Agenda and minutes

Venue: Skype

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

Items
No. Item

1.

WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and outlined the procedure for the meeting.

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

 

Samantha Somers, Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland

Janice Kennedy, Scottish Enterprise

Sophia McArdle, Ministry of Defence

Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends

Carole-Anne McDade, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Sephton MacQuire, Dunbritton Housing Association

Vivien Dance, Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce

Lynn Campbell, Department for Work and Pensions

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

 

3.

MINUTES

3a

Meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group held on Thursday, 11th of February 2021 pdf icon PDF 280 KB

Minutes:

The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Thursday, 11th of February 2021 was approved as a correct record.

 

4.

PARTNERS UPDATES

4a

Transport Scotland Update

Verbal update by Transport Scotland

Minutes:

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland, provided information to the Group around roadworks which had been completed within the previous month on the A82 and A83, as well as information around roadworks scheduled to be carried out within the following month on the A82 Tarbet to Inverarnan which would result in a road closure for 5 nights from the 23rd to the 27th of May to allow resurfacing, drainage and landscaping works.

 

Neil also provided an update to the Group on a Visitor Management Strategy for the area which was being worked on in conjunction with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Police Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council to monitor and manage traffic as lockdown restrictions eased and the level of staycationing in the area increased. 

 

Neil noted that he was aware of a recent issue where cars were parking along the verge at Sloy power station and confirmed that possible solutions were being investigated. Neil also highlighted work being carried out by the Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and partnership working taking place around litter bins in laybys and signage for temporary toilet facilities in the area.

 

Decision

 

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

 

 

4b

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - Helensburgh and Lomond FQ4 2020/21 Update pdf icon PDF 517 KB

Update by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Minutes:

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for 2020-21.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report.

 

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

 

4c

Police Scotland Update pdf icon PDF 116 KB

Update by Police Scotland

Minutes:

The Group considered a written update from Police Scotland, providing information around increased fraud activity; a likely increase in visitors to the National Park in light of lockdown restrictions easing and preparations to combat any issues around this;  work to prevent issues around ‘wild camping’; police resources and activity in the area; and mitigation measures being considered and implemented in response to concerns around speeding.

 

Decision

 

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

 

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

 

4d

Department for Work and Pensions Update pdf icon PDF 241 KB

Update by Department for Work and Pensions

Minutes:

The Group considered a written update from the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) which detailed statistical information in relation to Universal Credit claimants and customers searching for work in the Argyll & Bute area, as well as information on the Kickstart scheme; Virtual Youth Hubs, local Job Centres; benefits; the Universal Credit benefits checker; Post Office card accounts; and Help to Save saving accounts.

 

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 Department of Work and Pensions, any questions could be sent to Lynn Campbell following the meeting.

 

(Reference: Update by Lynn Campbell, Customer Service Leader WS Inverclyde/Argyll and Bute, Department for Work and Pensions, dated March 2021, submitted)

 

4e

Argyll College UHI Update pdf icon PDF 271 KB

Update by Argyll College UHI

Minutes:

The Group considered an update from Argyll College UHI which detailed the changes made to the operation of Argyll College UHI in light of the Covid-19 pandemic; a move to the online provision of learning, information sessions and open days; participation in online school events; virtual events planned to attract new students; and ways in which people could locate further information around Argyll College UHI and their prospectus. 

 

Faye Tudor encouraged everyone to engage with Argyll College UHI’s social media profiles to stay up-to-date with their events and ongoing work.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Update by Dr Faye Tudor, Learning Centre Manager, Argyll College UHI, submitted)

 

4f

Argyll and Bute Council Community Learning Service Update pdf icon PDF 269 KB

Update by Community Learning Team Leader, Argyll and Bute Council

Minutes:

The Group considered an update from Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Learning Service which detailed information around the Scottish Youth Parliament Elections 2021; the Scottish Youth Parliament Awards 2021; the Argyll and Bute Community Learning and Development Plan 2021-2024; and preparations for coming out of lockdown restrictions. The Group noted that Cameron Garrett had been recognised as MSYP of the year 2021 for his commitment to the inspirational work of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

 

Rhona Grant further highlighted the ways in which the team were working in line with the easing of lockdown restrictions and encouraged partners to engage with ongoing consultations such as the What Matters to You Survey, noting that there was a section in the survey where people could express an interest in being involved with future work. Rhona also provided details to the Group of the planned transfer of the Community Learning and Development Team to Live Argyll, scheduled for the 30th of June 2021.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Update by Community Learning Team Leader, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

