Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

 

Louise Mathis, UHI Argyll;

Alastair McCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group;

Sergeant Sophie Marshall, Police Scotland; and

Councillor Paul Kennedy.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 20 August 2024 was approved as a correct record.

 

The Group considered the actions from the previous meeting and noted that the majority were completed or in the process of being completed, with the exception of the action in relation to statistics around incidents due to road conditions as Inspector Simonis advised that he was finding this information difficult to identify.

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Full Partnership meeting held on 16 September 2024. The report provided information on the Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership Delivery Plan for 2022-25; the CPP initiative to develop a Climate Change Strategy and Framework; the history of Community Wealth Building within the Community Planning Partnership; the key priorities for the new Regional Transport Strategy for the development of transport in the region over the next 20 years; the current housing emergency and the action plan agreed in June 2024 and the proposed Population Health Framework for Scotland which is to be adopted by the Scottish Government, CoSLA, Public Health Scotland and Health Boards.

 

John McLuckie highlighted that the meeting was very successful with the majority of conversations being on the 3 priority themes which the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan for 2024-34 will focus on, specifically Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 12 November 2024, submitted)

 

 

Having noted the commitments of those in attendance, the Chair agreed to vary the order of business to facilitate attendees. This minute reflects the order in which items were discussed.

Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime; road safety and road crime; violent crime; public protection; the continued work on pro-actively engaging with the public in the locality; Operation Moonbeam and work ongoing in relation to the upgrade of CCTV within Helensburgh.

 

Inspector Simonis advised that since the 1^st June, 12 persons within Helensburgh and Lomond have been charged with driving under the influence of drink or drugs; 19 persons charged with careless driving and 9 persons charged with dangerous driving.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

Presentation by Strategic Transportation Policy Officer and Digital and Projects Support Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a presentation regarding the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) from the Strategic Transportation Policy Officer and Digital and Projects Support Officer, Argyll and Bute Council. The presentation provided information on the UK Government Guidance which highlighted that there would still be an option for a ‘landline only’ service as the Communications Act (2003) means all consumers in the UK will have access to a landline service should they choose to do so.

 

Mr Frederick Horner advised that communication providers must not undertake any non-voluntary migration until they have confidence and that they are taking all possible steps to protect vulnerable people throughout the migration process, adding that there have been 4 groups categorised as vulnerable, which are people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, registered disabled or a telecare user. Mr Frederick Horner also advised that should people be categorised as vulnerable then they should contact their provider to advise them of this.

 

It was highlighted that BT are allowing people to retain the same number and providing it for the same cost and for most customers the switch over would be as simple as connecting their phone handset to a router rather than a phone socket on the wall and that customers who don’t have or want broadband will be moved to a new ‘dedicated landline service’.

 

Mr MacInnes advised that he hopes that information leaflets will be included within the next round of Council Tax notifications.

 

The Group highlighted there concern in relation to the PSTN switch off, particularly for vulnerable users with poor mobile signal or no mobile device. Mr MacInnes advised that battery back-up units would be provided for those considered ‘vulnerable’ in areas with limited signal with these also being available to purchase by those not classed as ‘vulnerable’ and that further mitigation would be explored.

 

Action – The Group to continue to explore the impact of the PSTN switch off.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Presentation by Strategic Transportation Policy Officer and Digital and Projects Support Officer, Argyll and Bute Council)

Presentation from Corporate Resilience Manager and Resilience Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to a presentation from Susan Donnelly, Corporate Resilience Manager from Argyll and Bute Council in relation to Community Resilience in Argyll and Bute. The presentation highlighted the importance of communities and individuals harnessing resources and expertise to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies, in a way that complements the work of emergency responders.

 

The presentation also provided information in relation to why Community Resilience is so important, including details of potential risks and statutory sites; how Community Resilience is managed in Argyll and Bute; recent and future workstreams of the Resilience team and ongoing activity across the Helensburgh and Lomond area. The presentation also provided details on how Partners could engage with Argyll and Bute Council in achieving resilient communities across Argyll and Bute.

 

Action – The Chair to write to the Democratic Services Manager to explore the possibility of a meeting with community councils to receive training and hold further discussion around this issue. (Sarah Davies)

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Presentation by Corporate Resilience Manager, Argyll and Bute Council and Resilience Officer, Argyll and Bute Council)

 

Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the work of the Smoking Cessation Advisers who have been promoting the Stoptober Campaign by raising awareness of the service;  the continued work to increase awareness of the five adult screening programmes; the work of the Living Well Networks and the community events held by them; the launch of Year 5 of the Living Well Grants; The Argyll and Bute Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which will be published in November and the Art of Hosting method used to engage with communities.

