Agenda and minutes

Venue: by Microsoft Teams

Contact: Lynsey Innis, Senior Committee Assistant; Tel: 01546 604338 

Items
No. Item

1.

Welcome and Apologies

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting highlighting some new members of the Group including the newly elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, and the three Elected Member representatives, Councillors Gemma Penfold, Fiona Howard and Mark Irvine who had been appointed as members of the Area Community Planning Group for the term of this Council following the recent Local Government Elections.

 

The Chair then outlined the process for the meeting. 

 

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

 

Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

Sam Campbell, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP)

Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT)

Fiona Baker, Rhu and Shandon Community Council and Destination Helensburgh

Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar & Tarbet Community Development Trust, Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and Argyll & the Isles Coast & Countryside Trust 

Theresa Bain, University of Highlands and Islands (UHI)

Gordon Boyle, Scottish Fire and Rescue

Carol-Anne McDade, Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP)

Lucy Dunbar, Community Planning Team

John McLuckie, Community Planning Team

Chief Inspector Samantha Glasgow, Police Scotland

Christopher Casey, Scottish Fire and Rescue

Charlotte Wallace, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Colin Crichton, Live Argyll

PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland

Neil McFarlane, Transport Scotland

Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group

Councillor Ian Shonny Paterson

 

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 21 April 2022 pdf icon PDF 183 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on 21 April 2022 were approved as a correct record. 

4.

Partner Updates

4a

Scottish Fire and Rescue pdf icon PDF 341 KB

Minutes:

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ1 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2022-23.  The report included information around incidents during this period, recent community safety activity and the local firefighter training plan. 

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

 

4b

Police Scotland pdf icon PDF 607 KB

Minutes:

Having noted that there was no one in attendance from Police Scotland, the group gave consideration to a written update which included information on the ongoing work of the Service; staff resourcing; a number of initiatives including Keep Safe – Ukranian Support and Doorstep Crime Guidance.  Information in relation to road safety, youth engagement and suicide prevention was also provided.  The report also outlined the details of this year’s annual Police survey.

 

The Chair advised that any questions or comments for Police Scotland in relation to the update should be forwarded to the Committee Manager, who would feed these back and request an update at the next meeting. 

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

 

4c

Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Community Planning Update August 2022 pdf icon PDF 468 KB

Minutes:

Having noted that apologies had been received from Jen Broadhurst, the group gave consideration to a written update which highlighted the unprecedented rise in requests for advice and support from clients across all areas of Argyll and Bute and outlined that the impact of the cost of living crisis had pushed energy enquiries up by 89% between September and July compared to the same period last year.  Information was also provided on the relocation of the office to the Helensburgh Community Hub; the recommencement of the Volunteer Adviser Training Programme and the upcoming AGM, which is scheduled to take place on 22 November 2022. 

 

The Chair advised that any questions or comments for the Citizens Advice Bureau in relation to the update should be forwarded to the Committee Manager, who would feed these back and request an update at the next meeting. 

 

Decision

 

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

 

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

 

4d

Public Health pdf icon PDF 239 KB

Minutes:

Having noted the apologies of the Health Improvement Principal, the group gave consideration to a written update which provided information in relation to the Money Counts Level 1 Training Course; Smoke Free Hospital Ground’s Legislation and Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation.

 

The Chair advised that any questions or comments in relation to the update should be forwarded to the Committee Manager, who would feed these back and request an update at the next meeting. 

 

 

Decision

 

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

 

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

 

4e

Helensburgh Community Council pdf icon PDF 251 KB

Minutes:

Consideration was given to an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, which paid tribute to the sad passing of two prominent members of the Community Council, John Tacchi and Roger Ferdinand.  The update also provided details of an annual review on a number of areas, including Visions for Helensburgh; The Pier and Helensburgh Leisure Centre.  It also highlighted areas considered an issue which included the maintenance of the infrastructure of the town; communication and engagement issues between the Community Council and Argyll and Bute Council and the need to look at ways of improving consultation processes.

 

Sarah took the opportunity to seek assistance from Partners in the recruitment of new members for the Community Council in the upcoming Community Council Elections. 

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Council, submitted)

 

4f

UHI Argyll pdf icon PDF 210 KB

Minutes:

Having noted the apologies of Theresa Bain, the group gave consideration to a written update which included information on the commencement of the forthcoming academic year and outlined the courses that were available in the Helensburgh area.  It was noted that applications were still being taken for the available courses. 

 

The Chair advised that any questions or comments in relation to the update should be forwarded to the Committee Manager, who would feed these back and request an update at the next meeting. 

