Agenda and minutes

Venue: Microsoft Teams

Contact: Iona Campbell, Senior Committee Assistant - 01436 658 801 

Media

Items
No. Item

The Chair ruled, and the Group agreed, to a variation in the order of business to facilitate requests made by attendees following the agenda issue. The minute reflects the order in which items were discussed.

1.

Welcome and Apologies

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone and the Committee Manager outlined the procedure for the meeting.

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

 

Albert Bruce, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service;

Councillor Lorna Douglas;

Yvonne McLeod, We Are With You;

Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust;

Sephton MacQuire, Dunbritton Housing Association;

Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland;

PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland;

Tracey Megson, Ministry of Defence;

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland;

Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute and Plastic Free Helensburgh; and

Susie Will, Kilcreggan Youth Café.

2.

Declarations of Interest

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mark Irvine, Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council, advised that he would like to declare an interest in the proceedings as he would be standing as an independent candidate in the upcoming Lomond North by-election.

3.

Minutes

Additional documents:

3a

Meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group held on Thursday, 19 August 2021 pdf icon PDF 146 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Thursday, 19th August 2021 was approved as a correct record.

4.

Partners Updates

Additional documents:

4a

Police Scotland Update

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group considered a verbal update from Chief Inspector Emma Grimason, Police Scotland, which provided information around changes in structure and personnel, particularly highlighting the appointment of new Community Inspector Alan Kirk. She confirmed that she would ensure that the Group were kept up to date with any other relevant personnel changes.

 

Chief Inspector Grimason noted that although PC Laura Evans was unable to attend the meeting today, she was undertaking a lot of local community engagement work for Police Scotland.

 

Chief Inspector Grimason also provided details of Police Scotland’s significant involvement in the recent COP26 event, noting that there had been an increase in police numbers as additional resources had been deployed from other areas. She noted that the event had passed with no significant issues to report, and work was now underway to prepare for the festive period. She advised that over the festive period the Police would be providing high visibility policing by visiting local licensed premises; putting proactive patrols in place; and attending local events.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

4b

Transport Scotland Update pdf icon PDF 225 KB

Update by Transport Scotland

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group considered a written update from Transport Scotland which detailed information around projects which had taken place during October 2021 on the A82 Loch Lomondside.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    noted that in the absence of a representative from Transport Scotland, any questions or comments could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

 

(Reference: Update by Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland, submitted)

4c

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update pdf icon PDF 587 KB

Update by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2021-22.

 

James Sullivan provided an overview of the statistics outlined in the report, and confirmed that there had been a slight increase in overall incidents. He advised that 94 Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) had been carried out over this period, and SFRS were providing presentations on fire safety for use in schools, despite being unable to attend in person. He also noted that SFRS were represented on the MARAC for supporting those affected by domestic violence, and were involved in a partnership approach to water safety.

 

James advised that new smoke detector legislation would be coming into place in February 2022, and guidance around this was available from all fire safety premises.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Report by James Sullivan, Watch Commander/Local Authority Liaison Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

4d

Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust and Friends of Loch Lomond Update pdf icon PDF 557 KB

Update by Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust and Friends of Loch Lomond

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group considered a written and verbal update from Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust and Friends of Loch Lomond, which provided information around the Two Lochs Visitor Management Project undertaken to make a difference for visitors and the local community in Arrochar and Tarbet throughout the Summer of 2021. The written update provided background information in relation to the varying factors and challenges which had required a local Working Group to take action.

 

The written update also included information relating to the sources of funding identified to meet the requirement for a number of projects, including the provision of suitable temporary toilet facilities; the employment of seasonal visitor wardens; and the production of information signage. It was noted that the projects had resulted in great benefit to the community, and examples of positive feedback received from websites, surveys, and local and national organisations were included in the update.

 

Duncan noted that the Summer had been very busy with visitor management activities, and particularly highlighted the work which had been undertaken by wardens around maintaining the temporary toilet facilities; litter picking; providing guidance and advice to visitors; and providing assistance with tidying local paths and walkways. He also outlined details of work undertaken by wardens and volunteers to produce ‘window openings’ which allowed unobstructed views of the Loch.

