Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated by:

Kate Macaulay NHS

David Jardine Forestry Commission

Barbara Holness Dunadd CC

Jim Frame SEPA

Benedict Tustin SEPA

Stewart Clark Roads

Paul Martin Roads

The Minute of the previous meeting held on 12 March 2014 was approved as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

SOA Theme 2 – We have Infrastructure that Supports Sustainable Growth

On 17^th April, a training event was held in Lochgilphead Community Centre, to which all Members of the MAP, as well as all Community Councils on the Kintyre peninsula were invited.  The training was in three parts with input from the Councils Insurance Services,  a presentation on future challenges from Amenity Services, and a Community Engagement workshop. 

The Chair asked that the meeting pause for a moment and reflect on the learning points from the training.  Some issues which were highlighted were that the Community Council insurance cover is more flexible than most Community Councils thought and the ease with which advice is accessible had sometimes not been fully understood.  The Amenity Services input was seen as a form of Community Engagement and the challenges were better understood following the presentation, with a number of possible projects being mooted.   The Workshop was seen as a very positive experience, and again a number of the issues raised encouraged participants to relate the workshop back to their own practice.   As with the Amenity Services presentation, the assistance of the Community development and Governance teams was noted.

The Chair particularly acknowledged the contribution of Duncan Clelland  and noted his and others  regret that Duncan has now moved on from the Council. 

All SOA Themes

 A discussion took place, the Chair recapped the discussions which had taken place at the previous meeting and outlined his view as to why the Group needs to continue to develop as a strategic partner of the C.P.P. 

A general discussion followed, with all acknowledging that if the group is to successfully operate as a strategic partner, then better use needs to be made of the alternative ways of getting minor issues dealt with timeously, (such as submitting reports and such like via exisiting  reporting mechanisms and through the governance team if that does not work initially).  if the group is to be able to focus on broader issues for the area, such as improving tourism and infrastructure its time at meetings must be most productively used.

Mary Smyth, from Craignish C.C., noted that in some ways the terms of reference and the accompanying paper might be seen as aspirational, in that while the paper refers to the MAP as “well regarded” Mary is not sure that this is always the case.  It was suggested that perceptions will always play a role in this type of case and that those participating in the process may have a different view from others.

A query was raised about the mention of different funding streams which might be available to some partners and where the MAP sits in relation to this.  It was clarified that the Map itself as an unincorporated body did not have specific access to funding streams, but that M.A.P. members, when working in partnership for example with third sector partners may be able to apply to various grant making bodies which are closed to the public sector.   Mary noted that the group is very good as a forum for sharing ideas and best practice and that this could be strengthened still further by looking again at the modes of communication which are used, and seeing whether is there is room for expansion/improvement. 

SOA Theme 1 – The Economy is Diverse and Thriving

The Chair suggested, and the group agreed, to take this Item out of sequence and it was taken  at the end of the meeting.

Ishabel Bremner gave an enlightening presentation on the Local Economic Development Plan outlining where the community council and other groups could contribute to its development.  Ishabel noted that the main plan had been approved in April 2013, and that as a consequence of this approval, area development plans are now to be created.  Looking at the experience of the past, it is essential that these plans be realistically achievable within a reasonable timescale, and are not merely aspirational wish lists which will never happen.

An initial  working plan has been created already which has been developed through consultation with key partners, however, this is very much a working document which will change regularly as tasks change and community aspirations develop and are included.  Community Councils and other groups are encouraged to participate in this process although it is important to remember that the issues surrounding the deployment of finite resources still apply, 

For 2014/15 there are six deliverables in the plan which includes the regeneration of Lochgilphead and Bowmore town centres as well as developing Kilmartin Community Museum.

The most ambitious goal of the plan is to reverse the decline in population in Argyll; and specifically to retain and grow the working age citizenry.  Although there have been some pockets of growth in population in Argyll, across the board, our population has seriously declined by approximately 10,000 in the last 10 years.

A major Challenge for all partners is to answer the question “How do we make MAKI compelling” - i.e.  How do we make people want to holiday/move/live and stay here? 

A partial answer to this question is that we absolutely need to provide all the services which people want, and form those services to be readily available within Argyll, which is not always the case. It is also accepted that Quality and fast broadband is essential if this plan is to succeed.

A Skills audit is to be conducted which will identify any gaps in service provision which can then  be addressed by training and recruitment.  The skills audit will tie in and be able to close the differential between the expectations/requirements of employers and the current skill sets of the local population, (particularly young people).  Key partners in this will obviously be the educational establishments and the employers. As well as innovative opportunities for people to retrain or expand their abilities locally.

A second vital issue is the need to recognise that most people coming into the area, and certainly most who stay, come as part of a family unit of some type.  This means that the area must provide suitable opportunities not only for the one person, but makes it vital that employment and educational opportunities are created and sustained for spouses, partners and children as well as for extended family members as necessary.

Another major Challenge is how to engage with and grow local businesses to support the goals of the plan.  The council has earmarked £12m to support business development in the next several years.

All SOA Themes

John Woods – Noted that this had been a period very much of continuity of themes in the village.   There was nothing particularly new to report other than that the community survey re wind farms  is progressing well.

Mary Smyth  - Noted that the grass cutting by roads and amenity services was done very early this year with the unfortunate consequence the wild flowers have not had a chance to seed in Craignish.  Knotweed has also been sprayed, but not all of it, and if it is not all done then the bits that are sprayed will simply regrow.