 

The report also provided information on alcohol and drug prevention and early intervention programmes; work commissioned by Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs; ongoing work to support the recovery community in Argyll and Bute and the engagement being taken forward by the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Support team.

 

Action – Olena Mishanina to circulate information regarding the availability of Living Well Grants and how the money is distributed. (Olena Mishanina)

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated October 2024, submitted)

 

Presentation from Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Olena Mishanina, Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership which provided information on the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drug Partnership. The presentation highlighted that the mission of the Partnership is to work with and for communities and organisation in Argyll and Bute to prioritise equality, diversity and health and wellbeing and foster environments and partnerships to nurture and support all. Angela also outlined the Partnerships vision for a thriving Argyll and Bute where everyone has the opportunity to live well in vibrant, flourishing communities.

 

Olena asked the Group for feedback on how they would like to receive information on the Partnerships work and how they would want to be involved with the work of the Public Health Team.

 

Veronica Ferguson advised that she thought that information being provided via email was most suitable as it can be read at the recipients leisure and circulated if necessary. Caryl McLean added that she was also happy to be provided information via email. The Chair advised that information being provided by the Public Health Team was useful as it can make it easier to direct people to the correct places.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    noted the information provided; and

 

2.    agreed to provide feedback on the questions asked, to the Health Improvement Senior (olena.mishanina@nhs.scot) following the meeting.

 

(Reference: Presentation by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership)

 

Report by Area Manager, Transport Scotland

 

Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which advised that planned overnight closures between Crianlarich and Tarbet are ongoing; the TASC safety cameras along the A82 seem a success and that they are reviewing the data  to determine the degree of success; layby and tourist signage improvement works along Balloch and Luss  are ongoing and the Rest and Be Thankful suffered recent events which were dealt with successfully with that Bear and Transport Scotland continue to monitor the hillside.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Area Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted)

Presentation from Area Manager, Transport Scotland

Consideration was given to a presentation from Ian Woodcock from Transport Scotland on the ongoing traffic management arrangements at the Rest and Be Thankful. The presentation provided information on the hillside monitoring regime with it being highlighted that daily and weekly monitoring is undertaken by a dedicated engineering team. Ian highlighted work undertaken to ensure continued access to Argyll including a number of projects to improve and enhance the Old Military Road.

 

Sheelagh O’Reilly requested that Transport Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council be invited to the next meeting of the Group to present details on the implementation guidance for 20mph speed limits in Scotland and how this works for the Helensburgh and Lomond Area.

 

Fiona Baker asked about the tourist signage improvements and asked what signs this would be.

 

Action – Information on tourist signs being installed to be provided to Fiona Baker. (Ian Woodcock)

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Presentation by Area Manager, Transport Scotland)

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2024-25. 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 thanked everyone who attended the Helensburgh Fire Station event in September, advising it was very well attended.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group 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 the work undertaken in relation to the Helensburgh Waterfront Development project campaign; their sub committee who are creating a Local Place Plan; the Annual Remembrance Parade; the beach cleans and shrub bed tidying which has been paused until Spring with the exception of the emergency beach clean being held on Saturday 16 November; the support given to the Save the Tower buyout group;  a presentation by Friends of Duchess Woods; their Planning Group who continue to review applications; and the grants given through Music on the Square fund.

 

Sarah reminded the Group that the Community Council meetings are public and are held the last Thursday of each month.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Council, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update by Sarah Davies from Fun First which highlighted that they continue to provide sessions and activities for children up until aged 5 and their parents and carers in the Helensburgh area including Cardross and Garelochhead. The update also provided information on the new Outdoor Sessions which are funded by the Argyll and Bute Supporting Communities Fund; their annual Halloween party which was well attended; fortnightly Fun First Friends Sessions in the Drumfork Centre; applications for grants through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund and the Scottish Government Health and Wellbeing Fund; the award of £1,200 from local charity Helensburgh Heart; fund raising events; and their annual Christmas party which will be held on 12 December.

 

Sarah highlighted that they are holding an Early Years Information morning on Friday 24 January 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 noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Report by Fun First, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from David Hagerty, Community Development Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update included information on the continued development of the Recovery Orientated Systems of Care Network funded by the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership; the support offered to the Princess Louise Hall Committee; ongoing discussions in relation to Assets within Helensburgh, Rhu and Garelochhead; the work on updating the Welcoming Spaces information with the TSI; discussions around the Aspiring Places project; Friends of Hermitage Park who have held their 2^nd meeting of the Park Users Group and the facilitating of the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Council joint forum meeting.

