Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:-

Councillor Sandy Taylor;

Iain Brodie;

Jeanmary Knowles;

Niall Colthart;

Betty Rhodick;

Margaret Wallace;

Raymond Flanagan; and

Jura Community Council

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The minutes of the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group held on Wednesday, 8 August 2018 were approved as an accurate record. 

Due to commitments of officers in attendance and requests from the membership, the Chair ruled and the Committee agreed to take the remaining agenda items out of sequence. 

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Update by Ray Flanagan, Youth Forum and Betty Rhoddick, Lochgilphead Community Council

The Group gave consideration to a verbal update from three members of Lochgilphead Youth Forum, Sarah Nicolson, Yasmin Bowden and Hannah Nicolson who outlined the structure, meeting schedule and aims of the group.  The girls spoke of their desire to see young people given a voice on matters of importance and also to build and maintain relationships with other community groups regardless of age.  They outlined projects they had taken part in throughout the year and explained about the skills they had gained as a result.

The Chair thanked the girls for the information provided and congratulated them on their hard work.  This sentiment was echoed by the Group, who were impressed that members of the Youth Forum had given up their October holidays to progress the Malawi Back Pack Appeal.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the contents of the update. 

Update on Lochgilphead Front Green Project by Transformation Projects and Regeneration Manager

The group were given a verbal update by the Council’s Sustainable Transport Co-ordinator on the progress of Lochgilphead Front Green project.  Mr Grierson advised that they were nearing the end of the procurement process and that it was hoped the design team would be appointed imminently.  He further advised that a meeting would be held with the Community Council and then they would look to establish an initial consultation programme, before taking the full business case to both MAKI Area Committee and the Policy and Resources Committee. 

He explained that timetables were subject to change but that it was hoped that the consultation period would run from late November into December 2018 with designs being finalised by early February 2019.  Mr Grierson confirmed that a further update would be presented to the Community Planning Group at their meeting on Wednesday, 6 February 2019.  

The Chair thanked Mr Grierson for the information provided.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided.

Update and report from Highlands and Islands Enterprise

The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Nicholas Sobey of Highlands and Islands Enterprise who highlighted the findings of a study conducted in 2015 to assess the extent to which transport connectivity between the five main population and economic centres (Campbeltown, Dunoon, Lochgilphead, Oban and Rothesay).

Mr Sobey reported that the outcome of the study had potential to positively impace on businesses, service providers and future economic growth, as well as major transformative investments in transport infrastructure.   

Discussion took place regarding progress since the time of the study, with many members expressing their concern that the information appeared to be outdated and irrelevant.  Other members noted their disappointment at the lack of information concerning public transport links, including Western Ferries, who in the last major closure of the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful had stepped in and offered additional services to ensure that Argyll and Bute remained open. 

Further dissatisfaction was noted to the lack of mention of the islands, and in particular Islay, who had hosted an infrastructure summit earlier in the year.  The Community Planning Officer advised the Group that the information provided by Mr Sobey was the first step in reviewing the HIE Transport and Connectivity report, she also outlined the next steps in the process. 

The Chair thanked Mr Sobey for the information provided and reminded the group of the heavy investment already carried out within the area, including extensive remedial works at Strone Point and on the A816, and asked the Group to consider the information in a positive light.  

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided.

(Ref:  Presentation by Highlands and the Islands Enterprise, dated 7 November 2018, submitted.)

Update on community owned and managed pontoons and moorings

The Group gave consideration to a report outlining the activities of the community group, West Highland Anchorages and Moorings (WHAM), which supports the preservation and development of Marine infrastructure, and growth.  Information was provided in respect of several communities who have ambitions to develop their costal infrastructure and the social and community benefits which have been exhibited by the communities who have already developed their costal infrastructure such as Campbeltown and Oban.  A local case study was provided in respect of Tayvallich Bay Association and the difficulties and issues currently faced by the association were discussed, with a number of suggestions being given in respect of the car parking issues. 

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by West Highland Anchorages and Moorings, dated 7 November 2018, submitted.)

Update by Community Development Officer

The Group considered a report and update by the Community Development Officer in relation to the Jura Passenger Ferry.  Information was provided in relation to the background of the service together with the social and economic benefits; the vision and objectives of a feasibility study which had been carried out in 2005 and confirmation that over the years, all of the objectives have been met by the provision of the service, apart from the development of a direct car link.  

The Community Development Officer confirmed that Jura Community Council would like to thank the support of Argyll and Bute Council for the 2018 and 2019 subsidy and confirmed that along with Transport Scotland, and in conjunction with the Community Action Plan, the Jura Development Trust are looking at ways to future proof the service, and confirmed that Transport Scotland were in support of this.  

Discussion was had on the need to look at ways in which the Community Planning Group could assist community groups and organisations with the Chair suggesting that it would be best to address this issue together with other Council owned services, when the meeting is held on Islay in May 2019. 

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group:-

1.    agreed to note the information provided; and

2.    requested that this item be brought back to the May 2019 meeting, for further discussion. 

(Ref:  Report by Community Development Officer, dated 7 November 2018, submitted.)

Update from Visit Scotland (to follow)

It was noted that no-one was present from Visit Scotland and therefore the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to continue this item to the next meeting. 

Update by Team Leader - East

The Group gave consideration to a report which detailed the delivery of affordable housing and proposed housing delivery on Islay through the SHIP in the current Local Housing Strategy (LHS) period 2016-2021.  The paper also outlined the process of the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) and provided a timeline for when work on the next HNDA would begin.  The Team Leader extended an invite to engage with the local community in early 2019 in this regard.  

