Issue - meetings

Live Argyll

Lorna Whyte updated the Group on the significant actives of Live Argyll which included that staff training in cancer rehabilitation has been completed; ordinance survey maps have been purchased to promote map reading and route planning skills; Bookbug is now open at weekends; Rothesay pool has a swimathon coming up; commencement of leisure staff training and teaching coaching skills; halls are open to events for all ages groups; working with active school coordinators apprenticeships for leisure and sport work are available; talks are in place with community groups to discuss how care home and shelter housing users can access leisure facilities; leisure memberships are up 90% from 2018-2019 as they are more affordable and the investment in new equipment has seen gym usage up over 50%; and Library book issues are above the national average.

Police Scotland

Douglas Wilson, Chief Inspector, Police Scotland explained to the Group that the contact call handling assessment was up and running in the area which had highlighted that Officer attendance was not always required.  Positive feedback had been received particularly around diary appointments for non-urgent calls. He highlighted that speeding was still an issue and the Group noted Simon Shanks is the new inspector hoping to start at the end of February.

Police Scotland

Douglas Wilson, Chief Inspector, Police Scotland and the Chair introduced the Purple Alert application (app) which can be downloaded onto smart phones.  The Chair detailed how the app was made in conjunction with the Herbert Protocol (a multi-agency initiative which compiles useful information to be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing) and can be used to notify users if a person with dementia has gone missing in their local area.  The Chief Inspector confirmed that the Adult Protection Committee would be notified of the app at their next meeting.

Discussion focussed on how it could be beneficial for bus drivers to have the Purple Alert app installed on their phones and how other community groups such as the Scottish Women’s Institute and the Rotary Club could be made aware of the app.

In addition the Chief Inspector highlighted that revised opening hours for the front counter at Kaimes and Lochgoilhead Police Stations would be announced soon.  It was also reported that 5 new probationary constables (3 in Bute and 2 in Dunoon) had been recruited and Special Constable applications available.  Front line Officers would soon be receiving new mobile devises that would reduce the amount of time required to be in the Station and therefore enhance Officers visibility within the community.