Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Councillor Mark Irvine;

John Lewis, The Submarine Family;

Alan Morrison, Friends of Hermitage Park; and

Caryl McLean Argyll and Bute TSI.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 13 February 2024 were approved as a correct record.

Gill Simpson highlighted that it would be helpful to have a Faslane based representative attend the Community Planning Group. The Committee Manager advised that membership of the Group was highlighted to members of the Armed Forces and Community Partnership in which there were no volunteers and that he would be happy to try and secure representation going forward.

The Committee Manager advised that there had been concerns raised at the previous meeting in relation to flooding and blocked gullies and that following the meeting he had contacted colleagues in the Roads Department who provided the following response:

‘Basically all gullies are emptied to a schedule which I believe is three every 2 years. We have 1 gully vehicle per area now thanks to new investment in recent years. We previously only had 1 east and 1 west

The council has a roads asset management plan and a procedure for road safety defect categorisation, which is used by all west of Scotland councils so provides commonality.

In addition to programmed works we will of course attend to any reported issues as per their defect categorisation so for example a slow draining gully causing a bit of ponding won’t receive the same level of priority as a blocked drain causing half carriageway flooding.

We are satisfied that we have a reasonable system of inspection and maintenance in place.’

The Committee Manager further advised that he had a meeting with the new Chair and Vice-Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee who had requested that an update on gully cleaning and maintenance be included in the Roads and Infrastructure Services Update being presented to the Area Committee on the 11 June 2024.

The Committee Manager also highlighted that the Group had raised concerns relating to NHS Services at the last meeting.  The Committee Manager advised that he had passed these concerns to colleagues within the HSCP who provided him with a link to the NHS Highland GP practises website which would be circulated following the meeting; advised that the GP position for the practise at Kilcreggan and Garelochhead would be advertised shortly, that the NHS were unaware of any issues within Arrochar and Garelochhead but confirmed that Arrochar had some changes due to one of the permanent GP’s due to retire and that they were unaware of any changes/impact on the maternity and dental services but would be happy to receive any concerns.

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report providing information relating to the appointment of Vice-Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information on the role.

Fiona Baker nominated Helensburgh Community Hub representative Gill Simpson who confirmed that she would be happy to accept this position and with there being no other nominations, this became the decision of the Group.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed that Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub, be appointed as Vice-Chair.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 May 2024, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 10 April 2024.

Stuart McLean, Committee Manager advised of a proposed new governance structure for the Community Planning Partnership to assist in delivering actions from the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan (ABOIP); updates to the Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing ABOIP outcomes; and progress with relevant projects, including an update to the Terms of Reference for the Climate Change Working Group.

Rona Gold, Community Planning Manager, provided clarification in relation to discussions about the governance structure of the Community Planning Partnership, having noted some disagreements with the proposals expressed at the Management Committee meeting and within a report that featured on the agenda for this meeting. It was highlighted that no decisions had been made in relation to this matter and partners would be working together to ensure that the meetings taking place were meaningful, and allowed as much time and resource as possible for action and progress on the ABOIP outcomes. It was noted that a development session with CPP partners would be held in June, and details of this session would be circulated to relevant partners in due course.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 May 2024, submitted)

Report by Governance Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the membership of community councils in the Helensburgh and Lomond area following the closure of the nomination period for the interim by-elections.

Concerns were raised in relation to the lack of candidates for vacancies across the area. The Group also requested further information on how vacancies are advertised and work being undertaken to promote the benefits of becoming a Community Councillor.

The Group congratulated Helensburgh Community Council for filling all vacancies and having to have an election.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Governance Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 May 2024, submitted)

Report by Health Improvement Senior, NHS Highland

Consideration was given to a public health update from NHS Highland. The update focussed on The Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2023 (NHS Highland): ‘Medication & Public Health – Do the Right Thing. The report examined public health challenges and the benefits and drawback of prescribed medicines, with a focus on escalating levels of pharmacotherapy and its impacts on both individuals, and the population and their environment, including the rise of antibiotic resistance and the environmental pollution caused by medicines.

The report also provided information on the following key issues: The Environment: How medication can make out environment sicker; Hepatitis C: How medication is transforming treatment and prevention; Social Prescribing: How an alternative to medication can work; and Prescriptions for Pain: How medication can have long-lasting effects on public health. A case study regarding how medication and other measures can work together to improve health was also considered.

