Minutes:
Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh and Time for
Change Argyll and Bute
Angela advised that Plastic Free Helensburgh were looking to run events throughout the national Green Week and were looking for partners to assist with this. Angela noted that an advert in relation to this would be circulated in the press shortly but encouraged anyone who was interested in helping to get in touch with her.
Angela provided details of a number of big litter picks which were being organised, as well as involvement in a one million mile beach clean project. Angela confirmed that the group were continuing with their progress towards plastic free town status.
Angela advised that successful and well attended hustings had taken place for Argyll and Bute and Dumbarton, where questions were submitted in advance to MSP candidates in relation to climate change. Angela noted that it was hoped to have standing groups who would regularly interact with local Councils, MPs and MSPs around this issue.
Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust
Morevain confirmed that the Garelochhead Station Trust had recently relaunched with a successful pop up café, with further events planned for the 8th and 22nd of June and a Suicide Prevention Day event being planned for October. Morevain advised that the training programme was also being relaunched and a food hygiene course was scheduled for the 16th of July, noting that spaces were available for anyone who wished to get in touch to book a place.
Morevain confirmed that plans to visit other veterans were also being reinstated, with the first visit scheduled to Skelmorlie for an event on the 26th of June for Armed Forces Day.
Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council
Sarah highlighted work being carried out by Helensburgh Community Council, noting that a consultation around a cycle path from the Hermitage to the town centre had been hosted on the Helensburgh Community Council website, with 93% of people in favour of this. Sarah advised that the Community Council had also been monitoring the building of the new swimming pool; consulting on the new John Muir Art Way; and had received assurance that the skate park would return to its original site following the completion of building works following concerns from young people in relation to its removal.
Sarah advised that the Community Council were also researching broadband provision in the Helensburgh area; consulting with Taylor Wimpey in relation to planned building works; investigating the possibility of a top up tap in Helensburgh where people could fill up their water bottles when walking; running webinars on a variety of topics; attempting to increase youth participation with the assistance of Rosie Sumsion MSYP; gardening in Colquhoun Square; re-instating monthly beach cleans; and discussing participation in a community lottery. Sarah noted that a sub-group had also been set up to plan for the John Logie Baird centenary celebrations.
Sarah Davies, Fun First
Sarah advised that Fun First sessions were being re-instated in line with the easing of lockdown restrictions, and with limited group numbers. Sarah confirmed that there had been a very good uptake of these sessions which were bookable online, however the number of sessions which could be held were restricted by the number of venues which were open to accommodate them. Councillor Penfold advised that she had attended some of the sessions and found them to be very well run, noting that the Guide Hall on John Street could be a potential venue for further sessions.
Sarah encouraged the Group to spread the word that Fun First was operating again, and advised that support was also being offered by Fun First via Zoom. Sarah noted that the Group had received a generous grant from the Armed Forces Covenant to assist them in carrying out their work.
Kenny Auld, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
National Park (LLTNP)
Kenny commended the work being carried out by the
community and Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Kenny
noted that a lot of work had been carried out over the last year to get more
funding and staff on the ground, the benefits of which should be seen over the
Summer as there were more rangers and environment officers employed to deal
with litter and human waste. Kenny encouraged partners to provide information
to him around any particular sites which they felt required additional focus.
Kenny advised that LLTNP were awaiting the outcome
of a bid to the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) for funding to assist with
strategic work in researching how sites could integrate and better work
together to identify where there are gaps in terms of toilets, litter bins,
waste disposal facilities, water facilities, and general visitor needs.
Kenny noted that LLTNP were also working with
partners and providing regular communications updates, including social media
updates, to advise visitors of areas which were particularly busy. Discussion took place around active travel
and public transport links to the National Park, including the use of water
transport. Kenny advised that active travel and improved methods of transport
to sites were being considered by LLTNP. Kenny highlighted that a new journey
planning App would be available in August or September to identify ways in
which people could travel without using their car.
Kenny confirmed that an issue with a faulty message
board displaying outdated information had now been rectified.
Kirsty Moyes, Community Development Officer, Argyll and
Bute Council
Kirsty advised that
the Community Development Team, in conjunction with Argyll TSI, were running
‘Introduction to Evaluation Training’ sessions. Kirsty encouraged anyone who
would like a space for that evening’s training to get in touch with her.
Kirsty confirmed
that a report in relation to applications for the Supporting Communities Fund
would be heard at the next Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee meeting, with
a decision expected on applications in late June.
Kirsty advised that the Community Development team would continue to provide support and share information with communities as lockdown restrictions eased and facilities prepared to re-open, noting that the SCDC (Scottish Centre for Community Development) had provided information which may be of assistance to communities at the following link: https://www.scdc.org.uk/supporting-communities-safely/13. Kirsty highlighted that the Environmental Health team could also be a useful source of information and were contactable directly for support in this regard.
Allan Comrie, Strathclyde
Partnership for Transport (SPT)
Allan provided an update on ongoing cycle route works, noting that work was moving at a good pace, despite being beset by difficulties, to the credit of Argyll and Bute Council. Allan confirmed that a case for change option had been sent for approval in relation to a potential railway station at Faslane and an options assessment was being undertaken, noting that any railway services put in place would take into account current services and should not be detrimental to existing services or the community. Allan confirmed that the plans for a railway station at Faslane should not impact on the new facilities or ferries at Kilcreggan pier, noting that the bus service to and from the pier may also be reviewed in future if required.
Allan also provided updates on social distancing reducing public transport capacity across a number of services; the reinstatement of the West Highland line service; the reinstatement of late night services in Helensburgh; bus routes focusing on allowing people to get to and from vaccination centres; the capacity of trains on the West Highland line; and plans for the use of specially adapted trains on the West Highland line for bikes, which would not affect passenger numbers.
Allan explained to the Group the ways in which SPT were constrained by resources and legislation in terms of providing additional routes where commercial routes were already in existence, noting that he would encourage any requests for additional services to be directed to SPT’s operational team for consideration. Councillor Paterson agreed to contact SPT in relation to a bus service for Arrochar and Tarbet.