 

David highlighted that his colleagues would be delivering training on Place Plans to Community Councils over the next couple of weeks.

 

The Chair recorded her thanks to David for facilitating the Community Council joint forum meeting in advance of the Community Planning Group meeting.

 

Decision

 

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

 

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

The Group gave consideration to an update from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update provided information on policy activity; Community Wealth Building progress; the Argyll and Bute TSI strategy development preparations; the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund Year 4 grant; the continued support given to the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network and the work of the Wellbeing Development Manager.

 

Decision

 

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

 

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

Consideration was given to an update from Gill Simpson from Helensburgh Community Hub. The update highlighted that the Hub had now been operating for three years under an initial business plan written in 2020 to secure a community buyout of the building and that they would be undertaking stakeholder and wider community engagement in early 2025 to inform on their next 3-5 year plan and continue growing the community-owned asset. The update also provided information on highlights from the last 3 years; wellbeing activities in the Hub this autumn and the Helensburgh Book Festival which will be held on the 28^th to 30^th March 2025.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Hub, submitted)

Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network

 

Lindsey Young highlighted that the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network funding is now open for community organisations who can apply for funding of up to £1000 to support projects relating to Climate Change, with information relating to this available on the TSI website. Lindsey also advised on a successful event at Cove Park concerning invasive species.

 

Live Argyll Community Learning Services

 

Rhona Grant highlighted that Helensburgh Youth Action Group are recruiting new members from across Helensburgh and Lomond and that if anyone knew of a young person who may interested in attending to pass their contact details to the Lead Youth Worker Thomas Guy-Conroy and to also keep a look out for new publicity concerning this. Rhona also advised of the new Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) Iona Scott-Elliot who alongside other Argyll and Bute MSYPs carried out a consultation with young people to establish what young people’s top priorities are. The consultation received 112 responses, 30 of them from Helensburgh and Lomond and that the top priorities included mental health support, drug and alcohol misuse and young people wanting more to do. Rhona also advised on the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development which was carried out.

 

Caroline Whitson  highlighted that they have a new budgeting course running in Helensburgh Library on Thursday 10-12, sadly with no uptake on it yet and that the laptop and tablet lending service has had a good uptake and that there is still some devices available.

 

Visiting Friends

 

Jayne Burnett highlighted that Visiting Friends have been very busy and that they received over £4000 from the Co-op fund. Jayne advised that volunteer recruitment is the biggest issue for them as they rely on volunteers and advised that over the recent months they have received a number of calls from people out with the Helensburgh and Lomond Area looking for support. It was highlighted that they had just finished National Befriending week and that they are now focussing on future befriending and are also taking part in the Scottish COVID-19 enquiry in December.

 

Action – Visiting Friends to be the Community Focus item at the next meeting of the Group with the focus of the presentation being on the prevention of loneliness and isolation.

 

Rhu and Shandon Community Council

 

Fiona Baker highlighted that the Community had taken part in Water Blitz week and tested every burn that flows into the Gareloch. Fiona confirmed that the Community Council are working on developing a Place Plan strategy and that the Christmas light switch on in Rhu is being held on Friday 29 November from 6pm-9pm. The Community Council also raised concerns that the Transport Scotland 20mph limit is not being applied to the village.

 

Destination Helensburgh

 

Fiona Baker highlighted that Helensburgh had many international visitors over the summer and that Destination Helensburgh are happy to hold petitions and tickets so that visitors can sign or buy.

 

Plastic Free Helensburgh

 

Angela Anderson advised that there is a beach clean in Helensburgh on Saturday 16 November at 10am and also highlighted her delight that the Rhu and Shandon community are also doing regular beach cleans. Angela advised that she continues to talk to local groups about Climate Change and is also the representative for the Climate Change Action Group.

 

Helensburgh Gaelic Group

 

In the absence of Alasdair MacCuish, the Committee Manager read out the below update submitted in advance of the meeting:

 

The Gaelic Group is continuing to run but are now not in receipt of any financial support.

 

Committee Manager Update

 

The Committee Manager highlighted that the Governance Arrangements of the Group would be considered at the next meeting, including the membership, advising that the Membership is drawn from public sector, third sector, private sector, community organisations and partnerships operating within the Helensburgh and Lomond area. Stuart encouraged partners to refer any individuals or groups who may be interested to contact him regarding their inclusion within the membership.

 

Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council

 

Sheelagh O’Reilly advised that Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council are continuing to pursue issues around the white meter project which could leave many vulnerable customers without gas and functioning meters.

 

Action – The white meter removal initiative to be added to a future agenda.