 

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Argyll UHI, submitted)

 

4g

Argyll TSI pdf icon PDF 197 KB

Minutes:

The group gave consideration to an update by Paula Darbyshire of Argyll TSI which included information on the recent Volunteer of the Year Awards; the distribution of the Community Based Adult Learning Fund; the announcement expected from the Scottish Government on the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund; the new Joint Commissioning Strategy, as agreed by the Integration Joint Board, at its meeting on 30 March 2022 and the YPG Mentor and Volunteer Placement Programme. 

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Argyll TSI, submitted)

 

4h

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) pdf icon PDF 236 KB

Minutes:

Having noted the absence of Alan Comrie, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), the Group considered an update which included details of their agreed capital programme for Argyll and Bute. The update also included information on supported bus services and other work streams, which included developments led by CMAL at Kilcreggan and Gourock/Cowal; rail service timetables and the recently launched consultation on the Regional Transport Strategy.  It was noted that the consultation could be accessed at https://www.spt.co.uk/spt-across-the-region/what-we-are-doing/regional-transport-strategy/vision/

 

The Chair advised that any questions or comments for Strathclyde Partnership for Transport in relation to the update should be forwarded to the Committee Manager, who would feed these back and request an update at the next meeting. 

 

Decision

 

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

 

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

 

4i

Opportunity for Verbal Updates pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Minutes:

Fun First

 

Sarah Davies provided a short update on the ongoing work of the Fun First charity, which included information on their scheduled sessions and activities; the forthcoming fundraising activities and the charities success in being awarded a grant from Comic Relief.  Sarah spoke of the need to recruit new trainers and leaders to the group and urged Partners to direct any young families who would benefit from meeting other families, to the group’s Facebook page. 

Having previously advised of their nomination for Military Charity of the Year at the Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2022, Sarah advised of their success in winning the award, which has helped raise the profile of Fun First both locally and nationally.   On behalf of the group, the Chair congratulated Sarah and her team on their success and for continuing to deliver a valuable service across the Helensburgh and Lomond area. 

 

Garelochhead Station Trust

Morevain Martin provided a short update on the ongoing work of Garelochhead Station Trust.  She advised of the many activities that are planned in the near future including a special Hawaiian Brunch Club and regular monthly bus trips with planned visits to the Royal Yacht, Britannia and the Burrell Collection.  Morevain advised of the upcoming office move to the Garelochhead Station Building, and advised Partners that she could be contacted by email (morevain@garelochheadstationtrust.co.uk) and telephone (07541 777559).

 

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) 

Susan MacRae advised of the current workloads of the Skills Development Scotland team with Creative Advisors back in schools supporting senior phase pupils in making future plans and in working with Partners to ascertain the destinations of those just left.  She advised of the deadlines involved in this workload and advised that she was hopeful that she would be bringing a report back to this meeting in February 2023 highlighting the outcomes.  Susan provided an update on the refreshed partnership working between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and SDS and confirmed that SDS were working in the Helensburgh Job Centre on an adhoc basis. 

 

Jean’s Bothy

An update was provided by Katrina Sayer on the workstreams of Jean’s Bothy, which included the work of focus groups to look at the lockdown impact on mental health; the annual fundraising cycle around the island of Millport in support of ENABLE Scotland and the development of the play “Included” which is due to go on tour in October with the launch taking place in Greenock and then travelling around Argyll and Bute with scheduled performances in Helensburgh, Dunoon, Oban and Campbeltown. 

MOD Police

Having noted that this was his first time in attendance at the meeting, Constable Andrew (Drew) Omand took the opportunity to introduce himself to the group and outlined his role within the community working with Police Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council and the Base Warrant Officer from HMNB Clyde.  Drew advised his of his contact details which are as follows:

Andrew (Drew) Omand

Constable | Defence Community Police Officer (DCPO)

Churchill Community Police Office, Churchill Square, Helensburgh, G84 9HL, UK

Phone: 01436 678 046

Mobile: 07773 973088

Email: andrew.omand100@mod.gov.uk

 

Plastic Free Helensburgh

Angela Anderson spoke to the terms of the written update that had been circulated by email to the group prior to the meeting: 

This Saturday 27th August and Saturday 24th September HCC Beach Clean at the pier.

On Saturday 17th September East Bay Clean as part of the Great British Beach Clean

On Saturday 2nd October PFH is running a sustainability Event in the Parish Hall Colquhoun Square as part of the Climate Fringe Week

We have continued holding monthly steering group meetings and are keen to recruit some new members to the core team.