 

4g

Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Update by Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust

Minutes:

The Group considered an update report from Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust which provided details of their activities. The update included information around the 3 Villages Hall and Community Café; a mobile post office service; Coronavirus vaccination clinics; changes to the Community Café and Post Office; a successful application for funding from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO); and ongoing marketing and promotion works. The report also included details around West Loch Lomond stakeholder consultations and action plans; the Two Lochs Visitor Management Project; the Two Lochs Green Recovery project; Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) funding; plans for a potential upgrade of the A83 Railway Bridge; objections to a local planning application; the consultation in relation to possible route options at the Rest and Be Thankful; and updates on bridges being built at Arrochar and Succoth.

 

Duncan advised that he had also provided a further written update on the activities of Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust which had been circulated to the Group by e-mail in advance of the meeting. Discussion took place around the provision of litter bins and temporary toilets, with Duncan confirming that temporary toilet facilities were hoped to be in place by the end of May. Duncan confirmed that facilities would be in place at the Glen Loin number 1 car park, with discussions ongoing around other potential sites.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Update by Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust, submitted)

 

4h

Opportunity for verbal updates by Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Partners

Minutes:

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

 

Angela advised that Plastic Free Helensburgh were looking to run events throughout the national Green Week and were looking for partners to assist with this. Angela noted that an advert in relation to this would be circulated in the press shortly but encouraged anyone who was interested in helping to get in touch with her.

 

Angela provided details of a number of big litter picks which were being organised, as well as involvement in a one million mile beach clean project. Angela confirmed that the group were continuing with their progress towards plastic free town status.

 

Angela advised that successful and well attended hustings had taken place for Argyll and Bute and Dumbarton, where questions were submitted in advance to MSP candidates in relation to climate change. Angela noted that it was hoped to have standing groups who would regularly interact with local Councils, MPs and MSPs around this issue.  

 

Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust

 

Morevain confirmed that the Garelochhead Station Trust had recently relaunched with a successful pop up café, with further events planned for the 8th and 22nd of June and a Suicide Prevention Day event being planned for October. Morevain advised that the training programme was also being relaunched and a food hygiene course was scheduled for the 16th of July, noting that spaces were available for anyone who wished to get in touch to book a place.

 

Morevain confirmed that plans to visit other veterans were also being reinstated, with the first visit scheduled to Skelmorlie for an event on the 26th of June for Armed Forces Day.

 

Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council

 

Sarah highlighted work being carried out by Helensburgh Community Council, noting that a consultation around a cycle path from the Hermitage to the town centre had been hosted on the Helensburgh Community Council website, with 93% of people in favour of this. Sarah advised that the Community Council had also been monitoring the building of the new swimming pool; consulting on the new John Muir Art Way; and had received assurance that the skate park would return to its original site following the completion of building works following concerns from young people in relation to its removal.

 

Sarah advised that the Community Council were also researching broadband provision in the Helensburgh area; consulting with Taylor Wimpey in relation to planned building works; investigating the possibility of a top up tap in Helensburgh where people could fill up their water bottles when walking; running webinars on a variety of topics; attempting to increase youth participation with the assistance of Rosie Sumsion MSYP; gardening in Colquhoun Square; re-instating monthly beach cleans; and discussing participation in a community lottery. Sarah noted that a sub-group had also been set up to plan for the John Logie Baird centenary celebrations.

 

Sarah Davies, Fun First

 

Sarah advised that Fun First sessions were being re-instated in line with the easing of lockdown restrictions, and with limited group numbers. Sarah confirmed that there had been a very good uptake of these sessions which were bookable online, however the number of sessions which could be held were restricted by the number of venues which were open to accommodate them. Councillor Penfold advised that she had attended some of the sessions and found them to be very well run, noting that the Guide Hall on John Street could be a potential venue for further sessions.

 

Sarah encouraged the Group to spread the word that Fun First was operating again, and advised that support was also being offered by Fun First via Zoom. Sarah noted that the Group had received a generous grant from the Armed Forces Covenant to assist them in carrying out their work.  

 

Kenny Auld, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP)

 

Kenny commended the work being carried out by the community and Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Kenny noted that a lot of work had been carried out over the last year to get more funding and staff on the ground, the benefits of which should be seen over the Summer as there were more rangers and environment officers employed to deal with litter and human waste. Kenny encouraged partners to provide information to him around any particular sites which they felt required additional focus.

