Venue: By Microsoft Teams
Contact: Julieann Small, Senior Committee Assistant; Tel: 01546 604043
No. | Item |
---|---|
Welcome and Apologies Minutes: The
Chair welcomed everyone highlighting some new members of the Group including
the newly elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, and the three
Elected Member representatives. The
Chair then outlined the procedure for the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Donald McNeill, Forestry and Land Scotland; Jeni West, Forestry and Land Scotland; May Cross, Department for Work and Pension; Teresa Robertson, Fyne Homes; Kelly Scott, SSE; Robert Judge, Live Argyll; Sandra MacIntyre, We Are With You; Donna Lockhart, Calmac; Christopher Casey, Scottish Fire and Rescue
Service; Susan MacRae, Skills
Development Scotland; Heather Thomas-Smith, Argyll and the Isles Tourism
Co-operative; Councillor Tommy MacPherson; Mairi MacCuaig,
Argyll College UHI; Jackie MacPherson, Argyll College UHI and Dhonna McCallum, Argyll College UHI. |
|
Declarations of Interest Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
|
Minutes |
|
Minutes: The minutes of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 were approved as a correct record. |
|
Partner Updates |
|
Scottish Fire and Rescue Update Minutes: The
Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s
(SFRS) FQ1 review of local performance across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the
Islands for the period 2022-23. In the absence of Barry Colvan,
Darren Gibb spoke to the terms of the report. The report included information
around incidents during this period, recent community engagement activities and
the local firefighter training plan. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and
noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) |
|
Police Scotland Update Minutes: Consideration
was given to an update by Sergeant Matthew Shaw which
included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided
information on staff resourcing as well as a number of initiatives including
Keep Safe – Ukranian Support and Doorstep Crime
Guidance. Information in relation to
road safety was also provided in the report. Sergeant
Shaw also highlighted the increasing trend of drug drivers and drugs being
brought into the area and added that road block operations had been in process
which has resulted in good results and advised that they are increasing the
footprint of these type of operations. Sergeant
Shaw spoke of the public engagement activities helping improve the way the
policing service is delivered in local communities and advised of the launch of
this year’s annual Police survey. He urged Partners to go online and complete the survey and give their views. Discussion was had around the installation of
ANPR Cameras on the A83; the recent Rural Crime event held in Kintyre and the
possibility of running similar events in correlation with neighbourhood watch
meetings in the future. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Police Scotland, submitted) |
|
Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update Minutes: The Group gave consideration to
an update from Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). The update highlighted an unprecedented rise in
requests for advice and support from clients across all areas of Argyll and
Bute and outlined that the impact of the cost of living crisis had pushed
energy enquiries up by 89% between September and July compared to the same
period last year. Information was also provided on the relocation of the office
to the Helensburgh Community Hub; the recommencement of the Volunteer Adviser
Training Programme and the upcoming AGM, which is scheduled to take place on 22
November 2022. Discussion was had in relation to
the waiting time for general enquires. Jen advised that for any urgent cases,
appointments would be given within a fortnight or more often than not within a
week. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the
Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information
provided. (Reference:
Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted) |
|
Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Update Minutes: The Group considered a public health update from Jennifer
Dryden, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. The update
highlighted information regarding to the Money Counts Level 1 Training Course;
Smoke Free Hospital Ground’s Legislation and Scotland’s Suicide Prevention
Strategy Consultation. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care
Partnership, submitted) |
|
Campbeltown Community Council Additional documents: Minutes: The
Group considered an update by Valerie Nimmo from
Campbeltown Community Council. The update included information on disbursement
of funds from Campbeltown Community Windfarm Fund; Ongoing work on the sea
defences at the Esplanade; Concerns for the town centre traffic management; the
resurfacing of the Esplanade and the deterioration of two empty buildings in
the main street in Campbeltown. Discussion
took place in regards to the sea defences work; traffic management; the
resurfacing of esplanade and around the wire around the SUStrans
sculpture. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Valerie Nimmo, Campbeltown Community
Council, submitted) |
|
Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust Minutes: The
Group considered a written update from Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust. The update included information
on the Housing Project and the funding received for this; the representation at
the Community Housing Network Group organised by Argyll and Bute Council
Housing team; the proposal to Tarbert Harbour to
provide a heritage experience to attract local residents and visitors to the
village centre and the participation in online discussions regarding how to
deliver affordable homes in the area. Shona
advised that any questions or comments for Tarbert
and Skipness Community Trust in relation to the update should be forwarded to her and she will
feed these back and request an update at the next meeting. Decision Mid
Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and
noted the information provided. Action
- Shona Barton to pass on Police Scotland’s details to the Trust and ask them
to get in touch. (Reference:
Report by Tarbert and Skipness
Community Trust, submitted) |
|
University of Highlands and Islands Update Minutes: Having noted that
there was no one in attendance from Argyll College UHI, the group gave
consideration to a written update which included information on their new logo
design; Graduation date for pupils attending Argyll College UHI; School link
skills for work; Information on the school academic year ahead and information
on the new Construction & Engineering Centre in Campbeltown which opened in
May 2022. Shona
advised that any questions or comments for Argyll College UHI in relation to
the update should be forwarded to her and she will feed these back and request
an update at the next meeting. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Argyll UHI, submitted) |
|
Climate Action Towns Update Minutes: The
group gave consideration to an update from Architecture and Design Scotland and
Chiara Fingland spoke to the terms of the report. The
report included information about what they have agreed since the last meeting of
the Area Community Planning Group. This included agreeing the focus for year 2
with local partners and where they can support implementation of the Community
Action Plan (CAP) with climate change considerations. Chiara
also noted that they have supported Campbeltown Community Council to work with
Campbeltown Grammar Schools’ pupil council so that young people are more
involved with local decision making. A potential project around improving
recycling in the school and town is due to start autumn 2022. Chiara
also highlighted that that the learning from year 1 across all 7 Climate Action
Towns has now been published and you can view on the link below. https://www.ads.org.uk/resource/climate-action-towns-year-one-lessons-report Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Chiara Fingland, Architecture and Design
Scotland, submitted) |
|
South Islay Development, Port Ellen Playing Fields Update Minutes: The group gave
consideration to an update from South Islay Development and Alyson MacGillivray spoke
to the terms of the update. The update highlighted that SID had received 2
completed tenders from contracting companies who were willing to do the
construction work for the new building on the Port Ellen Playing Fields.
However due to the rising construction costs SID have since been unable to
award the contract to either parties. Alyson highlighted
that SID are now working with Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands & Islands
Enterprise and a Procurement specialist to investigate options for the most
cost-effective way forward. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by South Islay Development, submitted) |
|
Argyll and Bute TSI Update Minutes: The
group gave consideration to an update by Margaret Wallace of Argyll TSI which
included information on the recent Volunteer of the Year Awards; the
distribution of the Community Based Adult Learning Fund; the announcement expected
from the Scottish Government on the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund;
the new Joint Commissioning Strategy, as agreed by the Integration Joint Board,
at its meeting on 30 March 2022; the Training Needs Analysis survey which has
been sent out to the voluntary sector; the progress of the ABCD database
(Argyll and Bute Community Directory) which has now over 872 organisations
details and the YPG Mentor and Volunteer Placement Programme. Margaret
highlighted that volunteers are in short supply and added that there was a
decline after the pandemic. Discussion
was had around the funding received from the Community Health and Well Being
fund and the Communities Directory. The Committee Manager agreed to take
forward arrangements for a demonstration of the Community Directory at a future
meeting. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Argyll TSI, submitted) |
|
Opportunity for Verbal Updates Minutes: Community Development,
Argyll and Bute Council Antonia Baird highlighted some of the work undertaken by the Community Development Team. The update included information on risk management training given; the completion of the analysis of training needs survey and added with working with TSI should be able to provide training; Antonia also mentioned that there was a meeting held with the Scottish Mens Shed movement to find out information on if they were able to continue throughout the pandemic or if support is needed and spoke of the cost of living crisis. Lastly Antonia wanted to congratulate the Dochas Centre who were recently awarded a grant of £200,000 to continue their befriending service and counselling which is made available throughout the area via telephone or zoom. Transport Scotland Neil MacFarlane provided information of scheduled work which is to take place. This included the construction of a new footpath in Minard into Crarae Gardens; 3 Resurfacing projects along the A83; Future works on Butterbridge and Honeymoon Bridge, and also the sea wall in Ardrishaig; verge collapse on South Craleckan – North of Furnace; remedial works in Hall street in Campbeltown and pedestrian crossing and road drainage works on Kinlock Road in Campbeltown. Discussion took place around the timescale for the works in Campbeltown and the pedestrian crossing. MSYP for Argyll and
Bute Ryan MacIntyre introduced himself to the group and provided an update on road shows that he had attended and provided an update on scheduled events going forward. He added that they are trying to encourage young people to use their voices and are listening to young people’s issues. Ryan Highlighted that work on the Education Change programme was undertaken prior to it being presented to Council and highlighted that they are looking at ways to ensure young people’s voices are heard and used. Community Council
Elections Shona Barton provided a short update on the process of the Community Council elections. She advised that the Community Council Elections are to take place on the 20 October 2022 and that nominations are now open. She advised that the closing date is 8 October 2022 and provided the following link to nomination packs:- https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-council-elections-20-october-2022 East Kintyre Community
Council Ian
Brodie advised that the SSEN undersea cable from Carradale
to Arran work is finished and SSEN Carradale
substation delivered the last transformer on Tuesday. Ian highlighted that East
Kintyre had an open day in Carradale on the 13 August
which was very well attended and added that details and report of the event