 

Duncan also provided the Group with a presentation, including pictures of the work which had been carried out throughout the Summer. He advised that the next steps were now to review the project and confirm what could be put in place next year, noting that the implementation of permanent toilets at the head of Loch Long would be a key target.

 

Kirsty Moyes congratulated Duncan and the Trust on their hard work during a busy Summer, and offered her support with any challenges which could be assisted by partnership working. Duncan confirmed that discussions were ongoing with colleagues at Argyll and Bute Council and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park around the proposed strategy for next year, including how temporary provisions in place could be improved and taken forward on a more permanent basis.

 

Councillor Paterson reiterated his thanks for the work undertaken, and particularly noted the hard work of local wardens. Discussion took place around the ‘window openings’ on the Loch and Duncan confirmed that continuous maintenance of regrowth would be required by wardens and volunteers, however the wardens would soon be finishing for the season due to funding limitations.

 

Sarah Davies enquired about the success of the work around providing additional bins to combat litter, as Plastic Free Helensburgh and Helensburgh Community Council were undertaking some surveys in relation to this in Helensburgh. Duncan confirmed that the project had worked well and had gained a lot of interest, with a full report being prepared to collate statistics and relevant data. Duncan advised that it was likely that an adopt-a-bin scheme may be implemented in future due to the pilot project’s success, however he would welcome the feedback of anyone who regularly travels the local area to inform future decisions around this.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Report by Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust and Friends of Loch Lomond, submitted)

4e

Community Learning Service Update pdf icon PDF 231 KB

Update by Community Learning Service, Live Argyll

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group considered an update from Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services Team Leader, Live Argyll, which provided information around a return to thematic remits for Adult Learning and Youth Services work and included contact details of the Community Learning Workers and Team Leaders for each area and remit. The update also included confirmation that workers would continue their engagement and work with partners and learners in line with the new Community Learning and Development Strategic Plan 2021-24 and the identified priorities therein.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Update by Rhona Grant, Team Leader – Community Learning Services, Live Argyll, submitted)

4f

Opportunity for verbal updates from Area Community Planning Group Partners

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Kirsty Moyes, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

 

Kirsty Moyes confirmed that the Community Development Team continued to provide capacity support, and were hoping to relaunch the Supporting Communities Fund at the beginning of 2022. She confirmed that further information in relation to the Supporting Communities Fund would be provided in due course.

 

Duncan MacLachlan advised that he would encourage any local groups to enquire about this funding, and noted that Kirsty had been very helpful during the application process.

 

Dr Faye Tudor, Argyll College UHI

 

Dr Tudor advised that the new academic year had started, and all centres had re-opened. She noted that some students had returned to learning centres, and this was being monitored in line with government guidance. It was confirmed that, where there was a requirement to do so, students were being prioritised for physical attendance at centres according to their individual learning needs. 

 

Dr Tudor provided information around the steps being taken to address digital poverty, including the provision of laptops and internet dongles for students. She also outlined the ways that Argyll College UHI were supporting students by promoting Health and Wellbeing Services, as well as arranging one-to-one sessions to identify any support required.

 

Dr Tudor highlighted that applications were open for the next academic year, and confirmed that an open day event was being held online on 24th November 2021. She encouraged anyone who was interested in this to check the Argyll College UHI website for further details.

 

Paula Darbyshire, Argyll and Bute TSI

 

Paula Darbyshire advised that she had recently started as a Service Adviser with Argyll and Bute TSI. She outlined information around a new Health and Wellbeing Fund being distributed, noting that consultation around this would be ongoing until 23rd November 2021 and all relevant information was available on the website.

 

Paula confirmed that Young Person’s Guarantee referrals were still being taken, and advised that there were good mentors on board with the project and lots of good opportunities to learn valuable skills.

 

Paula also provided an update on a new Inveraray Hub; a new TSI strategy consultation coming out soon; and a new training needs analysis survey being developed. She noted that the Argyll and Bute TSI AGM would be held on 13th December 2021, and encouraged anyone who may be interested in any of the 3 vacant Trustee roles to get in touch.

