Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from:

Councillor Ellen Morton

Allan Comrie, SPT

Jim Littlejohn, Health and Social Care Partnership

Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust

Nicola Reaney, Argyll & Bute Council

Mary Haggarty, Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui Community Council

Councillor Iain Paterson

Barbara Warren, Helensburgh Community Council

Samantha Somers gave an update on what was discussed at the CPP Management Committee in June 2019.  Key items of note were that the new Chair of the CPP Management Committee was Paul Devlin, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and that the mid-year population estimates show a continued decline in the population of Argyll and Bute and that the Council Leader was working collectively with other West Coast authorities to address this.

Samantha gave an update to the actions within the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Action Plan.

It was agreed that future updates would contain a brief summary of each action. It was agreed to highlight those marked as not on track to the CPP Management Committee.

Samantha gave an update on how many people had responded to the consultation so far and encouraged everyone present to do what they could to encourage more people to respond from the area.

It was noted that the results from 2018 would be included in the overall feedback and that the results would be made available and shared fully with communities and partners.

Norman McNally, Helensburgh Community Council, gave an overview of the history and the process being undertaken currently to form a “Vision for Helensburgh” and subsequent community-led action plan for the town.

All were encouraged to get involved in the community survey and it was agreed that the new Area Community Planning Action Plan should complement the Vision for Helensburgh plan to ensure there was no duplication.

Portincaple Residents Assocation

Hilary informed the meeting about a proposed large development that was yet to be submitted for Planning consideration. The concerns of the residents were noted.

Helensburgh Community Council

Christine advised that they had received funding from the Health and Wellbeing Network to run an event on the 11th January 2020 with a primary focus on supporting long-term conditions. All partners were encouraged to take a stand and support the event.

Plastic Free Helensburgh

Fiona gave a presentation outlining the work and ambition of the newly formed Plastic Free Helensburgh group. Kirsty Moyes, Community Development Officer, is working with the group.

Any updates from partners/community groups under these outcomes

It was hoped that a representative from the MOD would have provided an update to the Maritime Change Programme but it was noted that there have been issues with communication since the retiral of the previous attendee. Samantha will contact a different Commodore to try and progress this and build relationships with the MOD.

Dunbritton Housing Association

Sephton advised that there had been a small community meeting looking at the possibilities of growing fruit and vegetables in the MacKintosh Court area.

Police Scotland

Roddy spoke of vandalism/anti-social behaviour that had been occurring in the area. It was noted that there were additional patrols in the National Park area due to additional funding received, average speed cameras were due to be installed on the A82 road and that the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers had had their passing out ceremony and were scheduled to assist at various upcoming events.

Department for Work and Pensions

Nora advised that they would be soon starting an Employability Hub and that they would be looking for local employers to become part of mentoring circles for young people aged 16 to 24.

Helensburgh Youth Forum/Police Scotland Youth Volunteers

Rosie introduced herself as one of the young people representing Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Youth Parliament and gave an overview of her role there. It was noted that their national campaign for the coming year was on environmental protection. The Big Day Out is scheduled for Tuesday 13^th August with 100 young people across Argyll and Bute planned to attend.

Chloe spoke of the work that the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers had been doing over the summer and their current work.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Stephen said that there had been a few instances of anti-social fire-setting but that the numbers were relatively low. It was noted that the Young Firefighter Unit in Helensburgh was currently recruiting young people aged 13-17 and that there was a recruitment drive for retained firefighters across the area. CPR sessions and Home Fire Safety Visits were also continued to be promoted and encouraged.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Fiona spoke of a number of initiatives that the National Park are currently doing, including a Litter Prevention Summit, Camping Development Strategy, Youth Committee, Youth Rangers/Adult Rangers and there was discussion on wild camping and the education required around this.

Live Argyll

Colin gave an update on the Joint Innovation Hub that was going to be based in the Library, spoke of the summer reading challenge and provided figures on the number of children using the swimming pool over the summer.

Garelochhead Station Trust

Morevain advised that they had now gained charitable status as a registered SCIO and that funding had been secured towards redevelopment of the building which will hopefully start next year. Morevain also gave an update on various activities that had been provided by the Trust including Walk Leader Training, ASIST training and bike maintenance.

Laura Stephenson spoke to the report which was noted.

Thursday 7^th November 2019, 10.00 in Cove Burgh Hall

Thursday 7^th November, Cove Burgh Hall – time to be confirmed.