Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Councillor Iain Shonny Paterson;

Councillor Gemma Penfold;

Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust;

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland;

Kirsty Moyes, Argyll and Bute Council;

PC Drew Omand, Ministry of Defence Police;

Rita Easterbrook, Department for Work and Pensions;

PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland;

Sephton MacQuire, Dunbritton Housing Association;

Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh/Rhu and Shandon Community Council;

John Lewis, Males Tales/Females Tales; and

Hannah Robinson, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Thursday, 10 February 2022 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair provided an update on the status of the actions agreed at the previous meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group. He highlighted that there would be a review of meeting arrangements later in 2022, where the Group would have a chance to provide their views on the ways that the meetings were run. He also provided details of ongoing work around youth participation, and encouraged partners to engage in the production of a Group directory of services. 

The Group considered a written update from Transport Scotland which provided information around scheduled trunk road projects including the installation of solar powered bollards at all minor road junctions between Balloch and Tarbet; the installation of bend warning signs and chevrons at Inveruglas; and scheduled resurfacing projects in the vicinity of Luss and between Tarbet and Crianlarich.

Angela Anderson requested that the Group be updated on the progress of the new road layout proposals between Tarbet and Inverarnan.

Duncan MacLachlan advised that previous overnight resurfacing works between Arrochar and Tarbet had worked very well, despite challenges due to a fractured water pipe.

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 would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting.

(Reference: Report by Neil MacFarlane, North West Area Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted)

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2021-22. The report included information around incidents during this period; recent community safety activity; and new smoke detector legislation.

Chris Casey highlighted that there had been no fire casualties during this quarter and confirmed that Home Fire Safety Visits were ongoing in the area, with smoke detection devices being fitted as required. He also noted the resumption of in-school engagement work, following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. He encouraged anyone who may be interested in attending a Teams presentation on fire risk awareness to get in touch with him, as it was a useful resource for those who may be in contact with at-risk individuals in the community.

Sarah Davies thanked SFRS for their quick response to the recent fire in a derelict building near Helensburgh Primary School. She enquired about the future plans for the building, and Stuart McLean agreed to get in touch with the relevant Council officer regarding this and feedback any response to the Group.

Following an enquiry from Alasdair MacCuish, Chris Casey agreed to look into the absence of data relating to Cardross in the report.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Chris Casey, Station Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Inspector Alan Heron, Police Scotland, which highlighted information relating to the appointment of Chief Inspector Sam Glasgow as the new Local Area Commander; the return of Inspector Roderick MacNeill;  the impact of Covid-19 infection rates on staffing levels; the positive impact of the appointments of a Youth Engagement Officer and Defence Community Police Officer; work being carried out to address incidents of youth disorder and anti-social behaviour, including the installation of CCTV in Hermitage Park; the progress of the operation of a fixed site speed camera in Cardross and signage in relation to this; partnership working on the National Park Visitor Management Plan to manage an increased number of visitors to the area during the tourist season; the work of the Counter Terrorism Liaison Officer; the changes arising as a result of the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 and the ways in which this legislation was being promoted; and continued work to reduce incidents of fraud.

Angela Anderson sought and received confirmation from Inspector Heron that attempted fraud should be reported to Police Scotland in the first instance.

Discussion took place around Operation Ballaton, a response plan for dealing with anti-social behaviour and other issues unique to the National Park. The Chair advised that he had been in attendance at these meetings, and had found them to be very positive and proactive.

Rhona Grant, Live Argyll – Community Learning Service, provided an update on behalf of Thomas Guy-Conroy on the progress of the partnership working to address youth anti-social behaviour issues which had been discussed at the previous meeting of the Group. She confirmed that a meeting had taken place between relevant partners to discuss events and safe places for young people to attend. Rhona provided examples of potential events including a Thursday night disco, and a midnight football league. She noted that there were costs associated with hosting events such as these, consequently funding sources would have to be identified. She advised that the partners were currently focusing on engaging with young people to build relationships and identify their priorities.

Sarah Davies asked for Helensburgh Community Council to be included in future discussions around this. The Chair and Chris Casey advised that SFRS would also be very interested in assisting with a midnight football league, as this was a good way to engage with young people.

