Area Community Planning Group Update (Shona Barton)
Argyll and Bute Council · 22 June 2023
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 22 June 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Management Committee Date: 22 June 2023 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – May 2023 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper presents key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group meetings that were held virtually in May 2023. 2. Recommendations The Management Committee is asked to: a) note the highlights detailed at section 4 of the report b) note that the Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group will be seeking a new Chair at the meeting scheduled for 16 August 2023; and c) note and consider the concerns of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group regarding the lack of a car ferry service to Dunoon. 3. Background There are four Area Community Planning Groups, one in each of the Council’s administrative areas (Bute and Cowal; Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands; Helensburgh and Lomond; and Oban, Lorn and the Isles). Meetings were held on a variety of platforms, including purely virtual and hybrid basis using Microsoft Teams. Prior to the meetings discussion took place with the Area Chairs and Vice Chairs and a standard agenda template was agreed. All 4 meetings were well attended by a variety of partners. 4. Highlights All groups considered: Improving Lives in Argyll and Bute
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The Council’s Community Planning and Development teams spoke to their recent consultation ‘Improving Lives in Argyll and Bute’. The presentation included information on the promotion of the consultation; the support provided for non-digital participation and Community Groups and the responses received from the survey. It was noted that the top three priorities were transport infrastructure, housing and community wellbeing. The Groups were advised that the information collated from the consultation would be used to progress the 2024-2034 iteration of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP). NHS Highland Director of Public Health Report The Groups considered a report which provided an update concerning the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activity overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health team in Argyll and Bute. The Interim Health Improvement Lead presented a number of key messages from the 2022 annual report of the Director of Public Health on Prevention. The full report can be found at:- https://indd.adobe.com/view/45cbb2d9- 8f8d-44dd-a040-efe28296701c Climate Change Working Group Stan Philips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted an update report that highlighted the actions being taken forward to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute. The report outlined the proposal to produce a strategic Action Plan process as the best, and most thorough way to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the approved governance arrangements for the Climate Change Project Manager’s post and the ongoing work in respect of the recruitment process involved for the post of Project Manager. Police Scotland Police Scotland provided an update on the recent work and activities within each locality. The update included information on Road Safety, Fraud Prevention, the roll out of Naloxone and the reinstatement of the Pub Watch programme. Locality specific updates included: - the relaunch of the Dunoon and Rothesay Police Scotland Youth Volunteer programme; - an Emergency Services Day in Dunoon; - new shift patterns for the Bute and Cowal Area; and - Helensburgh Drive Scot Free road safety event.
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Scottish Fire and Rescue All Groups gave consideration to reports that highlighted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance. The associated reports included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during the period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities and home fire safety activities. Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update Representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau outlined the provision of their services across Argyll and Bute with offices in Lochgilphead and Helensburgh and outreach services available in Dunoon, Oban, Campbeltown and Mull. The presentation included information on the advice provided to clients since 2021; the audit and assessment standards that require to be met and staffing numbers and information on the training programmes provided to volunteers. Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update (Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles) The afore-mentioned Groups gave consideration to an update by Live Argyll which included Scottish Youth Parliament Elections which are being held in November and the summer G.I.V.E. programme. The Groups were also advised of collaboration with Dunoon Grammar School on 2 school programmes, information on the continuing work on the SAWA New Scots/Refugee project in Bute and adult learning activities in Helensburgh. Drop in sessions are also being held in Oban Library to support customers in undertaking job searches preparing C.V.’s, and basic IT support. Argyll and Bute TSI Update (Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles) Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the work of Argyll TSI during the period 16 February to 21 April 2023. The report included information on Local Strategic Partnerships; Future Funding opportunities as a result of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and events taking place across Argyll and Bute, which included the Volunteer of the Year event. Further information was provided in relation to the new and improved digital platform for volunteering; the Argyll and Bute Positive Destination programme and the Argyll and Bute Community Directory, which can be found at https://abcd.scot
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UHI Argyll (Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles) The Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Groups considered an update from UHI Argyll. The update highlighted that all staff have now returned to working from their local learning centre and that they expect all students to return to centres from August. The update also advised that UHI centres continue to provide additional support in response to rising living costs and that open days are scheduled to be held in various centres over the summer months. Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) The Group gave consideration to an update by Scenic Sandbank which highlighted that they had been awarded funding from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase vacant ground for a community garden. Partners were advised that Scenic Sandbank had produced a booklet at the start of the year which contained a survey in which they got 48 responses with everyone looking forward to the new garden. Ann Campbell provided the Group with a verbal update, confirming that the Dunoon Area Alliance Community Development Trust had received support from the Scottish Government Investing in Communities Fund and from the National Lottery Community Fund. Ann advised that the funding would cover posts for 3 years with recruitment under way for 1 full time and 2 part time posts. It was added that once the Manager is in post they will be working with Partners to look at developing a Local Place Plan for Dunoon. Samantha O’Connor from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) presented information on who SSEN are; what a Home Energy Plan is and the benefits of having one; support and help available through the Priority Services Register and the benefits of joining. It was also highlighted that SSEN have partnered with Home Energy Scotland (HES) to offer customers free and impartial expert energy efficiency advice. The Group noted that Communities could apply for up to £20,000 of funding for building resilience in the community through SSEN’s Annual Resilience Communities Fund. The Group considered a report by Martin Gerrish on behalf of the Grow Food, Grow Dunoon Project. Martin advised that the project is being delivered in collaboration with Dunoon Community Development Trust and Kirn Primary school and that there are now 8 volunteers with more wanting to join. Information was also provided on school pupil’s involvement and on their highly productive food growing approach. It was noted that a short video and slide show of pupils talking about their experience in the garden could be found at: www.thegrowfoodproject.co.uk Consideration was given to a presentation by Robert Trybis from the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group (DFAG). Mr Trybis highlighted that Dunoon to Gourock
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was the first car ferry service in Scotland and that should the service be reintroduced it would be a profitable one. Mr Trybis advised that the area suffered from poor connectivity due largely to the uncertainly of the Rest and Be Thankful and the lack of integration between the existing ferry services and the rail network. It was the contention of DGFAG that the economy and population of Dunoon was suffering as a result with many young people choosing to leave the area to study rather than commuting due to the unpredictability of the existing transport infrastructure. It was noted that the DGFAG hoped that if the service was to remain as passenger only that the vehicle service would be put out to tender in the near future thereby ensuring the long term economic stability of the area. Having noted the strong feeling on this matter, the Chair suggested that this issue be fed back to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee for further discussion and action. Consideration was given to an update by Becky Hothersall, Community Link Lead for Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon. The update provided information on data gathering on inequalities in Dunoon and Place and Wellbeing assessments. Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK) PC Drew Omand, Ministry of Defence Police, submitted a written update for consideration. The update included information on arrests made at protests which took place at HMNB Clyde; temporary traffic control on the A814 at the North Gate of HMNB Clyde; collaboration with Police Scotland on holding a Community Drop in and the work with the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV). The Group gave consideration to an update from Neil MacFarlane from Transport Scotland. The update advised that road resurfacing would be undertaken at the Rest and be Thankful from the 31 May until the 11 June, with no works being carried out on Friday and Saturday nights. Mr MacFarlane further advised that layby and cycleway vegetation cut-backs had been carried out on the A82 Loch Lomondside with more planned. Solar bollards had been installed at Loch Lomondside laybys and an overhaul of the brown and white tourist signage at the same location was also being planned. The Group considered a written update from Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy. The update included information on the current membership numbers; the monthly programme of activities and groups; fundraising events planned; the collaboration work on the Big Community Bake Sale; the ‘Peace of Mind’ book; Jean’s Bothy ‘on location’; mental health awareness week and The Life Aquatic Project” expedition. It was also noted that Katrina Sayer the Development Manager had been shortlisted in the Argyll & Bute HSCP Excellence Awards in the Partner Category with her and 2 members from Jean’s Bothy due to attend the Ceremony on the 12 May.
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Angela Anderson of Plastic Free Helensburgh provided information on beach cleans within the locality that resumed in January; the Keep Scotland Beautiful Upstream Battle anchor group meeting and the Coastal Communities and Scottish Island Federation Marine Litter Conference which representatives had attended. It was highlighted that Plastic Free Helensburgh are continuing to explore ways in which they can sustainably dispose of the huge quantities of plastic contaminated debris washed up during the winter storms and discourage littering. Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, submitted a written update on behalf of Community Council’s activities. The update provided information on The Community Clubs event; a survey conducted in relation to the waterfront development; a local businesses meeting; the monthly beach cleans and the cleaning and tidying up of the shrub beds in Colquhoun Square. It was noted that Helensburgh Community Council have applied for a grant through the Supporting Communities Fund to support removal of marine litter. Gill Simpson on behalf of the Helensburgh Community Hub advised that she had been working on tackling unexplored topics such as death advising that they had held events on demystifying death week. Gill also advised of the Menopause cafe which is held every month and efforts to build their volunteer offers, highlighting that the Hub are holding a volunteer recognition event. Susan Tuite, Senior Welfare Rights Officer delivered a presentation promoting the welfare rights service; their aims and roles; what information/advice and help they can provide; partnership working; 2022/23 highlights; customer satisfaction and information on how to contact the Welfare Rights team. The Group gave consideration to a presentation by Andy McClay, Luss and Arden Community Council. The presentation included an introduction to the Luss and Arden Local Place Plan; information on community issues and aspirations; priority actions and next steps. It was noted that the Plan is available to view at www.bit.ly/luss-arden-LPP. Gail Broadhurst on behalf of the Helensburgh Winter Festival provided information on the initial plans for the Festival this winter and the work being taken forward, emphasising the need for organisations to participate. Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) Having presented at the other Area Community Planning Groups in February Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer for Argyll and Bute Council, provided the Group with a verbal presentation on funds available to people within Argyll and Bute. Jackie highlighted that the premise of the Energy Efficient Scotland Scheme is to reduce carbon emissions to contribute to the Scottish Governments