 

Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)

 

Allan Comrie advised that there had not been any significant update from the last meeting of the Group to report, confirming that a response had been submitted on proposed changes to the rail network and rail services from May 2022. He confirmed that SPT’s immediate focus was on providing public transport to vaccine centres, and this was ongoing.

 

Allan highlighted that the free bus travel scheme for young people under the age of 22 was scheduled to begin at the end of January 2022.

 

Allan also advised that SPT were in communication with Argyll and Bute Council around capital bids which would inform the Capital Programme for 2022-23.

 

Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council

 

Sarah Davies confirmed that Helensburgh Community Council had returned to face-to-face meetings, although Zoom was still being used for Webinars. She also outlined information around work being undertaken in relation to bin surveys; work on the town centre; and the reinstatement of the Vision for Helensburgh project.

 

Sarah advised that regular beach cleans had now finished for the Winter, but would restart in February 2022.She also advised that a Remembrance Day event had been held in Hermitage Park, which was attended by approximately 500 people.

 

Sarah Davies, Fun First

 

Sarah Davies noted that a new manager had been appointed for Fun First and provided information around the recent activities of the group. She confirmed that more sessions had been implemented during the week, with at least one session taking place every day across various locations.

 

Sarah highlighted some new initiatives were being explored, which included the training of a new leader for sessions in Rosneath; parent yoga sessions; and Fun First Friends which was targeted at expectant parents and parents who were new to the area.

 

Sarah advised that fitness sessions had restarted in the last week, and an outdoor event had been held during Climate Week. She noted that the next big event scheduled was a Christmas party on 16th December 2021.

 

Sarah encouraged attendees to signpost anyone to Fun First that they felt may benefit from attending. Duncan advised that he commended the work of Fun First, and his family travelled from Arrochar to attend sessions. Sarah noted that Arrochar could be a potential future location for sessions, where resources allowed.

5.

Community Focus

Additional documents:

5a

Cove Park

Verbal Presentation by Curator of Engagement, Cove Park

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Emma Henderson, Cove Park, provided the Group with a verbal presentation around the organisation’s work. She advised that Cove Park had been founded in 1999, and had since housed thousands of resident artists. She provided an overview of the facilities available for artists in the artist’s residency centre, and the ways in which artists could attend on a funded or self-funded basis. It was noted that a new CEO had been appointed in January 2021, and had implemented a new vision for the centre with a move to an enquiry based model.

 

Emma provided details of the first enquiry which had been undertaken during COP26 and related to the environment and climate chaos, advising that this had included work on a number of new projects in collaboration with other agencies. It was noted that Cove Park had been named as a Climate Beacon and had worked to highlight the importance of Scotland’s rainforests with Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT).

 

Emma confirmed that Cove Park provide a number of high quality creative learning opportunities, and noted that alongside regularly scheduled free workshops and summer holidays programmes, Cove Park were also working with local schools and youth centres. She advised that Cove Park were looking to increase their community engagement, and they would be particularly interested to engage with the new Community Learning and Development Strategic Plan.

 

Emma provided details around a new project, Dandelion, which was aimed at disadvantaged and underrepresented groups. Kirsty Moyes confirmed that she would get in touch with Emma around this following the meeting, as she would like to assist in creating links between Cove Park and other local community organisations who may be interested in the project. Emma encouraged anyone who would like to discuss anything further to get in touch with her via the Cove Park website.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

6.

Data Sets for Young People in Argyll and Bute pdf icon PDF 951 KB

Presentation by Area Manager, Skills Development Scotland

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group considered a presentation by Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), which provided information on school leaver data reporting. The presentation included information around the different forms of data reporting, with particular emphasis on the Annual Participation Measure. Susan provided an overview of the methods of data collection; different destination groupings; figures relating to recorded destinations for school leavers in the Helensburgh and Lomond area and across Argyll and Bute until now; and information around continuing trends and factors influencing these figures. As part of the presentation, Susan also provided attendees with a demonstration of how to use the SDS Annual Participation Measure website.