Discussion took place in respect of a number of issues related to the provision of pavements and safe access to and from new housing estates in Bowmore and Port Ellen.  The Team Leader agreed to look into the issues at Bowmore, in particular the Planning Consents originally granted and advised that issues in Port Ellen would require to be addressed by West Highland Housing Association.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group:-

1.    agreed to note the content of the report; and

2.    requested that a briefing note summarising the issues relating to the provision of pavements and safe access be forwarded to the next meeting of the Management Committee for consideration. 

(Ref:  Report by Team Lead – Housing Strategy (East), dated 7 November 2018, submitted.) 

Update by Regional Manager

The Group gave consideration to a report which provided ACHA’s annual update.  Information contained within the report included the total housing stock within the MAKI area; the regeneration programme; future interests; the low demand strategy, which included information on the demolition of 27 properties and the consultation with residents in the Dalintober area of Campbeltown; the investment programme and allocations and re-letting of properties.  Further information included the delivery of the Welfare Rights Service and examples of community support. 

Discussion took place in respect of ACHA’s part in the provision of pavements and safe access to and from new housing estates on Islay; the implementation of Universal Credit; the demand for single dwelling houses/units in Islay and the demolition of houses in the Campbeltown area. 

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided.

(Ref:  Report by Argyll Community Housing Association, dated 7 November 2018, submitted.)

Update on infrastructure Issues on Jura

The Group were given a verbal update from the Community Development Officer, who provided information following a population workshop.  The information included the capacity and operating abilities of the ferry; the need for additional housing and the impact on roads affected during construction.  Mrs Baird advised of the damage made with it being noted that capital works had been carried out in August 2018 between Ardfin site entrance and the ferry with the roads from Craighouse to Ardfin still in poor condition.  Mrs Baird further advised that due to the development not being fully operational at this time, the Community Council were unable to report on the development impacts, and confirmed that the intention was to re-visit the 2016 report and update it in due course.    

The Chair thanked Mrs Baird for the information provided.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided.   

Update by HIAL

It was noted that due to the inclement weather impacting on ferry services, Mr Colthart of Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) had been unable to attend the meeting and there was therefore no update provided.  The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed to continue this item to their meeting in May 2019. 

Update by Graduate Digital Liaison Officer

The Group gave consideration to a report providing an update on the various digital infrastructure projects within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area including the Next Generation Access and Mobile Communications. 

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Digital Liaison Officer, dated 7 November 2018, submitted.)

Update by Transport Scotland (to follow)

It was noted that no-one was present from Transport Scotland to provide an update.  The Area Committee Manager confirmed that the next A83 Task Force meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday, 15 November 2018 and that an update from that meeting would be circulated to the group by email as soon as it becomes available.

Update by Mark Benton

The Group gave consideration to an informative presentation by the Area Services Manager of the Scottish Ambulance Service.  Mr Benton provided a service overview, outlined local issues and advised of the ongoing development of the service.  He advised that further information could be found at www.scottishambulance.com. 

Mr Benton took the opportunity to advise of an upcoming television series which is due to be screened in March 2019 showcasing the work and pressures of the Scottish Ambulance Service.  

The Chair thanked Mr Benton for the information provided.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed to note the information provided.

(Ref:  Presentation by Scottish Ambulance Service, dated 7 November 2018, submitted.)

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Bobby Tourish of Scottish Fire and Rescue provided a statistical update for Quarter 2 2018/19.  He advised of a number of incidents in the Glenside area of Campbeltown which involved fireworks and had required assistance of Police Scotland and ACHA.  Mr Tourish advised that 72 Home Fire Safety Visits had been carried out during the period, with 54 of them being identified as high risk.  He further advised of community safety activity carried out across the area together with planned future community safety activity. 

Councillor John Armour 

Councillor Armour advised that he had serious concerns about the future of Kintyre Recycling in Campbeltown.  He advised that it was his understanding that there had been a series of meetings between the Council and HIE regarding additional funding, however there didn’t appear to be any movement from the Council in providing any additional funding for the hand sorted recycling service.  Councillor Armour advised that if Kintyre Recycling was to cease trading, there would be a loss of 26 jobs in the area, 16 of the employees would have serious barriers that would prohibit them from finding re-employment. 

Decision:

Having noted the seriousness of this, the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group agreed that a briefing note summarising the concerns raised by Councillor Armour be forwarded to the next meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee for consideration. 

Police Scotland

PC Michelle Rusden provided a short update in relation to the work undertaken during the last quarter.  She spoke of the various events leading up to Bonfire Night, and the high number of reports received in respect of underage drinking.  She advised that the annual festive safety campaign would be starting soon and that due to a number of ongoing recruitment processes it was hoped that resource levels in the area would increase. 

Community Development Officer – Antonia Baird

The Community Development Officer invited all to attend the meeting between the CEO of the Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and Argyll Third Sector Interface on Thursday, 8 November 2018 at 10.00am in the Lochfyne Hotel, Inveraray.

Mrs Baird also outlined the progress of the Rural Transport Survey, and confirmed that a further update would be provided at the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group. 

Ardrishaig Community Council

Mary McCallum Sullivan of Ardrishaig Community Council took the opportunity to acknowledge the part of Scottish Canals in the regeneration project.  She advised that phase 1 of the former Gleaner site was progressing well and would enhance the look of the area, and phase 2, which would focus on the public realm is still up for grabs. 

Discussion facilitated by the Area Committee Manager on items for inclusion on the Agenda for the next meeting.

Outcomes to be discussed.

Outcome 3 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all.

Outcome 4 – Children and young people have the best possible start.

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group noted the date of the next meeting and agreed that suggestions for agenda items relating to Outcome 3 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all and Outcome 4 – Children and young people have the best possible start, should be forwarded to the Area Committee Manager.