Dunadd CC sent their apologies, but noted that they were content to support to the TOR and remit as proposed.

No update received.

Adrian Davies noted that the Community council is working with the community to form a new organisation - the “Inverary Community Company ” The purpose of the company is to become the holding company and the legal owner of a number of Community Assets, including the Community Hall and any other heritable assets which become community property in the Future.  The Community Council remain concerned about the state of the Pier  and noted that this has impacted both on a recent visit by a cruise ship but will  also impact on the Viking festival  since there is nowhere to dock.

Robert Millar- asked anyone affected to submit comments about the planning application currently before the council for a wind farm.

He noted that the Manse Brae Residents association was still dealing with a planning issue re the Old School Site and that the Community Council welcomed the proposal to install a new path in the Barbluie woodland exiting at Macintyre terrace.

Cllr MacMillan noted that he understood that the lighting issue referred to would be resolved before the autumn and also noted that the Planning application referred to has been “called in” by the Scottish Government and consequently the  decision no longer rests with the council.

David Kent noted that  the council has sent out a letter asking for consultation responses on a wind farm application , including a CD full of representations and documents  about the application, and that  given that there were over 1000 pages, the CC felt that the deadline was far too short, and have asked the council for an extension.

Cllr Horn reported that the town is gearing up for the Viking Festival and so far is looking very good.

She noted that the new flats currently being built  are moving forward well, and will soon be able to be occupied   Cllr Horn highlighted that Yvonne Lister (ACHA area manager) attended a meeting to discuss social housing in Tarbert  and discovered through questioning that that the demand within the community is considerably  greater than previously thought.

Negotiations about obtaining community ownership of a turbine at Stronegar wind farm are ongoing.  The new “Green Gym” is doing well.  Cllr Horn also noted that a member of the CC is undertaking the challenge of doing a sponsored kayak paddle round the Kintyre peninsula.

It was reported that the CC is “ticking over well” and is working steadily.   The CC has worked with the Lochgaire Amenity Association and the Woodland Trust and has assisted in organising community consultations with the two associations.  The CC has also been involved in assisting obtaining funding and developing the organisation.  It was noted with some concern that discussions with Wind farms appear to have gone  have gone quiet.   This lack of communication is worrying to the CC since not all issues were settled.

Re the Tullochgorm War Memorial, the Cc has been in discussion with the land owner where the memorial is sited, and he has granted permission for the necessary works to maintain the monument.

It was noted that the BEAR team cutting the verges of the A83  at Lochgair had used a chain flail, but that it had been set at an angle which caused a significant number of lengths of wooden root to stick up like spears which present a real danger to motorcyclist and cyclists    The Area Governance Officer was asked to enquire whether the angle could be modified

SOA Themes – 2, 4, 5 and 6

2.                  We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth

4.       Children and young people have the best possible start

5.        People live active, healthier and independent lives

6.        People live in safer and stronger communities

 Iain Macleod of ACHA reported that the regeneration of the eight units in Tarbert is still scheduled to be finished by Jan 15. Insulation replacement/installation and roof/roughcast repair/replacement is ongoing in Tarbert.

 There is a Planning applicaiotn is being considered currently for 12 units in Inverary, and the planned upgrades of kitchens, windows and wiring across the housing stock are almost complete.

Iain noted that ACHA are now in year 8 of their capital investment plan.

There are also a significant number of other small scale or  single house repairs ongoing.

The CARS project in Inverary is now in place (CARS to provide input and inform suggestions to some of the future work of the M.A.P.

ACHA  and its new trading arm AHFA (Argyll Homes For All)  has now completed  its first full year of operation and ACHA are happy with the outcomes of the project and the standard of work provided. .

There are major works needing done within the void properties, but ACH is working with the council to reduce the void numbers

Iain noted that the govt minister for housing had visited Duncholigan Travelling person’s site and had heard the residents views.

Iain also noted that Rob Buchanan is still in negotiations with owners in Furnace re local works.

A short discussion regarding the availability of larger houses (4bedrooms) and how many ACHA have of these  took [place, – Iain agreed to provide figures to West Lochfyne CC, but noted that these houses would only be  built if the  local demographic showed that they were necessary.

SOA Theme 2 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth

There was no update from Scottish Water.

SOA Theme 2 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth

An update from the Roads Department was tabled

SOA Theme 5 – People live Active, Healthier and Independent lives

There were no update on Health and Social Care issues.

SOA Theme 5 – People live Active, Healthier and Independent lives

Sgt Ferguson noted that the police community safety newsletter had been circulated It was noted that not everyone had received this and the magazine will now be passed to the Area Governance assistance to circulate to Forum members, The Summer Drink-driving campaign is currently ongoing, and the figures for both violence and crimes of dishonesty are currently down; more detailed figures are in the newsletter.  The importance of using the new  101 number  to advise or call police in non-emergency situations was highlighted and the group agreed to disseminate this information as widely as possible.

Sgt. Ferguson noted that  the commonwealth games is coming up  shortly and will be very demanding in terms of resourcing, however plans have been developed and the games will not affect  the police ability to provide their service on the ground.

All SOA Themes

John Woods advised that he had moved on from his previous post and was now working in a development project funded by the Robertson Trust, tackling alcohol misuse.  Johns agreed to provide a presentation on this new project to a future meeting.  

The Update at  item 10 was tabled. 

A question was raised about changing the time of the meeting, and it was suggested that this could be considered and reviewed at a later date

The next meeting will be held on 10 September in the Council Chambers at 10.00 AM