Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and highlighted his thanks to Councillor Fiona Howard who chaired the last meeting in his and the Vice-Chair’s absence.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

John Lewis, The Submarine Family;

Samantha Campbell, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership;

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland;

Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group;

Councillor Mark Irvine, Argyll and Bute Council;

Councillor Gemma Penfold, Argyll and Bute Council;

Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Passenger Transport, (SPT);

Laura Eales, Home Start Lomond;

Karlyn Marshall, Helensburgh Art Hub;

Becs Barker, Carr Gomm;

Yvonne McLeod, We Are With You Argyll and Bute;

Vicky Brindley, Naval Families Federation;

Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau; and

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 9 May 2023 were approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Community Development Officer

Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer Argyll and Bute Council, provided the Group with an overview of Community Planning in Argyll and Bute. The presentation included information on the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015; the roles and responsibilities of the Community Planning Team; where the Area Community Planning Groups fit into the partnership and their relationship with the Management Committee; cross cutting themes and principles of effective community planning. The presentation also included information on the development day which is held once a year; action plans for each of the Area Community Planning Groups as well as the Argyll and Bute’s Outcomes Improvement Plan and how the Community Planning Team communicate with partners and members of the groups.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council)

Report by Contract Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a Transport Update by the Contract Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update provided information on the work done in preparation of pupils returning to school after summer and the continued work with SPT on spending the available funding from the bus stop infrastructure capital programme.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Contract Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 22 August 2023, submitted)

Presentation by Transport Scotland

The Group gave consideration to a presentation by Transport Scotland and Atkins WSP Joint Ventures on the permanent solution for the A83. The presentation included information that had been delivered at both virtual and in person public exhibitions within in the locality, specifically key features and benefits of the preferred route; the preferred route plan; the scheme assessment process and the next stages of the assessment and construction phases.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Transport Scotland and Atkins WSP Joint Ventures)

Presentation by CLES

The Group gave consideration to a presentation on Community Wealth Building from Charlie Murphy from CLES (Centre for Local Economic Strategies). Charlie highlighted that the CLES mission is to develop local economies which work for people, planet and place and that it is the lead organisation for Community Wealth Building in the UK.

Charlie advised the Group that CLES have been commissioned by the TSI on behalf of the CPP to conduct research on Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute.

It was highlighted that CLES would be running a workshop in Helensburgh on the 8^th September exploring Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute.

The Group highlighted their disappointment that they did not have a Faslane based representative attend the meetings considering that Faslane are one of the biggest employers in the area.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    requested that the Committee Manager liaise with Faslane based Partners regarding their attendance and participation at future Group meetings. 

(Reference: Presentation by Researcher, Centre for Local Economic Strategies)

Consideration was given to an update which included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided information on the expansion of the Partners intelligence portal; retailers support in Helensburgh; the ‘Move in May’ challenge which Police Scotland staff took part in; Progress Pride flag’s journey around Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Division and the Keep Safe scheme.

PC Evans highlighted that crime in the area has increased with a rise in common theft, theft of fuels and low level shop lifting and advised that the Police are engaging with retailers and fuel stations to ensure they have enough crime prevention systems in place. PC Evans also advised that incidences of fraud and bogus callers continue and that the Police are providing fraud prevention talks in the area to combat.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a written update by PC Drew Omand, Ministry of Defence Police. The update included information on the roadworks on the A814 at HMNB Clyde which will continue until December 2023 with the road under traffic control; community drop in’s which have been introduced for local residents and base employees to discuss any issues or concerns they may have; the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers who continue to attend community engagement events and the summer football which was held for 12-18 year olds.

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 Ministry of Defence Police, any questions could be forwarded to the Committee Manager following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Ministry of Defence Police, submitted)

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 2023-24. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this time period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities and home fire safety.

The Chair highlighted that he is hoping that the Youth Volunteer Scheme will be up and running in Helensburgh around September time and that he would provide an update at the next meeting.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, 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 the 2 major projects affecting Helensburgh, specifically the Waterfront development and the Taylor Wimpey golf course housing development; the community clubs and society events which was held in March; the environmental work and the work on making the area more welcoming and the retail support.

Sarah highlighted that everyone is welcome to attend the Community Council meetings which are held on the last Thursday of every month.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Convenor,  Helensburgh Community Council, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from David Haggerty, Community Development Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update included information on the recent Supporting Communities Fund in which Community Development Officers have been in touch with successful and unsuccessful applicants and are now supporting unsuccessful applicants with identifying alternative sources of funding.

The update also provided information on the developments of Groups supported by The Community Development Team such as the Princess Louise Hall Committee, the Welcome In Recovery Café, the Kirkmichael Community Development Group and the Climate Action Plan – Working group.

Discussion took place in relation to Volunteers and the Group agreed that there is a need for a volunteer co-ordinator in the area. Gill Simpson advised that she is looking into funding to secure a co-ordinator to be based at the Helensburgh Community Hub.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update by Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Service. The update provided information relating to youth work in Helensburgh which includes the summer GIVE programme which has been very successful; the Friday night football which finished on the 11 August and the wider achievement opportunities, accredited learning and Youth Service support to young people that will be continue now the schools have returned.

The update also included information on Adult learning which has continued over the summer period and it was highlighted that the Community Learning Worker is currently looking at Adult Learning opportunities and engaging and working with Partners to identify some of the current needs and provision required in the area.

Rhona highlighted that through the GIVE programme, young people are required to volunteer hours and are then awarded with a trip and advised that the Youth Worker Thomas Guy is always looking for opportunities for young people to get involved in.