 

Kenny advised that LLTNP were awaiting the outcome of a bid to the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) for funding to assist with strategic work in researching how sites could integrate and better work together to identify where there are gaps in terms of toilets, litter bins, waste disposal facilities, water facilities, and general visitor needs.

 

Kenny noted that LLTNP were also working with partners and providing regular communications updates, including social media updates, to advise visitors of areas which were particularly busy.  Discussion took place around active travel and public transport links to the National Park, including the use of water transport. Kenny advised that active travel and improved methods of transport to sites were being considered by LLTNP. Kenny highlighted that a new journey planning App would be available in August or September to identify ways in which people could travel without using their car.

 

Kenny confirmed that an issue with a faulty message board displaying outdated information had now been rectified.

 

Kirsty Moyes, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

 

Kirsty advised that the Community Development Team, in conjunction with Argyll TSI, were running ‘Introduction to Evaluation Training’ sessions. Kirsty encouraged anyone who would like a space for that evening’s training to get in touch with her.

 

Kirsty confirmed that a report in relation to applications for the Supporting Communities Fund would be heard at the next Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee meeting, with a decision expected on applications in late June.

 

Kirsty advised that the Community Development team would continue to provide support and share information with communities as lockdown restrictions eased and facilities prepared to re-open, noting that the SCDC  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4h

5.

POLICE SCOTLAND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Verbal update by Inspector Boyle, Police Scotland

Minutes:

The Group considered a verbal update from Sergeant Marcus Littlejohn, Police Scotland, in relation to the work of the Police Scotland Community Engagement Team.

 

Sergeant Littlejohn advised that the Community Engagement Team and a Problem Solving Team had been created as a result of a restructure of community policing within Police Scotland, providing details of the aims of the Team and specialisms involved. He outlined information around a number of projects which the Team were involved in, particularly highlighting a recent online fraud event which had been hosted by Argyll TSI.

 

Sergeant Littlejohn confirmed that the Team could look at bicycle marking in Helensburgh in the future.

 

Following a query around when support and events could return on a face-to-face basis, PC Evans confirmed that this would be a decision made at a national level in line with the easing of restrictions and in the interim she would be happy to assist with anything required.

 

Decision

 

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

 

6.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

6a

Helensburgh Community Hub

Verbal presentation by Eddie Cusick, Helensburgh Community Hub

Minutes:

Eddie Cusick, Helensburgh Community Hub, provided the Group with information around the background of Helensburgh Community Hall Ltd/Helensburgh Community Hub and their ongoing work. Eddie advised that the Hub had received funding and the building was undergoing adaptations to bring it up to a good standard, noting that the it would hopefully re-open for community use in early July. Eddie noted that a number of community organisations providing key services in the area leased office space within the building and the money raised from this helped to sustain the operation of the building, with space in the hall also being available for hire by community groups and other organisations. Eddie advised that it was also hoped that land to the side of the building could be transformed into a community garden in due course.

 

Eddie noted that community engagement exercises were planned to raise awareness of the space being available and it was hoped that partnership working would ensure that the space would be at the heart of the community and would provide volunteering opportunities as well as services which were needed in the area. Eddie confirmed that he would be happy to offer support and link up with organisations who would be interested in doing so.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    agreed that Helensburgh Community Hub would be invited to join the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Basecamp site to share information with the Group.

7.

UK WITHDRAWAL FROM THE EU

7a

UK-EU Post Transition pdf icon PDF 206 KB

Report by Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council

Minutes:

The Group considered a report setting out the considerations of the EU Withdrawal Tactical Group with regard to identifying and assessing any risks relative to Argyll and Bute, following the UK exiting the EU and entering into a new agreement from 1st January 2021.

 

It was agreed that Councillor Paterson would outline his concerns in relation to the report in an e-mail, which would then be forwarded to the relevant officer and a response circulated to the Group when available.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed to be assured that the Council and the HSCP are as well prepared as they can be with regards to having exited the EU and are actively engaged with partners through the local and national resilience frameworks. 

 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7th April 2021, submitted)

 

7b

Opportunity for verbal updates from Area Community Planning Group Partners in relation to the impact of the UK Withdrawal from the EU

Minutes:

There were no verbal updates from Partners in relation to the impact of the UK withdrawal from the EU.

 

8.