It was noted that a copy of the presentation provided to the Group would be circulated by e-mail following the meeting.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, NHS Highland, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on crime statistics; fraud prevention and awareness; the fixed speed camera installed in Cardross; the road safety awareness day held in Helensburgh in April; two new Community Policing Officers based in Helensburgh; work with ASB colleagues on Operation Ballaton; the work with hotels to target tourists with information on driving on the opposite side of the road and recent work with the Royal Navy Police.

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 report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 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 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. 

Donald Gillan advised that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was currently running a survey on the future of the service and that community engagement events would be held in fire stations across Scotland. Further information on the survey can be found at: Shaping Our Future Service: Your Say - Scottish Fire and Rescue Services - Citizen Space

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 gave consideration to an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council. The update provided information on recent Community Council Elections; the current position in relation to the submission of a bid for the Waterfront; the recently opened Helensburgh Skatepark Project on the Waterfront; Police and road safety support; participation in the Helensburgh in Motion Study; spring clean initiatives; participation in the Big Conversation event; the petition to the Scottish Government to prioritise local participation in planning decisions and the Town Centre Group who continue to raise issues and resident concerns in relation to drains, bins repairs and parking; and Music in the Square funds.

Sarah reminded the Group that the Community Council meetings are public and that their Annual General Meeting is being held on the 30^th May.

It was highlighted that the Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Helensburgh is proposed to close which would leave just one bank in Helensburgh, which is very worrying for businesses. It was noted that there is a petition and Councillor Fiona Howard encouraged members of the Group to support this in the hope that it may help in persuading the Bank that people need this service and if it is to close that a banking hub in Helensburgh be opened.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Council, dated 7 May 2024, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update by Sarah Davies from Fun First which highlighted that they continue to provide sessions for pre-school children and their parents with at least one session available every day in either Helensburgh, Cardross, Garelochhead or Rosneath; staffing; committee members participation in First Aid for Mental Health training in November; training held in March to run outdoor sessions for parents and children, with Under the Trees Outdoor Learning from Falkirk delivering the training; a grant received from the TSI Health and Wellbeing Fund to fund Fun First Friends sessions this year and leaders; parties to raise funds and provide a positive social occasion; money received through the Co-op Community Fund, the Argyll and Bute Council Supporting Communities Fund, the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network and from the Argyll and Bute Early Years department and an EGM held to change Fun First’s constitution.

Sarah highlighted that they are holding an Early Years Information morning on Friday 13 September for parents of children under 5 years old where there with be refreshments and stalls providing information.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Fun First, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update by Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh. The update provided information on the monthly beach cleans which restarted in March; the purchase of litter pickers, buckets and tubs with a grant received from the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network; the Big Conversation event held; the support for a big clean at the playing fields and portacabin at Kirkmichael and a successful clean of Hermitage Park.

Angela highlighted that Time for Change have set up Climate Cafes in Oban and Lochgilphead and are considering strategies and priorities for the coming year.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Plastic Free Helensburgh, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Services. The update provided information relating to adult learning, literacy and numeracy provision; youth work; the newly elected MSYPs for Argyll and Bute; the published report from the HMI Community Learning and Development Progress Visit of Argyll and Bute Council in January 2024; the Community Learning and Development Strategic Partnership Plan 2021-2024 and the independent review of Community Learning and Development.

Caroline Whitson, Community Learning Worker, advised of the new device lending service, specifically a number of tablets and laptops will be available with connectivity for members of the public to borrow who do not have a device and require the use of one for a number of months. Caroline also advised of the new Health Issues in the Community Course.

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update from Gill Simpson from Helensburgh Community Hub. The update provided information on the Reading Minds Book Festival which was held on the 22-24 March in collaboration with Jean’s Bothy and Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre; a planned Dolly Drag Bingo event in September to fundraise for expanding the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and new activity In the Hub such as a social group for neurodivergent adults, wellbeing and crafting sessions, Monday monthly moves for people with memory problems or a dementia diagnosis and their carers and refugee integration conversations.

