Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated from Morevain Martin, Senior Development Officer and Councillor William Petrie.

The Minute of Meeting 17 November 2009 was approved as a correct record.

Ishabel Bremner, Economic Development Manager, outlined the final draft of the Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP) for 2010 – 2013, which was due for approval by the end of March 2010 and would be implemented into the next financial year.  The EDAP vision would be focussed on ensuring that Argyll and Bute will be well placed to make well informed contributions and that the plan was centred around the 3 ‘c’s – Competitive, Connected and Collaborative. Ms Bremner explained how these interlinked to form the basis of the framework for economic development.

The importance of focussing on opportunities was highlighted in order to maintain Argyll and Bute as a ‘key region’ in Europe. 

From discussions, concern was raised regarding the description of Helensburgh as a ‘Gateway’ as it was misleading, and the importance of the waterfront as an asset with major income potential was discussed as a means of attracting visitors to the area.

After much discussion, it was felt that there had been insufficient time for members to fully discuss the paper and in this respect,  partners were invited to e-mail their comments and suggestions to Lynn Smillie, Area Corporate Services by the end of the week. 

The possibility of issuing the Agenda papers fourteen days prior to the meeting in order that members would be fully briefed, was also considered.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Chairperson, Helensburgh CHORD Project Group, gave a brief outline of the Group’s remit, the progress currently being made, and  explained how community engagement was a crucial part of the project and that it was important that all the relevant bodies were involved.  Various methods of community engagement were being considered.

Councillor Mulvaney informed members how the Traffic Management Scheme would integrate with the developments proposed at the Pier Site.  He addressed concerns regarding consultancy fees by advising that the CHORD funding was inclusive of these fees and that the appointment of an independent Consultant would bring confidence that a quality product would be delivered on time and within budget.

Lynn Smillie, Area Corporate Services Manager, outlined  four Area Community Planning Outcomes and explained that following recent discussion with SFR and Strathclyde Police, several actions to achieve outcomes had been identified.

Partners agreed the four outcomes, which are :-

• Helensburgh Town Centre has vibrant economic activities
• Enhanced Transportation links with rest of Argyll & Bute, Glasgow conurbation and rest of Scotland
• People feel safe in their homes and communities
• Improved overall health, wellbeing, independence and social inclusion

 as a starting point, and for core partners to meet to finalise the draft Community Plan for consideration at the March 2010 LACPG meeting.

Members noted the contents of a report submitted to the Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Management Committee and it was agreed that the following points be highlighted in the next report.

• Note the level of partners who were unable to attend the first meeting
• Note that the working group to establish priority areas has been difficult to coordinate due to operational priorities by partners and Christmas and New Year.
• Note the discussion on the level of elected member representation on the LACPG.

Partners  agreed that the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Seminar should be held before the end of June 2010 and that it should be organised prior to the end of April.

Geoff Calvert advised that the Bute and Cowal event is on 6^th March at Dunoon Grammar school and suggested that it might be beneficial for someone to attend this.

Tuesday 18 May was agreed as a suitable date to hold the Helensburgh and Lomond event, with some form of  evening session being the preferred option. 

Partners were asked to provide feedback and suggestions on this at the March 2010 meeting.

Partners agreed to continue with the current arrangement and review the situation at a later date. 

a)      Young People Representation on the Helensburgh & Lomond Local Area Community Planning Group.

The importance of young people becoming involved in the LACPG was highlighted, and Lynn Smillie agreed to contact Roanna Taylor, Young Scot Co-ordinator to facilitate the Youth Forum to be involved in the LACPG.

Tuesday 16^th March 2010