Minutes:
Tony Davey of Cardross Community
Council spoke of the progress made so far in relation to the cycle path between
Cardross and Helensburgh. He advised that he had been made aware that there
had been no dialogue on the issue of Compulsory Purchase Orders between the
Council and the agents of the landowners for areas of land along the path. He asked that the Council pursue this matter
as a matter of urgency. It was noted
that dialogue had taken place and that if necessary evidence of this could be
provided. It was agreed that as there
was a difference of opinion on this issue, it would be beneficial to have a
report brought to the next Area Committee meeting providing an update on the progress
of the cycleway.
Mr Davey asked if it would be possible for the Council to disconnect the Christmas lights on the tree in Scott Gardens, Cardross so that Dunbritton Housing Association could tidy up the area. It was agreed that the Area Committee Manager would speak to the relevant Council officers in this regard.
Sheena Wain, a parent of Hermitage Academy pupils, advised that at the EIS annual conference last week the General Secretary in his speech mentioned only one school – Hermitage Academy. He said that “his members had been under the cosh for sometime” and went on to say that Education Scotland’s support package drew laughter from members. As a parent, Ms Wait advised that she felt the real experts on the state of her child’s school were the teachers. She asked that someone explain why the teachers feel that Education Scotland’s support package was laughable?
The Education Manager advised that she was unaware that the teachers had expressed this. She advised that the teachers are regularly involved in discussions on the support packages offered in the Academy and are fully involved in the ongoing review as it was important for all young people to reach their full potential.
Ms Wain advised that the Head Teacher of Hermitage Academy has professional autonomy to run the school, however, he also has a professional responsibility to engage openly in sharing accurate performance information and accounting for the outcomes achieved. She advised that as a parent she didn’t believe that this had happened as part of the curriculum review as there had been no accountability, no apology and a continuing lack of transparency regarding exam results, for example, the Head Teacher refused to disclose prelim results with the Parent Council saying that it would only end up a headline in the local paper. She asked whether parents and pupils would receive an apology for the disastrous compulsory 2 year higher model and would anyone be held accountable for the fiasco.
The Education Manager noted the parental concerns raised, but advised that the Parent Council were actively involved in the review process and advised that there had been steady progress made on the action points, with the assistance of parents.
Suzanne McCallum, parent of Hermitage Academy pupils enquired about the number of outstanding teacher vacancies in the school and what is the Council doing to encourage experienced teachers to apply for posts at the school and to help to retain teaching staff.
The Education Manager advised that there were currently 6 vacancies which are actively been recruited for. She advised that the Head Teacher was currently in the middle of a robust recruitment process.
Iain MacQuire of The Helensburgh Seafront Development Group advised that the Group had hosted a stall at the Helensburgh Highland Games and it had become apparent that the general public were unclear as to whether the Seafront Development and the Waterfront Development were part of the same project. He asked if the Council could make it clear that the projects were separate by means of a communication.
The Chair confirmed that the Pier and the West Bay are not part of the Waterfront Project and advised that this was clear from the reports which had come before the Area Committee.
Local resident, Lee Humphries advised that in February 2016, the Council announced that a further £6m would be spent on the development of Helensburgh Waterfront in addition to the £11m that had been identified earlier, bringing the total project value to £17m. He further advised that in March 2016, George Osborne announced in his UK budget speech that “the government will also allocate £5m from banking fines for a new leisure facility in Helensburgh, which will benefit both local residents and Royal Navy personnel and their families stationed nearby at Faslane.”
Total funding available at this stage would appear to be some £22m.
The Helensburgh Advertiser on June 9 2016 reported that the total cost of the Waterfront Development project will be £17m.
Mr Humphries asked that someone explain the apparent difference in funding availability and the expected project costs. He further asked whether the UK Government had withdrawn their offer of £5m to Helensburgh, or has Argyll and Bute Council withdrawn £5m of funding from the project?
The Chair advised that the UK Government monies had yet to be received and that the decision of the Council was to underwrite the costs for the project, subject to the possibility of other funding becoming available and that this was made clear at the Budget meeting on 11 February 2016.
Dr Neil Storey, President of the Helensburgh Amateur Swimming Club advised that despite a 125 year presence in the town and being the biggest non local authority user of the current pool, Helensburgh Amateur Swimming Club has not been consulted on the latest proposed specification of the new development. He asked whether the Committee will assure the public that once the overall budget has been agreed, the town’s swimming club will be involved in the final design of the pool, its surroundings and equipment?
The Chair advised that all stakeholders, including the swimming club would be included in the consultation process for the development going forward.
Suzanne McCallum asked in regard to academic failings at Hermitage Academy, can the Committee advise what support is going to be provided by the Education Department and the school’s senior management to bring the academic work and results up to a standard which we can be proud of?
The Education Manager advised that Education Scotland have been working very closely with the school and they are saying that the school is making progress in terms of the action points identified.