Agenda and minutes

Prior to commencement of Business the Chair acknowledged the sad passing of Norman Muir of Helensburgh Community Council. The Chair recognised that the death of Mr Muir was a huge loss to the Helensburgh and Lomond area and that his efforts to make the area a better place for residents and visitors is recognised and appreciated.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor Iain Paterson, Councillor Mark Irvine and Councillor Ian MacQuire.

 

 

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

 

 

The Minute of the meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, held on 12 September 2023 was approved as a correct record.

 

Peter Brown (Present), Helensburgh Community Council

 

The Skatepark group is on record at the 12 September 2023 area meeting stating it does not wish to be relocated from the waterfront, even if a larger site is available within Helensburgh. Do the councillors agree that spending £80,000 on investigating alternative options is not an appropriate use of precious council resources when cuts are being made elsewhere in the budget?

 

Councillor Penfold advised that the Helensburgh Pierhead had always been an option for the Skatepark if no alternative option was found as it has more space available. Councillor Penfold further advised that the Estates Team do not envisage using the whole £80,000 for initial investigations and appreciates that people would rather the money was used on the actual Skatepark.

 

Councillor Penfold advised that this question would be passed onto the Head of Commercial Services for a fuller response.

 

Sarah Davies (Present), Helensburgh Community Council

 

1.           How will the Levelling Up Fund be allocated in Argyll and Bute and what role will communities play in the allocation?

 

Councillor Mulvaney advised that Argyll and Bute Council representatives will be holding discussions with The Department for Levelling Up to confirm the criteria that must be used and that the outcome of these discussions will be considered by the Council in due course.

 

2.           Investigations have highlighted that there is nowhere to go for those seeking a warm space from 6pm on weekdays, nowhere after 1pm on a Saturday and nowhere at all on a Sunday. Other Councils have a full page of Warm Spaces but nothing on Argyll and Bute Councils website. How are warm spaces being co-ordinated and advertised across Argyll and Bute? Is there an officer, committee or organisation that Helensburgh Community Council can work with to ensure those who need  support get it?

 

The Committee Manager advised that this issue would be added to the agenda for the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group, scheduled for February 2024. Mr McLean added that he would raise this issue with colleagues within the Welfare Rights Team and advise Miss Davies on these discussions.  

 

The Committee recognised that there are a number of warm spaces available within the area but not everyone knows about them and that hosting this information on a website is not always the best approach to reach those in need.

 

Angela Anderson (Present), Plastic Free Helensburgh/Time for Change Argyll and Bute

 

1.           I would like the Committee to acknowledge and welcome the new regional Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) which is a collaboration between Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, Argyll and Bute TSI and Time for Change Argyll and Bute.

 

2.           I would like the Committee to acknowledge and welcome the collaboration between Scottish Water and Plastic Free Helensburgh.

 

3.           I would like the Committee to acknowledge and act on the issues resulting from the heavy rain and flooding. There are a number of drains which are blocked and have been reported as slow draining. This issue is causing traders located on the South Side of West Princes Street to have to close due to the amount of water being pushed into the shops by passing vehicles. Can these drains be looked at and would the Area Committee support a trusted traders scheme that would allow a selected number of individuals to close roads when incidences of flooding occur?

 

 

Councillor Mulvaney advised that the Committee would ask the Network and Standards Manager for an update regarding gulley maintenance and clearing and what the plan is going forward in this regard.

 

Councillor Hardie advised Miss Anderson to pass the specific details onto him and he would contact the Head of Roads on her behalf.

 

Councillor Corry advised that there are a number of identified hot spots for all drainage systems in Helensburgh and Lomond and that these are prioritised during periods of flooding.

 

Lindsey Young (Present), Cyclepath Action Group

 

I would like to introduce a new community group that formed in October as sub group of Cardross Community Council but has members from Helensburgh to Ardoch.

 

Our objectives are to:

-       Scrutinise progress with the Cyclepath between Helensburgh and Dumbarton

-       Provide a voice on behalf of the local community and provide updates to the community

-       Undertake action as appropriate to expedite the implementation of the route.

 

We have had 154 members of the public sign up to receive communications from us thus far and we aim to get an introductory email out shortly to the group. We look forward to supporting the Council with its efforts to make this active travel route a reality.

 

Polly Jones

 

The Committee Manager read out the below question submitted by Polly Jones:

 

In the minutes of the meeting of 12 September 2023 the minutes in section 5 record the following:

‘The Head of Commercial Services advised that he would provide Mrs Jones with a written response by email following the meeting.’

Three months have passed and I have not received any response to the questions I raised at the meeting, given this has been a crucial period for the preparation and submission of bids for the Waterfront Development this is a failure of due process and public scrutiny.

When can I expect a response to my questions from the 12 September?

How will the Councillors ensure public questions are taken seriously and responded to appropriately, Including by officers of the council?

For reference the questions I asked are recorded in the minutes as:

1.           Does the Committee believe that it is prejudicial to be asked to agree the following recommendation ‘the waterfront site is not considered to be a suitable long term location for the skatepark as initial marketing of the site has highlighted that the site is not large enough to accommodate a larger scale skatepark which the group are seeking as well as a viable commercial development’ outlined within the associated report before considering the report ‘Helensburgh Waterfront Development (Commercial Area) –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Update from Sergeant Eddie McGunnigal, Police Scotland

Consideration was given to an update which included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided information on fraud prevention and awareness, specifically Sextortion; bereavement support; road safety; the Friday night football which was organised over the summer holidays; the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers visit to His Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB), Clyde and the recruitment of a new Youth Engagement Officer for Helensburgh.

