News

Argyll and Bute Counci's Policy Lead for Education has issued a message of thanks to pupils, staff and parents as the school year comes to an end today (Friday). Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: "As we come to the end of the school year, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our staff, pupils and parents for all their hard work, commitment and understanding over the last few months. "Lockdown is something that none of us could have prepared for and, hopefully, something that we’ll never have to experience again in our lifetime.

The council’s Environmental Health team resolved 85% of public complaints within 20 days, exceeding its target of 80%, in the last quarter of 2019/20, the Business Continuity Committee heard on Thursday (25 June). This was across the team’s wide-ranging remit of services which include food safety, health and safety, public health, drinking water quality, licensing and registration of let accommodation, animal health and environmental protection.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway provided support to 65 existing businesses in the last quarter of 2019/20. That’s almost double the target of 38 it aimed to reach in that time period. This success was reported to the council’s Business Continuity Committee on Thursday (25 June). That means by the end of the year, the Business Gateway team has supported 255 existing businesses against a target of 200.

 Argyll and Bute Council is set to appoint a contractor to deliver the Helensburgh Waterfront development for public use in 2022. The council’s Business Continuity Committee today (25 June) agreed to award a multi-million pound contract to give Helensburgh a high quality swimming pool and leisure centre. The contract will also deliver strengthened flood defences for the site and improved public realm. Today’s decision follows a formal tender exercise run by the council to secure best value for investment in the development.

A report to Argyll and Bute’s Business Continuity Committee has highlighted the need for greater digital connectivity across the area to help with economic and wider recovery following the pandemic. Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for Economic Growth: “The COVID-19 pandemic has re-emphasised the critical importance of having reliable digital connectivity across Argyll and Bute. A reliable network has been essential for the council to continue to provide vital services.

Can you spare some time to help get food to people who need it over the summer? COVID-19 is affecting us all in different ways. Some people are experiencing extreme hardship and have no means of help in accessing food. We are seeking volunteer drivers and packers to get food to where it’s needed.

Work has begun on the £200,000 project to upgrade the lighting, including additional performance lighting, around Dunoon bandstand. The area is currently fenced off to allow the ground works to take place. The project was delayed by COVID-19 restrictions and contractors could only work on projects deemed as essential. We would anticipate works will be complete by the Autumn. There will also be an enhanced set-up for musicians playing there, with an on-site PA system and upgraded electrical supplies.

Small Isles Primary School has scooped its fifth Eco-Schools Green Flag. Run by Keep Scotland Beautiful, Eco-Schools is the largest sustainable schools programme in the world and encourages young people to take positive steps to ensure that we look after our environment.  Congratulating the school, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: “What a great achievement. The pupils, staff and parents should be extremely proud of themselves.

The Depute First Minister announced today that, if coronavirus continues to be suppressed, schools in Scotland could be fully re-opened in August. While there will be a number of things to consider, the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff will remain the council’s number one priority.  In Argyll and Bute Education staff have put a huge amount of effort into preparing for a blended learning approach from August in our schools.  We are ready to use this if required should the situation change.

Community spirit in Argyll and Bute We love hearing from our residents about the efforts made by those in the community who are doing their best in light of the circumstances brought on by COVID-19. We are sharing with you an example of dedications we have received and we want to take this opportunity to recognise and thank you for all your hard work: