Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from:-

Councillor Roddy McCuish

Councillor Elaine Robertson

Jane Fowler, Argyll and Bute Council

Douglas Blades, Argyll and Bute Council

Nic Jones, BID4OBAN

David Adams McGilp, Visit Scotland

None.

The Minutes of the Meeting of 12^th September 2012 were approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the previous meeting of 14^th March 2013 were approved as a correct record.

Presentation by ACHA

The Group heard a presentation from the Chief Executive of ACHA about the investment programme for 2013/14, the new builds in the area and the ongoing initiatives.

Councillor Glen-Lee thanked the Chief Executive for his presentation.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Update by David Adams McGilp, Strategic Tourism Partnership

It was agreed that this item would come to the September Community Planning Group as David Adams McGilp from the Strategic Tourism Partnership could not attend this meeting.

Update by Stephen Austin, Scottish Natural Heritage

Andrew Campbell from SNH gave a verbal update on the Oban-Tyndrum path.

He advised since SNH commissioned an economic benefits study for this route in 2012, which showed potential for the route to generate in excess of £1million per annum for the tourism service sector along its length (either existing or new businesses), SNH has entered into a project partnership agreement with A&B Council for A&B Council to lead on the next phase of the project. SNH input into this partnership is £30k.

He also advised Argyll and Bute Council are now leading on this project, the current phase is to commission a consultant to undertake a review of the route, identify all works on the ground, start initial liaison meetings/agreements with landowners and identify all costs.  SNH's £30K is to pay for a consultant to undertake this review and produce a detailed report.

The next phase of the project after that will be to find a lead agency (maybe SUSTRANS)  to implement the delivery of the project on the ground, securing the route and associated interpretation. Towards the end of that phase there was an intention to facilitate a round of training workshops  for interested parties, existing businesses and those thinking of starting new businesses along the route, regarding how best to generate income from this new resource.

Decision

The Group noted the updated provided.

Update by Douglas Blades, Public Transport Officer

It was agreed that this item would come to the September Community Planning Group meeting as the Public Transport Officer could not attend this meeting.

Health Screening Report

Joint Health Improvement Plan

Alison McGrory, Health Improvement Principal gave an update on the Health ImprovementConsultation.

She advised the Health and Wellbeing Partnership has considered how health and wellbeing is delivered in Argyll and Bute and has decided to develop a Joint Health Improvement Plan (JHIP) for the period 2013-2016.  The plan is open for consultation from April till June 2013.  The JHIP will replace the Outcome Focussed Plan for health improvement which expired in 2011.

Decision

The Group:-

                                        i.     Noted the report;

                                      ii.     Agreed to read the draft Joint Health Improvement Plan for Argyll and Bute;

                                     iii.     Agreed to provide feedback on the template provided by Friday 21  June 2013; and

                                    iv.     Agreed to consider their role in relation to health improvement in Argyll and Bute.

(Ref:  Report by Health Improvement Principal, Argyll and Bute CHP dated 11^th June 2013, submitted).

Alistair Davidson from Police Scotland updated the Group on the new Police Scotland Team and advised it was working comfortably and well. He advised there would be no public difference and they would continue their business as usual.

He informed there is a new Community Investigation Unit in Argyll which involved CID and uniform Officers.  This unit was reviewed at the end of May and there was no change as things are going well.

Alistair updated the Group on the new Rape Investigation Unit which can assist locally with crimes of a sexual nature.

There is also a Safer Community Department working centrally in Lochgilphead and this is working closely with Anti Social Behaviour issues which is again working well.

Reform Update

Spring Strategy

Hearing Impairment Referrals

Martin Hill from the Fire Service updated the Forum on the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service since 1^st April 2013 and advised all was going well and they were maintaining the partnership links set up under Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.

He informed the Group of the new structure for the Fire and Rescue Service, the new Area Commander is Paul Connelly who had started in post and is covering both Argyll and Bute and East and West Dunbartonshire.

