Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated from:-

 

Councillor Maurice Corry

Councillor Vivien Dance

Councillor George Freeman

Councillor David Kinniburgh

Councillor Ellen Morton

Councillor Gary Mulvaney

Councillor James Robb

 

Jane McKenzie, Scottish Water

Morevain Martin, Argyll Voluntary Action

Neil Black, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

There were no declarations of interest.

Minute of Meeting of Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group 11 June 2013

The Minute of the Meeting of Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group, 11 June 2013 was approved as a correct record. 

Report by Bruce Kiloh, Head of Policy and Planning  – SPT

 

The Group considered a report on transport outcomes for the period of 2013/14 by Bruce Kiloh, Head of Policy and Planning , SPT.  Mr Kiloh advised of regional projects which had benefited Argyll and Bute residents to the value of £41 million.  Discussion took place relating to the new “My Bus” scheme with Mr Kiloh advising that this was a replacement for the “Dial a Bus”, which is used by those who are unable to use mainstream public transport.  He advised that this service has over 500,000 passengers a year.  Katrina Sayer, Argyll Voluntary Action explained that there was currently an over 60s group and enquired whether it would be possible to pass questions and arrange a meeting with an SPT representative to discuss in more detail.  Mr Kiloh advised that this would be possible.  Nick Davis of the Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council  spoke of the Kilcreggan Ferry, describing it as a life line for the residents of Kilcreggan as the road journey from Kilcreggan to Gourrock by road is 55 miles.  He noted disappointment at the times of the first ferry on a Sunday and asked whether it would be possible for an earlier ferry.  Councillor MacIntyre advised that the Sunday service finishes in October however it is to be looked into for the next year.  He advised that he was aware that improvements were to be made to the Kilcreggan Pier by SPT, but he was mindful that if it was taken over by the Scottish Office, this may not happen.  John Tacchi, Helensburgh Community Council requested further information on the Helensburgh Park and Ride and asked whether the figures showed an increase or decrease.  Mr Kiloh advised that he would ascertain the information requested and forward to Lynsey Innis to disseminate.  Tony Davy, Cardross Community Council enquired about concessions tickets for over 60’s, and the possibility of purchasing a 5 day ticket at no further discount.  He advised that he had contacted Scotrail in the first instance who said that they could establish a process but this was a matter for SPT to approve.  Mr Kiloh requested that Mr Davy put his request in writing and send to the address provided in the report. 

 

Further discussion relating to the new smartcard was had, with Mr Davy enquiring as to the possibility of certain categories of Armed Force Vetrans receiving free travel.  Mr Kiloh advised that he was unsure but that he would look into the matter and provide the answer. 

 

The Chair thanked Mr Kiloh for his imformative presentation.

 

(Reference report by Head of Policy and Planning, SPT dated September 2013 submitted)

 

 

Sexual Health  - Media and Cultural influences

 

The Group considered a report on the Media and Cultural Influences of Sexual Health by Laura Stephenson, Senior Health Promotion Specialist (Sexual Health), Argyll and Bute CHP. 

 

Councillor Trail enquired as to whether all teachers received training on providing children on information on Sexual Health, as he felt it would be awkward for a specialist teacher, i.e. French teacher, to provide this.  Ms Stephenson advised that this was an issue addressed in the Curriculum for Excellence and it advised that it should be a teacher that children can speak to. 

 

The Chair thanked Ms Stephenson for her informative presentation.

 

(Reference report submitted by Senior Health Promotion Specialist (Sexual Health), Argyll and Bute CHP, dated 30 July 2013, submitted)

Presentation by Ailsa Raeburn, Scottish Land Fund Advisor

The Group were updated by Ailsa Raeburn, Scottish Land Fund Advisor, who provided information in relation to supporting communities to acquire and manage sustainable assets.  She explained the principles of Community Land Ownership and where the funding comes from.  She explained that at present there are more than 420,000 acres in community ownership with the Scottish Government wishing to generate another 500,000 acres within the next 7 years.  She explained that the aim of the group was to support rural communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and management of land and land assets. 

 

The Chair thanked Ms Raeburn for her informative presentation. 

(a)               Scottish Ambulance - Update on 1^st Responders Initiative – Mark Benton

(b)               Police Scotland

(c)               Scottish Fire and Rescue

(d)               NHS Highland

(e)               Scottish Water

(f)                 Argyll Voluntary Action

(g)               Community Safety

(a)    Scottish Ambulance – Update on 1^st Responders Initiative

 

As there was no representation there was no update from Scottish Ambulance Service.

 

(b)    Police Scotland

 

The Group were informed by Chief Inspector Stitt with regard to recent crime rates.  He advised that there was a lower rate in terms of anti-social behaviour, he advised that break-ins at Electrical Substations were currently trending across Scotland.  He advised that the cable was valuable however locally the damage caused to the buildings was in excess of £30,000.  An individual had been detained in relation to these break-ins however it may be that related to a larger crime group.

 

He spoke of a spate of house breakings across Cardross, Rhu, Glen Fruin and Arden.

 

He advised of the increase in disorder at Luss in July and August due to the increase in visitors to the area over the summer months.  He explained that plans were already afoot as to how to deal with next year.

 

He advised of nuisance within Colquhoun Square and Helensburgh town centre and that increased patrols were in place to deal with this.  He spoke of 3 separate fires which took place at the rear of 100 and 102 West Princes Street and RS McColl’s.  He advised that the damage was low, however this was a result of the fast action taken by the Fire Service.  He explained that there was a substantial evacuation of the premises, however within 48 hours the person responsible had been remanded and was currently in custody.  He spoke of the progression of Rural Watch and Shop Watch and explained that this had progressed quickly with shoplifting at a low. 