We continue to support HCC with their last Saturday in the Month Pier Beach clean and organise regular cleans at the East Bay.

We undertook a large scale clean at Craigendoran Pier with Scottish Water, a visiting church group and a number of our regular enthusiast.

There is still a high volume of Sewage related plastics and wipes on the beaches. We think these are coming from elsewhere but ask everyone to remember the three pees. Pee, Poo and Paper. Anything else puts a burden on the system.

We continue to survey local take a ways on the single use plastic ban and distribute leaflets from the GRAB Trust.

Together with HCC we re-surveyed the litter bins along the front and Colquhoun Square and sent the results and pictorial evidence to A&B. We subsequently meet with the amenities manager and expect some improvement in the capacity of public bins soon.

We were invited by KSB (Keep Scotland Beautiful) to speak at a seminar in Dumbarton and gain at the Glasgow Science Centre. This has linked us up with groups from other LAs who are part of the Upstream Clyde Battle.

We have attended various meeting etc with SAS (Surfers Against Sewage) and continue on the journey as an accredited plastic free town and are working in unison with Plastic Free Fife on a number of issues and consultations.We were invited by SEPA to walk the beaches and point out where debris collects and continue to pass on information.

We had a follow up meeting with SEPA, Scottish Water and Marine Scotland again arranged by Jackie Ballie and have a good understanding of how the sewer system works here and up and down the Clyde. Work has been undertaken to remediate the problem areas we identified and there is a working agreement to continue to monitor the outflows etc.

We gave a talk to Rhu Primary P1,2 and 3 and also to P4, 5, 6 & 7.

Our social media is busy with requests for school uniforms.

 

Time for Change, Argyll and Bute

Angela Anderson spoke to the terms of the written update that had been circulated by email to the group prior to the meeting: 

As part of Climate Fringe Week

Sunday 2nd October 2022 1600 – 1800 at Lochgilphead High School.

A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4i

5.

Community Focus

5a

Males Tales and Females Tales - Mental Health and Wellbeing Database

Minutes:

John Lewis of Males Tales/Females Tales gave a short guided tour of the Mental Health and Wellbeing website, which provides a guide to Mental Health organisations and support groups throughout the Helensburgh and Lomond area.  John highlighted the “Crisis and urgent assistance required” section of the website, which provided details of different types of crisis’ with information and details on the appropriate action to take and advised how other organisations and support groups could apply to have their information included in the website. 

 

The website can be found at www.hlwellbeing.com

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Guided Tour by John Lewis, Males Tales/Females Tales)

 

6.

Climate Change

6a

Report by Chair of Climate Change Working Group pdf icon PDF 144 KB

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Climate Change Working Group.  The report outlined the proposal to produce a strategic Action Plan as a means to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post.  Information was also provided on the funding options for the project.

 

It was noted that should anyone wish to discuss anything relating to the update further, they should contact Angela Anderson of Time for Change and she would direct them to the appropriate Partner. 

 

 Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Stan Phillips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted)

 

7.

Community Planning Partnership Management Committee Update pdf icon PDF 328 KB

Report by Committee Manager

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a briefing note which provided information on matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 22 June 2022.

 

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 23 August 2022, submitted)

 

 

8.

Appointment of Vice Chair of Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group pdf icon PDF 35 KB

Report by Committee Manager

Minutes:

The group gave consideration to a report which provided information in relation to the appointment of a Vice-Chair for the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group.  The report outlined the expected time commitment and provided information on the role. 

 

Angela Anderson nominated Sarah Davies, this was seconded by the Chair, David Moore.  Sarah confirmed that she would be happy to take up the post of Vice-Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group.  With there being no other nominations, this became the decision of the group.    

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group appointed Sarah Davies as Vice-Chair.

 

(Reference: Report by Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 23 August 2022, submitted)

 

9.

Review of future meeting arrangements

Verbal Update by Committee Manager

Minutes:

The Committee Manager provided a verbal update on the review of future meeting arrangements.  Discussion was had on the possibility of conducting a survey to ascertain the preference of the group as a whole as to meeting arrangements going forward.  It was noted that the survey should include how meetings are to be conducted and preferred timings. 

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:-

 

1.    noted the information provided; and

 

2.    requested that the Committee Manager conduct a survey of all Partners on future meeting arrangements and provide feedback at the next meeting of the Group.  

 

(Reference: Verbal Update by Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council)

 

10.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 8 November 2022 at 10:00am. 

Minutes:

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, 8 November 2022 at 10am.