CAMPERVAN, MOTORHOME AND STAYCATIONS

8a

Campervan, Motorhome and Staycation Activity pdf icon PDF 337 KB

Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council

Minutes:

The Group considered a report which provided a brief update on campervan, motorhome and staycation activity in Argyll and Bute.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed:

 

  1. to note the contents of the paper and progress to date; and
  2. that partners would continue to collaborate to try and address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity.

 

(Reference: Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 20th May 2021, submitted)

 

8b

Opportunity for verbal updates from Area Community Planning Group Partners in relation to campervan, motorhome and staycation activity

Minutes:

Kenny Auld, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP)

 

Kenny Auld advised that LLTNP were working with national partners to bring some consistency to licencing and planning approaches across the country, noting that LLTNP were also working with Stirling and Argyll and Bute Councils to understand their systems. Kenny provided details of the ways in which economic growth, visitor experience and visitor management were being considered and the need to be mindful of the ways in which local businesses and communities hoped to approach the situation and work with this particular market. He advised that a process was ongoing to understand the market and the needs arising from same, particularly noting the need to map out and signpost to waste disposal sites where appropriate.

 

Discussion took place around the positive aspects of campervan, motorhome and staycation activity as well as the increased opportunities for active travel and the use of public transport. Kenny confirmed that a lot of strategic work was ongoing around the positive trends which would hopefully allow better facilities for communities and residents as a result of the increased tourism.

9.

COVID-19 RECOVERY

9a

Covid Infection Rates and Vaccination pdf icon PDF 701 KB

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Minutes:

The Group considered a briefing note which provided information around the current Covid infection rates in Argyll and Bute and also provided some information on the uptake of Covid vaccinations.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 20th May 2021, submitted)

 

9b

Opportunity for verbal updates from Area Community Planning Group Partners in relation to Covid-19 recovery

Minutes:

There were no verbal updates from Partners in relation to Covid-19 recovery.

10.

AREA COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN UPDATE

Verbal update by Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Minutes:

In the absence of Samantha Somers, Community Planning Officer, the Chair provided an update to the Group in relation to the Area Community Planning Action Plan Update as follows:

 

As members of the Area Community Planning Group will remember, we undertook the Place Standard engagement exercise over a 6 month period in 2019 and had a great response to this. The results were put onto the council website for all partners and communities to use as best suited them last February and we were due to develop the new Action Plans last year but Covid-19 happened and priorities meant that these plans were paused.

 

We’re now in a position to start work on developing these Action Plans again, and we can still use the Place Standard results, in addition to the response from the Building Back Better consultation and we’re in a good position to be starting to develop the plans now based on our knowledge of area priorities, both before and after the pandemic.

 

We are planning to hold a series of online workshops throughout June, August and possibly September, no more than 90 minutes in duration for each one. We will then be drafting the plans based on what comes out of the workshops throughout the Autumn with the potential for a further workshop at the end of the year to clarify things if required. We hope to have the draft plans brought to the February 2022 Area Community Planning Group for sign off, the Management Committee in March 2022 and then for the plan to go live in April 2022. These plans will then last for 3 years until 2025.

 

We’re really keen to have partner and community buy-in to help take forward the actions and look forward to working with all of you on this.”

 

Decision

 

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

 

 

11.

BASECAMP TRIAL UPDATE

Verbal update by Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Minutes:

In the absence of Samantha Somers, Community Planning Officer, the Chair provided an update to the Group in relation to the trial of Basecamp as follows:

 

Basecamp is working well and log in details have been sent to everyone. If people have not received a log-in or have issues accessing the system please contact Samantha Somers – Samantha.somers@argyll-bute.gov.uk. There have been a wide range of posts by partners such as information campaigns from Police Scotland or the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and information from community partners as well giving information on what’s happening in the local area. I’d like to encourage you to keep using Basecamp so that we can evaluate its usefulness at the end of the year and see whether it works for Area Community Planning.”

 

Discussion took place around the notification settings for users of Basecamp and it was agreed that instructions around how to manage these settings would be circulated to the Group.

 

Decision

 

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

 

12.

COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE pdf icon PDF 222 KB

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Minutes:

The Group considered a briefing note which provided information around matters discussed during a virtual meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee, held on 10th March 2021.

 

Shona Barton agreed to pass Angela Anderson’s contact details to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee team to offer her support in engaging with the Climate Change working group.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 20th May 2021, submitted)

 

13.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will take place at 10.00am on Thursday, 19th of August 2021.

Minutes:

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Thursday, 19th of August 2021.