Decision

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

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

The Group gave consideration to a written update by Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland. The update included information on the work that career advisors have been doing in Hermitage Academy; the support they have been providing to school leavers; the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment initiative and the annual participation measures which are due to be published on 31st August.

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 Skills Development Scotland, any questions could be forwarded to the Committee Manager following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Area Manager, Skills Development Scotland, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update by Victoria Daveney, UHI Argyll. The update provided information on new courses that are available and highlighted that UHI lecturers recommenced teaching a range of courses at Hermitage Academy week commencing the 14^th August.

Victoria highlighted that building works has now started to create more classrooms that will create a more functional and welcoming reception area which will improve both the student experience and the external appearance of the centre for the local community.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, submitted)

The Group considered a public health update from Angela Coll, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The update highlighted information on the Public Health Intelligence Team (PHIT); the Money Counts Level 1 awareness raising sessions; the Living Well Networks and the merge of the Living Well Strategy and Prevention Board.

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)

The Group gave consideration to a written update by Paula Darbyshire of Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on Community Wealth Building in which CLES will be running a workshop in Helensburgh on 8^th September; the funding for the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund – Year 3 which is £282,303.16; Argyll and Bute Positive Destinations who are still accepting referrals and a volunteer conference which will be held in Helensburgh in November.

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 Argyll and Bute TSI, any questions could be forwarded to the Committee Manager following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update by Gill Simpson from Helensburgh Community Hub. The update provided information on the #essential sector campaign which will be launched in November; the volunteer recognition event held in June which was a great success and the restructured membership. The update also provided information on the activities and clubs in the Hub.

Gill highlighted that the Hub has now been open for 2 years and that they are holding an open day on the 16 September to celebrate and to engage with the public.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Development Manager, Helensburgh Community Hub, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy. The update included information on the current membership numbers; the first “on location” day which was held on the 10^th June at Geilston Gardens; a successful open day held in July; the support provided for members to start their own groups; the planning of fundraising and events for later in the year and the Maid of Loch exhibition.

Katrina highlighted the annual Millport cycling event which takes place on the 5^th September with everyone welcome to participate.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Development Manager, Jean’s Bothy, dated August 2023, submitted)

Fun First

Sarah Davies highlighted that Fun First continued to run throughout the summer holidays which was very successful and appreciated by families and advised that they have at least one session on every day in either Rosneath, Cardross, Garelochhead or Helensburgh. Sarah asked that the Group continue to direct people with young children to Fun First.

Garelochhead Station Trust

Morevain Martin advised that the Station Trust are currently in negotiations with Network Rail for the lease of the station building and hope to have the lease secured by the end of the year.

Morevain highlighted that they have been working with the UHI to explore how well the Station Trust are delivering services and that a number of their members spent time in Summer School in Inverness. Morevain also highlighted that they were the only organisation in Argyll and Bute and 1 of 7 organisations in Scotland to be chosen to be part of The Ideas Fund. It was noted that they continue to run the fortnightly brunch clubs, weekly line dancing and carpet bowls, monthly bus trips, and fortnightly craft and modelling groups.

Transport Scotland

In the absence of Neil MacFarlane the Committee Manager provided the following update which was submitted before the meeting:

I can report that there will be one major road resurfacing scheme ongoing by the time the meeting is held on the 22^nd.

Starting on the 20^th for 4 nights there will be convoy works at Stuckgowan to facilitate the resurfacing works.

Plastic Free Helensburgh

Angela advised that Plastic Free Helensburgh held a meeting with Public Health Scotland who are looking in to developing relevant case studies. Angela also highlighted that large black bins have been installed along the Helensburgh Waterfront beside the silver bins and added that there has been difficulties with the removal of the silver bins due to those being cemented in.

Angela reported that Plastic Free Helensburgh had received money through the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund to get skips for the beach cleans and for litter picking stations and added that 40-50 volunteers regularly attend organised beach cleans.

Destination Helensburgh

Fiona Baker highlighted that there has been a 30-50% increase of footfall with visitors now coming for longer holidays, and that she hopes to have more precise statistics for the next meeting. Fiona also highlighted that the first Cruise ship, the Silver Seas Endeavour, arrived in May with Destination Helensburgh organising excursions with the most popular being the walking tours to Rhu and Glenarn and that hopefully 4 cruise ships will be arriving next year.

Fiona advised of a collaboration with Glasgow School of Art on a branding project of Helensburgh; the participation in the new Helensburgh business group and the start of Christmas advertising.

The Group noted that they should notify Destination Helensburgh of any events to allow these to be included on their ‘What’s on’ calendar and ‘What’s on this weekend’ social media post.

Discussion took place in relation to the works being done in the Helensburgh town centre and the Group highlighted their dismay that this had been done in summer holidays time. Sarah advised that the Community had no communication regarding this and wondered what permissions were agreed by the Council. Angela advised that a lot of litter had been left over following the works.

Action – The Committee Manager to seek clarification from the Roads department and respond to the Group in due course.

Hannah Riding from Helensburgh Army Cadets left the meeting before this item due to work commitments and it was agreed that this item would be taken forward to the next meeting of the Group.

Report by Chair of Climate Change Working Group

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 approved governance arrangements to support the Climate Change Project Manager post and the ongoing work on the recruitment of a Project Manager.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group, dated 2 August 2023, submitted)

Written update by Argyll and Bute TSI

The Group gave consideration to a written update by Takki Sulaiman, CEO at Argyll and Bute TSI.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by CEO, Argyll and Bute TSI, submitted)

Report By Committee Manager

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 2023.

The Committee Manager highlighted the Community Wealth Building audit and made reference to the housing emergency declared by Argyll and Bute Council.

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 22 August 2023, submitted)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 7 November 2023

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 7 November 2023.