Sophie McArdle noted that, if the discos were to proceed, they would be looking for assistance from any partners who could provide information in relation to safe sex, drugs, alcohol, and internet safety.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Inspector Alan Heron, Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group considered a public health update from Samantha Campbell, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. The update highlighted the launch of the new Community Link Worker service and the progress of the Argyll and Bute Living Well Strategy. Information was also provided in relation to a report by the NHS Highland Director of Public Health, which investigated and provided recommendations in relation to ways to improve mental health and reduce suicide rates across the NHS Highland area.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Jennifer Dryden, Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Service, which provided information relating to youth services, including the work of youth action groups; opportunities for young people to engage with the Give Holiday programmes; the development of Transition and School Leavers programmes; and the scheduled publishing of the new Youth Work Strategy. The update also included information relating to adult learning and highlighted the opening of new weekly learning hubs for adult learners across all areas; work to address the identified gap in adult literacy and numeracy support; the scheduled publishing of the new Adult Learning Strategy in May; and work to support new Scots and existing refugee resettlement project on Bute.

Rhona confirmed that she would send out details for the newly recruited Adult Learning Worker for the area when they had started in post.

Decision

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

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

The Group considered an update from Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), which included details of their agreed capital programme for Argyll and Bute. The update also included a link to a recently published document which provided information about SPT’s work in the Argyll and Bute area. Allan noted that there was an emphasis on active travel currently, and confirmed that feedback on any of SPTs work could be directed to him or to enquiry@spt.co.uk.

Discussion took place around local cyclepaths, particularly around the design of older cyclepaths not being in keeping with the design of modern cyclepaths, and it was noted that some of the local cyclepaths were part of the national cycle network administered and maintained by Sustrans. The importance of cyclepath maintenance was also highlighted. 

Sarah Davies agreed to share a copy of a report which had been prepared in relation to transport facilities for the potential new golf club housing development. Allan advised that he would be interested in reading this, although any planning applications were likely to be subject to Council consideration.

Duncan MacLachlan enquired about public transport provision for rural communities to access the new swimming pool in Helensburgh. Allan encouraged Duncan to raise this with local Councillors, as they could then raise this at the appropriate SPT Committee.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Allan Comrie, Senior Transport Planner, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, submitted)

The Group considered an update from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which included statistical information on clients receiving Universal Credit and other benefits across the Argyll and Bute area, as well as information on various initiatives that the DWP were involved in.

The update highlighted progress with the Way to Work initiative to assist people in returning to work; support available to assist with increases in energy bills, the cost of living and childcare costs; changes to the amount of time that a claimant is able to seek work only within their preferred sector; changes to the rules for those with a terminal illness; a campaign to encourage those on tax credits to investigate the possibility of transferring to Universal Credit; the roll out of the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP); support available for those fleeing Ukraine; and new guidance available from the Money and Pensions Service.

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 the Department for Work and Pensions, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting.

(Reference: Report by Elizabeth MacBrayne, Employer & Partnership Manager, Department for Work and Pensions, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). The update highlighted an increased number of queries to the service, with a particular rise in queries relating to debt, specifically energy debt. It was noted that this had resulted in additional funding being obtained for the employment of a part-time energy debt specialist to increase the debt support provided.

The update also included information relating to an increase in clients seeking support to avoid eviction following the confirmed resumption of face-to-face sessions by Her Majesty’s Court & Tribunals Service; an increase in complex client issues and clients suffering from mental health concerns; attempts to seek funding to assist vulnerable clients; the commencement of the Spring 2022 Adviser Training Programme; an ongoing consultation exercise to review the work of the CAB; and research which had been carried out in relation to the private housing market across Argyll and Bute.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Jen Broadhurst, Bureau Manager, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, which provided an overview of the Community Council’s activities. The update provided information on their response to the recent golf club housing development proposals; participation in beach cleans; work to tidy shrub beds and pick up litter in Colquhoun Square; the response to the Empowering our Educations consultation; the need to ensure that lottery money allocated to Hermitage Park was spent in appropriate areas following the disbandment of the Friends of Hermitage Park; discussions with the Council around continued issues with infrastructure maintenance; continued work with Plastic Free Helensburgh on a litter bin surveyand the designation of Helensburgh as one of nine Plastic Free Communities in Scotland.