 

Councillor Paterson requested clarification as to what support was available for those who were categorised as unemployed – not seeking. Susan confirmed that SDS work in partnership with other agencies to ensure that these individuals are engaged with the correct services, and can assist in signposting them to the most appropriate local resources based on their individual circumstances.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Presentation by Susan MacRae, Area Manager, Skills Development Scotland, dated 18th November 2021, submitted)

7.

Community Learning Partnership Plan pdf icon PDF 228 KB

Presentation by Business Development Manager, Live Argyll

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group gave consideration to a report and presentation from Nicola Hackett, Live Argyll, which provided an update on the development of the Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategic Plan for 2021-2024.

 

Nicola provided an overview of the focus of the Community Learning and Development plan in tackling inequalities and delivering social justice; the partnership working involved; the methods of information gathering and engagement which had been used in informing the new plan; and target groups identified for further consultation. The main themes which had been identified were confirmed as digital skills; core skills for learning, life and work; health and wellbeing; your voice; the learner offer; and improve how we work as a partnership.

 

Nicola highlighted the importance of continued consultation and encouraged any attendees who were interested in contributing to the consultation to get in touch. She confirmed that progress performance would be monitored and reported annually to the Community Services Committee, Community Planning Partnership, and Area Community Planning Groups.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group;

 

1.    noted the content of the new plan and acknowledged the clear synergy between the identified Community Learning and Development priorities and those of the Community Planning Partnership;

  1. noted their recognition of the importance of community capacity building support and the need for partners to focus Community Learning and Development activity on the most disadvantaged communities; and
  2. agreed to identify areas from the action plan where partners could work effectively together at a local level to support learners and communities as part of COVID-19 recovery.

 

(Reference: Report and presentation by Nicola Hackett, Business Development Manager, Live Argyll, dated 18th November 2021, submitted)

8.

Climate Change

Additional documents:

8a

Minutes of the Climate Change Working Group meeting held on Friday, 10th September 2021 pdf icon PDF 423 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of a recent meeting of the Climate Change Working Group, held on Friday 10th September 2021, were before the Group for noting and relevant discussion. The minutes provided an overview of the discussions which had taken place.

 

Shona Barton confirmed that there had been a good discussion around climate change at a recent meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, and they had agreed to undertake an audit of climate change work taking place across the area.

 

Sarah Davies advised that Argyll and Bute Council declaring a climate change emergency had been very welcomed. She also provided an overview of activities held during Plastic Free Helensburgh’s Climate Week event in September, noting that funding for this had been provided by the Supporting Communities Fund.

 

Sarah outlined information around the Climate Event which had taken place in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre during COP26, noting that Time for Change Argyll and Bute and Plastic Free Helensburgh had both been involved in this.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the minutes of the Climate Change Working Group meeting held on Friday 10th September 2021.

 

(Reference: Minute of the Climate Change Working Group, held on Friday 10th September 2021, submitted)

9.

Community Planning Partnership Management Committee Update pdf icon PDF 221 KB

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group considered a briefing note which provided information around matters discussed during a virtual meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 29th September 2021.

 

Shona highlighted discussions which had taken place at the meeting around water safety awareness, noting that this had been discussed at the last meeting of the Group. She also advised that a Short Life Working Group had been formed in response to concerns raised around staff recruitment and retention, and a further update on their work was expected at the next CPP Management Committee meeting on 8th December 2021.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the briefing note.

 

(Reference: Report by Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 18th November 2021, submitted)

10.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group pdf icon PDF 132 KB

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group considered a report providing information relating to the appointment of a Chair and Vice-Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and outlining the expected time commitment and information about the roles.

 

Shona Barton confirmed that support was available for the roles, and they did not involve a large time commitment. Kirsty Moyes noted that there were a number of strong community partners involved in the Group, and encouraged anyone who may be interested to put themselves forward for the role.

 

As there were no suggested appointments for either role, it was agreed that this item would be continued to the next meeting of the Group.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    agreed to continue the report seeking the appointment of a Chair and Vice-Chair to the next meeting of the Group; and

2.    noted that the Committee Manager would raise the issues around recruitment of a Chair and Vice-Chair at the next meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee.

 

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 18th November 2021, submitted)

11.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Group will take place on Thursday, 10th February 2022.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Thursday, 10th of February 2022.