Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated on behalf of:

Douglas Hendry

Councillor Donald MacDonald

Councillor Neil Mackay

Councillor Gordon Chalmers

Iain MacDonald

The minutes of the meeting of Oban Lorn & the Isles Local Area Community Planning Group held on 12^th January 2011 were approved as a correct record.

Douglas Grierson, Access Officer

Sybil Johnston advised on progress with the core paths plan consultation which ends in early April.  Tracks, minor roads, trunk roads, lines of walking are all being looked at. It is hoped to set up a charitable trust to access funding, and look to communities taking ownership of paths.  A drop-in session was held in Oban to publicise the plan and encourage comments to be submitted to the Scottish Office online service

Area Manager – Customer Services

The Local Area Community Planning Group noted the progress which has been made by partners in financial year 2010/11 in delivering the agreed Local Community Plan for Oban, Lorn and the Isles, and considered whether any amendments to the plan may be required.  Area Manager, Customer Services, to update and amend as necessary and submit to the May LACPG meeting for further consideration.

Laura MacDonald, Community Development Officer

Laura MacDonald reported on feedback from the BCE training day, where participants were asked where they would like to see the LACPG – many feeling it should be a decision making group between partners.  Others felt the community needed a greater understanding of community planning. Themed meeting and video conferencing were highlighted as ways of reaching wider inclusion.

Leslie MacInnes gave a presentation on progress to date with the Dunbeg development, part of a huge economic development for the area.  A bid for Scottish Government funding to be submitted by 31^st May. Funding to be investigated for Phase 2.

Verbal update by David Whiteoak, Locality Manager

David Whiteoak, Locality Manager, updated the Group on measures to be taken to improve clinical effectiveness of the service and to reduce costs.  A review has been carried out highlighting under-capacity in resource utilisation – too many beds for usage.  1 ward can be closed and still provide the same service, which would help sustainability.  A newsletter was tabled for further information and circulation (attached). 

He then updated the Group on dental services at the hospital.  Due to changes in factors, (1).hospital re-design will create space; 2. maximum utilisation of space in existing buildings and (3) increased realisation of greater control of capital allocation to the NHS;it will be less expensive to locate dental services in the hospital and there would be better integration with some hospital services, i.e. x-ray.  There would be a new dedicated entrance and space for additional car parking can be made.

Discussions are ongoing regarding hospice type care, with palliative care given along with other patients.

Jim Robb, Head of Adult Services

No update available

Area Manager – Customer Services

The Group noted the progress which has been made, and agreed that this item should remain a standing item for consideration at future meetings of the Group.

Eileen Wilson, Community Planning Manager

Continued to the next meeting

Mr Cecil Ritchie

Mr Ritchie spoke to the Group on his involvement on the “Pass Plus” test for 17 to 25 year olds.  He asked the Councillors and members of the Group to take a driving assessment and requested finance to allow every young person passing their driving test to take the Pass Plus test, saying this would reduce accidents on the roads which could save up to £43.5m.

It was arranged that June Graham, Road Safety Officer would meet with Mr Ritchie to take his ideas forward.   A report from June to be brought to the next meeting.