Sarah highlighted the success of the recent Vision for Helensburgh public consultation event, and advised that there was now a focus on taking forward the identified priorities. She also provided information about discussions on the progress of the Helensburgh Waterfront Development; the work of the Tree Conservation Trust around the area; and the placement of a new bench at the start of the John Muir hiking trail.

She advised that the Community Council had also unanimously supported the introduction of 20mph speed limit in Helensburgh, and had written to the Council about this.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Sarah Davies, Fun First, which provided information in relation to Fun First’s scheduled sessions and activities; new sessions in Rosneath; new Toddler and Parent Yoga and Baby Massage classes; a successful Easter celebration event; their successful Supporting Communities Fund, Arnold Clark Community Fund and Health and Wellbeing Fund applications; planned future activities; and the ways in which anyone interested could access information about Fun First.

Sarah particularly highlighted Fun First’s nomination for Military Charity of the Year at the Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2022, advising that they were very proud as a largely volunteer-led charity to have been nominated for a national award. The Chair congratulated Fun First on behalf of the Group on their nomination and wished them the best of luck for the award ceremony.

Sarah encouraged anyone who may know of families requiring support to signpost them to Fun First. She also encouraged attendance at the upcoming Sustainable Parenting Event at Helensburgh Community Hub.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Sarah Davies, Fun First, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute, which provided information in relation to the organisation’s recent interactions with MSPs and the Scottish Government. The update also included details of a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; the impact of the war in Ukraine on food and energy sources; various consultation responses; engagement with the Council; efforts to improve voter turnout in advance of the upcoming local government elections; the progress of Carbon Literacy training; monitoring of local planning applications and regulations; and information around the different communication channels used by Time for Change Argyll and Bute.

Angela highlighted the complexities of co-ordinating a Regional Climate Action Hub in an area like Argyll and Bute with extremely complex geography, and noted that discussions around this were ongoing.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh (PFH), which confirmed that Helensburgh was now an accredited ‘Plastic Free Town’ and provided background information on how this had been achieved. The update also included information around the organisation’s recent meetings; work to improve litter bin provision; work with local takeaway providers to reduce waste; the installation of a litter picking station and water fill up station; and information in relation to consultation and planning responses.

The update also included information in relation to a number of scheduled future events, including regular beach cleans with partners encouraged to sign up to the Big Plastic Count event.

Angela highlighted the impact of the landfill tax in instances where a lot of litter was collected, and noted that lobbying was ongoing around this. She also encouraged partners to get in touch with PFH if they were aware of any instances where sewerage was still being directed onto the shore, as they were assisting partners in efforts to reduce this and improve water quality.

Sarah Davies advised that good partnership working was taking place with Scottish Water and SEPA, noting that a representative had recently been in contact with PFH in relation to top up taps. 

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh, submitted)

The Group considered a written update from John Lewis, Males Tales/Females Tales, which provided details of the upcoming Wellbeing and Community Day on 14 May in the Drumfork Community Centre. The update also included details of partnership working with Helensburgh Community Hub on a Menopause Café; the recruitment of volunteers to run peer support groups; and the production of a Helensburgh and Lomond Wellbeing Directory.

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 Males Tales/Females Tales, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting.

(Reference: Report by John Lewis, Males Tales/Females Tales, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Hannah Robinson, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP), which provided details of the Mission Zero and Visitor Management papers which had been considered at a recent board meeting.

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 LLTNP, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting.

(Reference: Report by Hannah Robinson, Sustainable Development Adviser, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) which included school leaver statistics for the 2020-21 period. The update also included a link to the Annual Participation Measures and information relating to current trends.

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 SDS, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting.

(Reference: Presentation by Susan MacRae, Area Manager, Skills Development Scotland, submitted)

Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub

Gill Simpson confirmed that she would provide an update from Helensburgh Community Hub for circulation to the Group following the meeting.

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends

Jayne Burnett advised that Visiting Friends continued to offer a one-to-one befriending service, and had also provided opportunities for people to attend joint events. She provided examples of a recent joint event with Grey Matters Active Aging, and an upcoming ‘Bake Off’ style event with Jean’s Bothy.

Jayne advised that many people were keen to attend joint events, but were still more comfortable attending smaller events. She provided information around the ongoing work to encourage members to address the barriers to people being comfortable in public spaces following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, and noted that the organisation had been helping people with transport and general support. 