He advised that they are trying to develop a register of land owners and guidance on fire safety for next year.

Councillor Glen-Lee informed the Group about Scottish Fire and Rescue’s new twitter page and thought this was a brilliant idea for keeping people up to date.

There was no one present from Scottish Water so this item will continue to the September meeting.

Councillor Glen-Lee left the meeting.  Marri Malloy from Oban Community Council took over as Chair.

Duncan Martin from Oban Community Council gave an update on the recent visit to Oban by 4 Councillors from Kells Town Council in Ireland.  They visited Iona, SAMS, the Distillery and Dunollie and also attended a church service.  The found Oban really interesting and Duncan thanked Councillor MacIntyre for all his help in arranging the visit.

Les Stewart from Connel Community Council raised an issue about the length and volume of emails Community Councils receive.  He asked if in future a summary at the beginning of documents/emails could be provided.

Glenn Heritage updated the Group on the Volunteer of the Year Awards.  She advised there were 143 people in attendance at the event in the Council Chamber on 31^st May.

They are also starting a new project for social media whiz kids to grow their own business.

Report by Area Governance Officer

A report updating the Group about items discussed at the most recent Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Safety Forum held on 8^th May 2013, was considered.

Decision

The Group noted the work undertaken and agreed to get in contact with Danielle Finlay, Area Governance Assistant if they had any items of business they would like on the agenda for the next Community Safety Forum.

(Ref:  Report by Area Governance Officer dated 28^th May 2013, submitted).

Presentation by Adam Ardrey

The Group heard a presentation by Adam Ardrey, Finding Merlin.

He provided historical information on King Arthur and Merlin and would like to see more tourists come to Argyll and Bute to see this.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and the Chair invited Adam Ardrey along to the next Argyll and Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership.

Report by Emma Grant

A report providing the background information to the North Argyll Eventide Home Association was considered.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Report by Emma Grant dated 11^th June 2013, submitted).

Report by the Head of Improvement and HR

A report detailing the Council’s draft Gaelic Language Plan that was approved for consultation in March 2013, was considered.

The plan sets out the commitments by the Council for developing and supporting the Gaelic Language in line with the National Plan for Gaelic 2012-2017.

The Council is seeking views on the draft plan prior to submitting the final format to Bord na Gaidhling in July 2013.

Decision

The Group considered the draft plan and agreed if they had any comments they would feed them back to the Head of Improvement and HR.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Improvement and HR dated 11^th June 2013, submitted).

Report by IOD Project Officer

A report detailing the new Community Engagement Strategy was considered.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and agreed to get in touch with the IOD Project Officer if they had any comments.

(Ref:  Report by IOD Project Officer dated 11^th June 2013, submitted).

Report by IOD Projects Officer

A report that went to the CPP Management Committee on 8^th May 2013 was considered.

The report provides the Management Committee with feedback from the discussions that took place at the March Community Planning Group on the subject of the proposed autumn Community Planning events.

Decision

The Group agreed:-

                i.       To recirc-ulate the consultation form which had been issued to partners seeking input to topics for the 2103 event, and to bring  and updated report providing details for that event  to the September Community Planning Group; and

              ii.       That Laura MacDonald, Eileen Wilson, Kate Winton and Councillor Fred Hall would form a short-life working group to take this forward and report back to the September Community Planning Group.

(Ref:  Report by Community Development Officer dated 11^th June 2013, submitted).

Report by Quality Improvement Officer

A report updating the Group on the progress being made within Education in Argyll and Bute was considered.  Details are based on the Standards and Quality Report for 2011/12.

Decision

The Group noted the progress made in relation to Education within Argyll and Bute.

(Ref: Report by Quality Improvement Officer dated 26^th April 2013, submitted).

Martin Hill informed the group he is taking part in the Lochness Marathon and if anyone would like to nominate a worthy local charity for him to support   to email him - martin.hill@strathclydefire.org