 

Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network

 

Veronica Fergus highlighted that the next Living Well Network meeting would be held on Wednesday 20 November between 10-12; with everyone welcome to attend.

Verbal update from Chair, Vice Chair, TSI and Community Development Team

The Chair highlighted that work had been undertaken by Caryl McLean, TSI, and David Hagerty, Community Development Team, in updating the Welcoming Spaces information. The Chair highlighted her concern that the information is on the TSI website but not easily accessible on Argyll and Bute Council’s website and those who work in Community Organisations want to be able to get the information easily so that they can refer people to it.

 

David highlighted that Adult Social Work Teams and Adult Sheltered Housing Teams would be a good way to get the information circulated as many places are underused and need promoted.

 

Caryl advised that putting the information in the Helensburgh Advertiser and also the Community Advertiser would be good; as well as Community Groups advertising on Social Media.

 

It was suggested that having designated, branded, posters on windows of ‘Welcome Spaces’ would be useful to identify the locations.

 

Action – Care Companies to be provided with the information on ‘Welcome Spaces’. (Caryl McLean and David Hagerty)

 

Action – The Committee Manager to explore options for Welcoming Spaces to be given a higher profile on the Argyll and Bute website and to include a link to the TSI website for more detailed information. (Stuart McLean)

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Verbal update from TSI and Community Development Team)

Report by the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Community Wealth Building Short Term Working Group

Consideration was given to a report updating the Group on the activity of the Community Wealth Building Short Term Working Group, which was established at the August meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group.

 

The update provided information on the membership of the Short Term Working Group and activity to date and advised that the Group had met on three occasions since August and that discussions had centred on understanding what Community Wealth Building is how it can be translated into action across Helensburgh and Lomond, including mechanisms for proactively engaging and collaborating with community organisations across the whole area. The Working Group have also started to map potential benefits and challenges; acknowledging the need to link into and align with other relevant work including Local Place Plans, Community Action Plans and the Big Conversation on climate and exploring vehicles for delivering Community Wealth Building in Helensburgh and Lomond such as development trusts and broader alliances.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Community Wealth Building Short Term Working Group, submitted)

Presentation from Helensburgh Community Woodlands and Friends of Duchess Woods

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from David Lewin, Friends of Duchess Woods and from Andrew Donald from Helensburgh Community Woodlands.

 

David Lewin confirmed that Duchess Woods comprises of 55 acres of mature woodlands and is originally part of Ardencaple Castle and owned by Luss Estates. It was also highlighted that it is designated a Local Nature Reserve; Local Nature Conservation Site; Open Space Protection Area; Part of Helensburgh Green Belt and registered in the NatureScot  Ancient Woodland Inventory as Long Established of Plantation Origin.

 

The presentation also provided information on the history of Friends of Duchess Woods; what the woods is used for; the role of Friends of Duchess Woods; the Friends of Duchess Woods Committee; Luss Estates ownership and sale of Duchess Wood and recent and future projects.

 

Andrew Donald provided a timeline on the Woodlands which highlighted that in 2004 four sites were sold as a single lot by the Ministry of Defense. In 2006 the Helensburgh Community Woodlands Group was formed by local-residents with the intention of securing the future of the Woodlands for the Community and to stop any developments that may undermine the area. Andrew advised that the Groups endeavors paid off and in November 2020, Helensburgh Community Woodlands Group completed the purchase and long term future of Castle Wood.

 

Andrew highlighted that the Group are now looking at how they can establish a woodland management structure; protect the woodland floor and how to secure funding for professional support.

 

It was noted that the Council has a new Biodiversity Officer and that the Community Development Team have a Woodlands Management Group.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Presentation by Helensburgh Community Woodlands and Friends of Duchess Woods)

Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust

Consideration was given 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. It was noted that the Project Manager was seeking feedback from Partners on the draft Strategy and Action Plan, prior to submitting a finalised version to the upcoming Community Planning Partnership Management Committee meeting in December 2024.

 

Action – Andy McPherson to offer a further update on the Climate Action Project at the next meeting. (Andy McPherson)

 

Action – Climate Change to be placed further up the agenda for future meetings.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    noted the approach and status of the project outlined in the report; and

 

2.    agreed to provide comments and feedback to the Project Manager (andy@act-now.org.uk) following the meeting.

 

(Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 28 October 2024, submitted)

Ardenconnel Woods

 

Fiona Baker highlighted that the offer to purchase Ardenconnel Woods has been accepted by Luss Estates. Fiona confirmed that a steering group and Community Trust has been established to support this acquisition and that a public meeting would be held to update the Community.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 11 February 2025.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 11 February 2025.