 

Inspector Bart Simonis was in attendance and updated the Committee with yearly crime statistics for the area.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Sergeant Eddie McGunnigal, Police Scotland, submitted)

Presentation by Vice Chair of the Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly for the Argyll and Isles

The Committee gave consideration to a presentation by the Vice-Chair of the Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS) for Argyll and the Isles. The presentation included information on the impact of partnership working on both regional and local areas and provided highlights of key projects throughout the Helensburgh and Lomond Area. Mr Adams also provided information in relation to funding streams and the benefits of the continued support received from Argyll and Bute Council.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the presentation.

 

(Reference: Presentation by Vice-Chair, Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

Consideration was given to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 2 of 2023/24 (July to September 2023) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

 

1.    noted and considered the performance and supporting commentary as presented;

 

2.    noted that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee should contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries; and

 

3.    noted that work was ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Performance Report and Scorecard.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 1 November 2023, submitted)

 

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Commercial Services

Consideration was given to a report outlining the skatepark options which had initially been assessed and sought approval to proceed to undertake more detailed investigations on the preferred locations.

 

Motion

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

 

1.    notes that the new equipment for the temporary skatepark is currently being manufactured and would be installed as soon as this was completed;

 

2.    agrees that officers should proceed to investigate further the option of developing a new skatepark at Kidston Park and also consider Hermitage Park as a secondary alternative while noting the challenges / benefits of both locations; and

 

3.    notes that the funding to investigate these options will be taken from the £80,000 committed by the council to support the skatepark group to find a permanent location.

 

Moved by Councillor Gemma Penfold, seconded by Councillor Gary Mulvaney.

 

Amendment

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

 

1.    notes that the new equipment for the temporary skatepark is currently being manufactured and would be installed as soon as this was completed;

 

2.    agrees that officers should proceed to investigate further the option of developing a new skatepark at Kidston Park scoping out the challenges and benefits of developing a skatepark at this location; and

 

3.    notes that the funding to investigate these options will be taken from the £80,000 committed by the council to support the skatepark group to find a permanent location.

 

Moved by Councillor Fiona Howard, seconded by Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess.

 

As the meeting was being held on a hybrid basis, the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members votes as follows –

 

Motion	Amendment
Councillor Maurice Corry	Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess
Councillor Graham Hardie	Councillor Fiona Howard
Councillor Paul Donald Kennedy
Councillor Gary Mulvaney
Councillor Gemma Penfold

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 5 votes to 2 and the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services, dated 13 November 2023, submitted)

 

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided details on proposals relating to the ongoing management and proposed distribution arrangements for Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds for which the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee are Trustees.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

 

1.    noted the financial position of the Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds as of August 2023;

 

2.    agreed that the ‘John Logie Baird Prize Fund’ prize be limited to £30;

 

3.    agreed to award all unrestricted funds from the Kidston Park Trust to Roads and Infrastructure for the purposes of the upkeep of Kidston Park and thereafter to place a moratorium on the fund; and

 

4.    agreed that the Miss Anne Dickson Bequest is awarded on the basis outlined in paragraph 5.4 and as defined within appendix 1 of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated November 2023, submitted)

 

Report by Senior Performance and Improvement Manager

A report which provided an update on performance against each of the service areas and the 93 supporting Key Performance Indictors; an update from the Heads of Service giving a wider context and identifying risks and mitigations; an update on the National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators and information in relation to delayed discharges was before members for information.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted:

 

1.    the performance for FQ1 (April - June 2023/24);

 

2.    the summary overview of the Heads of Service Performance update;

 

3.    the performance update on the National Health & Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators, as at Appendix 1 of the report;

 

4.    the System Pressure Report for August 2023, as at Appendix 2 of the report; and

 

5.    the Delayed Discharge Sitrep for August 2023, as at Appendix 3 of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Senior Performance and Improvement Manager, submitted)

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee workplan was before members for information.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee noted the contents of the workplan.

 

(Reference: Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee Workplan, dated 12 December 2023)

 

 

Consideration was given to a report updating Members on the progress made since the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee on 13 September 2023 in relation to the delivery of a dedicated, high quality walking and cycle route linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton.

 

Members agreed that they wished to discuss the information contained in appendix 2 of the report and agreed to exclude the press and public to allow consideration of this information.  

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

 

1.    supported the continued efforts by WSP and Officers to try to engage with landowners;

 

2.    welcomed the planned community engagement to support the identification of a preferred route linking Morrisons Supermarket/Hermitage Academy to Helensburgh Town Centre/Waterfront;

 

3.    considered the feedback received from Scottish Government Civil Servants, directing us to Planning Circular 6/2011: Compulsory Purchase Orders, which provided guidance on the use of CPO powers and the general considerations required; and

 

4.    requested that the report, due for consideration at the next meeting of the Area Committee, include reference to timescales and the anticipated resource required to undertake a number of potential Compulsory Purchase Orders associated with the cycle route linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 24 November 2023, submitted)