The update also provided information on the SCVO #essentialsector campaign; a volunteer event being held in collaboration with Visiting Friends as part of Volunteer Week Scotland; work with refugees and the Hub’s Annual General meeting being held on the 19 June with all welcome to attend.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Hub, dated May 2024, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI), which provided an update on actions taken during financial quarter four of 2023-24. The update included information in relation to changes to the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023; the Community Wealth Building report; the Funders Fayre 2024 held in Oban; a fourth year of funding of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund; TSI Board member recruitment; work by the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network; the Sustainable Food Partnership online event; consultations on a new strategy and a local sustainable funding campaign; research proposal for mapping Argyll and Bute’s early intervention services; TSI’s hosting of a Wellbeing Development Manager post, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Health and Social Care Partnership and the Community Planning Partnership organisational changes.

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 them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

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

Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN)

Lindsay Young advised that since starting her post she had undertaken scoping exercises for existing Community Council Groups and organisations to identify areas for collaborative working. It was highlighted that the new ABCAN website and online network was now up and running and that the Network provides Argyll & Bute Specific Carbon Literacy Training with it currently being delivered to Primary School Staff and Primary 7 pupils.

Destination Helensburgh

Fiona Baker highlighted that Destination Helensburgh continue to promote the area by listing major events and updates on their social media channels and that they have been selling tickets for local musical events and continue to work with the Pier Regeneration Group. Fiona advised that visitor numbers have been increasing with many day trippers coming to the area due to the lovely independent shops and restaurants and that the proposed Pipers in the Square event is currently waiting for approval from the Council to play every Wednesday evening in June.

Rhu and Shandon Community Council

Fiona Baker advised that the Community Council have a number of new members. It was highlighted that they are starting a survey on the drains; work on invasive species and also setting up an environmental group to organise a tree survey to see which trees are worthy of Tree Preservation Orders.

Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network

Veronica Ferguson advised that the Living Well Network is holding an event on the 16 June in the Helensburgh Leisure Centre where there will be refreshments, a Therapy Pony and information on sessions available from Live Argyll. Veronica highlighted that the idea of the event is to encourage people to get out of their homes and see what is available to them and that if this event is successful it could become a regular thing.

Report by CEO, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface

Consideration was given to a report and presentation in relation to Community Wealth Building. The report confirmed that the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee formally received the Community Wealth Building report commissioned in 2023 at its meeting of 10th April 2024. It was highlighted that the recommendations in the report were categorised in five sections: spending; workforce; inclusive ownership; finance; and land and property.

It was noted that the Community Planning Partnership had requested that Area Community Planning Group provide feedback in relation to the implementation and priority actions identified in the report and appendices.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    noted that a steering group of CPP partners oversaw the delivery and production of the two reports at Appendix 1 and 2;

2.    agreed to forward any comments on implementation and priority actions within the final report Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute: A framework for action at appendix 1 following the meeting to the Committee Manager to pass to the CEO, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface for consideration and action as appropriate;

3.    agreed to forward any comments on the implementation and priority actions within the two ‘Models of Opportunity’ at appendix 2 following the meeting to the Committee Manager to pass to the CEO, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface for consideration and action as appropriate; and

4.    agreed that the CEO of Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface be invited to the August 2024 meeting of the Group for further discussions.

(Reference: Report by CEO, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, dated 7 May 2024, submitted)

Presentation by Save the Tower Community Buyout Steering Group

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Save the Tower Community Buyout Steering Group. The presentation highlighted that the tower has been operational for 9 years as a cinema and arts centre and is currently privately owned.

Donna Hicks advised that in March 2023 the Manager left and the owner decided to close the tower and at that point staff and volunteers asked the owner to keep it open and was given 90 days to run the cinema with certain targets to be achieved. It was highlighted that the targets were completed within a month which showed the communities love for the tower and its success. Following this, staff and volunteers agreed to establish a Community Buyout Steering Group, given that the Tower is an asset that the Community loves.

Brian advised that in February they held a community engagement event with 250 people attending to hear of the proposals and that they have started a go fund me page to support the progress of the work. It was highlighted that they are currently at stage 1 of the application for funding from the Scottish Land Fund and that they have had many issues to overcome.

Brian highlighted that the Group are fully committed and are looking at all possible options going forward.

The Community Planning Group highlighted their support for the Steering Group.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Save the Tower Community Buyout Steering Group)

There were no verbal updates provided under this item.

Report by Climate Change Project Manager, ACT

The Group gave consideration to a report providing an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll And Bute Climate Action project: developing a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the approach and status of the project as outlined in the report.

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, dated 16 April 2024, submitted)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 20 August 2024.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 20 August 2024.