would be presented at the next meeting. Ian lastly spoke of the preparation for
the by-election on the 29 September following the sad death of Councillor John
McAlpine. |
|
Argyll and Bute Settlement Programme Minutes: The
Group gave consideration to an update by James Paterson which highlighted his
team’s continual work in trying to improve the barriers faced by people when
taking up employment in Argyll and Bute’s most rural areas. Four geographical
areas are being focused on, Coll and Tiree; Kintyre, Bute and the Rosneath
Peninsula. James
added that they are in the process of recruiting a new Settlement Officer
following the resignation of previous post holder. He advised that it is
anticipated that a full report will be provided to Council in April next year. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by James Paterson, Senior Economic Growth Officer, Argyll and Bute
Council, submitted) |
|
Community Focus |
|
Inveraray Community Action Plan Minutes: Consideration was given to a
report which highlighted the ongoing work of Inveraray
Community Council, including the local communities vision for the future of Inveraray and its people. The plan considered opportunities
in 4 areas, Business and Commerce; Infrastructure and Development; Health and
Wellbeing and Community Cohesion and Pride.
Alyssa Stewart and Linda Divers
spoke of the action plan that Inveraray Community
Council had recently completed. They advised of the grant awarded by the
Council of £1500 and the process involved. They spoke of community
engagement work; an open day held at a local church; negative feedback received
and the struggle with the lack of volunteers. They added they are trying to
encourage people advising that the Community Council will help take forward any
recommendations or plans with the help of others. They talked of the work that
they are currently involved in with the Pier and added they are in discussion
with young people to help create somewhere for them to play football,
highlighting discussions with the local primary school who have an unused field
that could be improved into a sports pitch for children. Discussion was had around the
great presentation given and good work the community council had been doing.
Partners were encouraged to look at the Community Action Plan and if they see
themselves as partners listed as potential partners to reach out to Inveraray Community Council to offer support. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the
Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information
provided. (Reference: Report by Inveraray Community Council, submitted) |
|
Climate Change |
|
Report from Climate Change Working Group Minutes: Consideration
was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Climate Change
Working Group. The report outlined the proposal to produce a strategic Action
Plan as a means to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the
development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate
Change Project Officer post. Information was also provided on the funding
options for the project. The Chair advised that any questions or comments in relation to the update should be forwarded to the Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, Stan Philips. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the information provided. (Reference:
Report by Stan Phillips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted) |
|
Community Planning Management Committee Update Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Minutes: Consideration
was given to a briefing note which provided information on matters discussed
during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management
Committee, held on 22 June 2022. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered
and noted the briefing note. (Reference: Report by
Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) |
|
Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Minutes: The
group gave consideration to a report which provided information in relation to
the appointment of a Vice-Chair for the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area
Community Planning Group. The report outlined the expected time commitment and
provided information on the role. Councillor
Jan brown nominated Councillor John Armour on an interim basis. John agreed
that he would be happy to take up the post of Vice-Chair until after the Community
Council elections as he feels this position would be more suited for a
Community Council representative or other partner. With there being no other
nominations, this became the decision of the group. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group appointed Councillor
John Armour as Vice-Chair for a period of initially 6 months. Review will take
place at the February Meeting of the CPG. (Reference:
Report by Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 31
August 2022, submitted) |
|
Review of Meeting Arrangements Verbal update by Committee Manager. Minutes: The
Committee Manager provided a verbal update on the review of future meeting
arrangements. She advised that the next meeting in November would be held in
the afternoon. Shona highlighted the options for future meetings and asked for
views on whether to continue with fully remote or hybrid where there is an
option to meet in person with some joining via MS Teams. Discussion
took place within the group regarding what attendees preferred and Shona added
that the team now have quite sophisticated equipment in the Chambers in Kilmory which will allow members to choose whether to
attend in person or remotely. She also advised that the Council was in the
process of procuring equipment for to facilitate Hybrid meetings for the Area
Committees that we would be able to use for CPG, however added that we would
need to use in facilities where there was a reliable Wi-Fi connection. With
all members in agreement it was decided that the next meeting would be held on
a Hybrid Basis from the Council Chambers in Kilmory
with the option available for members to join remotely. |
|
Date of Next Meeting The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 2nd November 2022 at 10.00am. Minutes: The
Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and thanked all partners
for their continued proactive work in the community. The
Group noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands
Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday, 2 November 2022 at
2.00pm. |