 

He explained that the mobile office was now out on a daily basis, and had receive positive feedback. 

 

John Tacchi asked about the control of the youths at the railway station.  Chief Inspector Stitt advised that the British Transport Police had taken the decision to close the side gate.  He advised that the problem was with youths hanging out in the carpark.  He advised that they were linking with British Transport Police to work towards a solution for the problem. 

 

 

(c)    Scottish Fire and Rescue

 

The Group were updated by Area Commander Eddie Renfrew.  He advised of the recent spate of fires as discussed by Chief Inspector Stitt and advised that there is currently a “Deliberate Fire” task group which meets in the Dumbarton area and that the Helensburgh and Lomond division were considering starting one.  He spoke of the free home safety visits which are currently being offered within the area.  He advised that to date they have carried out 162 visits with 44 being declined by the public.  He further advised that this kind of engagement work has shown a decrease in private dwelling fires.  He spoke of the partnership referral system that is currently in place which targets high risks.  He advised that due to a pilot exercise currently operating with the Social Work team they have had 9 high risk referrals which has resulted in home safety visits which ordinarily would never have happened. 

 

Hilary Plenderleith, NHS Highland enquired as to whether there were many referrals from district nurses for this service.  Mr Renfrew advised that it was mainly audiology referrals from the NHS, however he advised that he would look into the figures and provide a note for the next meeting.

 

Mr Renfrew advised of a well publicised Road Traffic Accident outside Strachur, which resulted in an elderly man spending 3 nights trapped inside his car because it had been so far from the road no one has spotted it.  He advised that the moral of the story and one which should be spread was that when travelling alone, you should always carry a mobile phone and ensure that someone knows where you are going and when you should arrive. 

 

Councillor Trail enquired as to the number of wild fires during the summer’s hottest months.  Mr Renfrew advised that there had not been as many as were expected.  He advised that as a consequence of the recent fatalities in the Helensburgh area more people were more vigilant about fire. 

 

 

(d)    NHS Highland

 

Hilary Plenderleith, NHS Highland provided an update with regard to the Early Years Collaborative, which sets outcomes to improve a child’s start in life; the Early Years Conference, which is about getting it right from the start by implementation of the Integrated Children’s Service Plan; Re-shaping care for Older People, which is about preventing admission to hospital and the upcoming Helensburgh’s Got Talent, which is a collaborative between Health and Education, the Police and other services who work with young people to promote healthy lifestyles and mental health issues.  She advised that the show itself would be held on 27^th September 2013 at 7.30pm.

 

Tony Davy, Cardross Community Council asked for an update with regard to where the integrated care equipment is being stored.  Ms Plenderleith advised that this was being centralised.  Mr Davy suggested that it may be worth being reported on at the next meeting. 

 

 

(e)    Scottish Water

 

As apologies had been intimated by Jane McKenzie, Regional Community Manager, there was no update from Scottish Water. 

 

(f)      Argyll Voluntary Action

 

Katrina Sayer provided an update on behalf of Morevain Martin.  She circulated a handout entitled “The Voice” which is the new name for the local Third Sector Forum in Helensburgh.  The handout advised that members of The Voice would like the CPP to know about the wide range of services currently being delivered within the Helensburgh and Lomond area by voluntary organisations.

 

(g)    Community Safety Forum

 

Tricia O’Neill gave a brief update from the last Community Safety Forum.

 

 

In addition Commander Ian Riches advised that the MOD were working with Councillor Cory as Armed Forces Champion and were looking for a tactical meeting to progress the maritime Change Programme and would be seeking to work with the community on all aspects of this.   

 

There were no issues raised by Third Sector Partners.

Tony Davy praised the Central Committee Services Team for the work they had done towards the forthcoming Community Council elections.  He noted the posters on display within the local post office and Co-op stores.  Discussion followed between Nick Davis, John Tacchi and Tony Davy in regards to the number of applications sent to each Community Council and the procedures for submitting applications.  Tricia O’Neill advised that additional forms were available at local service points, and from the Council’s website.  She also advised that it to ensure your forms were received by the Council within the agreed timescale it was advisable to hand deliver to the local service points, however it was acceptable to post these to the Council’s headquarters at Kilmory, but that the Council would not accept responsibility for any late applications.   

Discussion with Head of Roads and Amenity Services

The Chair advised that this item would not be discussed as it was not relevant at this meeting.  

Update by Community Development Officer

Audrey Baird provided the Group with an update in regard to the steering group established to consider and plan the Community Forum Event.  She explained that the theme and format for the event was to encourage more people to consider the consequences of population decline.

 

John Tacchi spoke to implication 5.6 on the report.  He advised that his observations were that events of this kind were not particularly well attended.  He suggested that a “think outside of the box” suggestion was necessary.  He advised of the 2 debates recently started as a result of input by the Helensburgh Advertiser.  Discussion ensued relating to the suggestion of an external chair such as Henry Ainsley for question time in the evening and that in turn he may help with the PR for the event.  Further discussion took place with regard to advertising, where it was established that the Council’s Communications Team were to have responsibility for any PR work. 

 

Audrey Baird agreed to check if the hall was available to support an earlier date.  

 

The group agreed to accept the recommendations of the report and Audrey Baird advised that she would email members in order to get more support and possible volunteers for the steering group. 

 

(Reference report by Community Development Officer, dated 10 September 2013, submitted)