Jayne advised that Visiting Friends were happy to get referrals for new members, and were continually looking for volunteers. She noted that Visiting Friends had 35 matches at the moment.

Rhona Grant asked about the age range of people for Visiting Friends services, and Jayne confirmed that all adults were welcome, although the largest proportion of the client base were elderly people. Jayne agreed to provide details of Visiting Friend’s website and leaflets to Rhona to be shared through the Live Argyll Community Learning Service network. The Chair advised that any electronic copies of leaflets could also be shared via the Group’s Basecamp site.

Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group

Alasdair advised that the work of the group was continuing, with the next session starting on 26 April.

Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust/Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Duncan MacLachlan advised that the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs had been successful in securing alternative funding for the Two Lochs project, to ensure the provision of temporary toilet facilities and wardens. He advised that this funding was not at the same level as it had been previously, but would still ensure that some provision could be put in place. He thanked Argyll and Bute Council; Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park; Luss Estates Company; the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Fund; and the local Just Giving Business Support Scheme for their support. He advised that the Friends would also be applying to NatureScot’s Green Recovery Fund to support an additional interface for visitors.

Duncan confirmed that the layby litter scheme on Loch Lomondside would be continuing, and it was hoped that this would be as successful as it had been in the previous year. Sarah Davies advised that they were following a similar model in Helensburgh, and this was a good example of partnership working. Duncan confirmed that the layby litter scheme had been a collective operation, with lots of good examples of partnership working.

Duncan also confirmed that the Windows on the Loch project would continue when wardens and volunteers were available.

Presentation by Station Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

The Group considered a presentation by Chris Casey, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The presentation provided an overview of the multi-agency approach to water safety which included raising water safety awareness; delivering preventative measures; identifying and addressing water safety risks in the area; and reviewing incidents and making interventions to prevent the reoccurrence of similar events.

The presentation also provided information in relation to water fatalities statistics; an overview of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy; the aims of the Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) group; the actions arising from the work of the PAWS group; and the requirements of the partners involved in the PAWS group.

Allan Comrie noted that the new water safety signs in Balloch were very prominent and well located. Angela Anderson offered PFH’s support to the PAWS group, as they were in regular contact with water users through their efforts to clean beaches and improve water quality.

It was agreed that a representative from the PAWS group would contact Police Scotland’s Youth Engagement Officer to progress joint engagement with schools.

The Chair advised that any community groups who were interested in finding out more about the work of the PAWS group could contact Chris Casey. He also noted that arrangements would be made to distribute leaflets and information in advance of the Summer holidays.

Rhona Grant advised that she would ask Thomas Guy-Conroy to make contact with Chris Casey to share this information through the Live Argyll Community Learning Service network and the Active Schools programme.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Christopher Casey, Station Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

The minutes of a recent meeting of the Climate Change Working Group, held on 17 February 2022, were before the Group for noting and relevant discussion.

Angela Anderson, as the Group’s representative on the Climate Change Working Group, provided additional information in relation to the work of the Working Group in building up a platform to disseminate information across the area, and developing an action plan for the required mitigations and adaptations to address the climate change emergency. She noted that the Working Group meet on a monthly basis and the next meeting was taking place on 22 April 2022. She encouraged anyone who may wish to raise something with the Working Group to get in touch with her.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1. considered and noted the minutes of the Climate Change Working Group meeting held on 17 February 2022; and

2. considered and noted the additional information provided by the Group’s Climate Change Working Group representative.

(Reference: Minute of the Climate Change Working Group, held on 17 February 2022, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

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 16 March 2022.

Stuart McLean particularly highlighted the attendance of the new Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs); an update provided in relation to the Child Poverty Working Group; an update from Lorna Byrne in relation to applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund; the work of the Digital Communities Group; and an update provided by Fergus Murray in relation to the Strategic Transportation Projects Review 2 (STPR 2).

The Chair advised that MSYP Ryan MacIntyre had discussed an initiative to recycle electronic devices at the meeting, and he was keen to clarify further details of this initiative to ensure that it could be promoted within relevant organisations. Stuart McLean agreed to seek clarification around this initiative from MSYP MacIntyre following the meeting, and advised that he would feedback any further information to the Group.

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 21 April 2022, submitted)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 23 August 2022 at 10am.

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and thanked all partners for their continued proactive work in the community.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday, 23^rd August 2022 at 10am.