         The figure for deliberate fires is very low

·         A reduction in accidental fires from 17 to 10 in the last quarter.

·         No fire casualties or fatalities to report.

·         Slight increase in road traffic incidents.

·         Increase in flooding incidents

·         Increase in call outs to assist the Scottish Ambulance service.

·         Fire safety talks have been given in schools and sheltered housing complexes.

·         Scottish Fire and Rescue are currently recruiting in the area for part time positions.

Third Sector

Alistair McLaren on behalf of the THI had submitted apologies to the meeting, so therefore no update was provided.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park representative had submitted apologies to the meeting, therefore no update was provided.

Bute and Cowal Community CAUCUS

Iain McNaughton on behalf of the CAUCUS informed the group that there was no update to report at this time.

NHS

An NHS representative was not present at the meeting, therefore no update was provided.

Housing Associations

No Housing Association representatives were present at the meeting, therefore no update was provided.

HIE

Sue Gledhill from HIE had already presented an HIE update under outcome one, item 9. (a) of the agenda, therefore no further update was required.