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aim to have 0% emissions by 2040. Jackie reported that the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme is available to home owners or private rented tenants with grant amounts dependent on property type and personal circumstances, with awards starting at £8,500 for a flat and a maximum of £13,500 for a detached property. A report which provided an update on the workstreams of the Climate Action Towns group since the last meeting of the Group was considered. The report highlighted the support around the development of the Campbeltown Community Action Plan, to ensure it considers full climate change and climate risks and the assistance provided in involving local people and businesses in developing the action plan. It was also noted that a event bringing together the nine Climate Action Towns to share learning and networking would take place on an online platform on 12 May 2023. Community Cycle Ardrishaig, a recently formed registered charity which seeks to promote cycling as a green and environmentally friendly activity for all ages and abilities, outlined their visions, which include the provision of a weekly program of led bike rides and other activities such as maintenance and activities. Ms Gale advised that the charity were actively seeking volunteers and supporters to help establish their service. She provided the email address of the charity, ardrishaigcycling@aol.com and implored people to get in touch if they could assist. Jamie Joyce of Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust provided an update on the current workstreams of the Trust. Jamie advised that the Trust seeks to support Argyll and Bute communities adopt strategies to tackle climate change aiming to development a training event for children and young people to grow their knowledge on climate change, promote positive action and foster resilience in a changing world. Neil MacFarlane provided a short verbal update outlining the recent resurfacing works carried out at a number of locations throughout the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area. He advised that the areas in Ardrishaig and Port Ann, which had been highlighted at the last meeting had now been resurfaced. Mr MacFarlane outlined the planned resurfacing works which were scheduled to take place within the coming months throughout the locality. Discussion was had in relation to a number of minor accidents that had occurred as a result of the poor road layout on the approach to the roundabout at the trunk road in Campbeltown. Mr MacFarlane advised that he was happy to look at erecting signage as an interim solution but that he would investigate the possibility of including a solution to this problem into works already planned at Kinloch Road so that the layout of the road would be obvious to those not familiar with the area. Consideration was given to an update from South Islay Development (SID) which included information on the appointment of the construction team to begin work on
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the Port Ellen Playing Fields; the response to the new fund set up by Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky to support community and environmental projects on Islay and the installation of new fuel pumps at Port Ellen Filling Station. Discussion was had in relation to the issues faced due to the lack of child care provision on the island. Ms McGillivray advised that work was ongoing with the Council’s Early Year’s team in the hope of securing a venue for this service. Campbeltown Community Council outlined plans to host a picnic on Kinloch Green on Sunday 7 May to mark the coronation of King Charles III. The Community Council also provided information on the ongoing work to restore the footpath between the Trench Point and Slatyfarlan; the creation of a community garden together and a planned future strategy for the provision of electrical vehicle charging points within the town. Members of the Kintyre Youth Group provided an update on the work they were leading on within their communities, which included representing local youth views on issues that they care about; running a number of community events such as local coffee mornings to raise money that would enable them to purchase and donate books for mental health to Campbeltown Library and a number of events which are due to take place at the beginning of the summer in Ardrishaig supporting the LGBTQ+ movement. Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) The Group gave consideration to the report from Catriona Petit of Hope Kitchen. Catriona advised that it continues to be a difficult time with the cost of living crisis and recent drug deaths. Hope Kitchen has been working with partners and will hold information days where service users will be advised where they can access help. Catriona also advised that the collaborative working with the Youth Café, Healthy Options and ALIenergy had been successful in receiving funding from the Investing in Communities Fund and that they will work alongside Atlantis Leisure to deliver the project. Linda Duncan advised that Crossroads North Argyll continue to provide respite for unpaid carers with 61 clients receiving around 178 hours of support per week. 6 new carers have been recruited with 8 clients on the waiting list. Crossroads continue to work in partnership with other agencies to facilitate more effective hospital discharges. Susan MacRae on behalf of Skills Development Scotland (SDS) advised that they are awaiting the results of the Wither’s Review which was implemented by the Scottish Government to look at schools around Scotland. Susan added that exams are ongoing with SDS advisors attending to give advice on positive destinations to the pupils.
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Colin Buchanan from Isle of Luing Community Trust gave a short presentation on the work that the Trust is carrying out on Luing, specifically the development of a small scale slate enterprise to regenerate the economy on the island. Colin advised that the Trust have the mineral rights to the slate with the income generated being used to support housing, employment and climate change related projects. A feasibility study suggested that the project could support 5 full time jobs and the extraction of 200 tonnes of slate per year. The expectation is to bring in £100k per year to develop other projects. A Screening and Scoping Application has been submitted to the Council and Marine Scotland, they have until the end of May to respond. 4.1 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in May 2023. 5.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Group held in May covered various Outcomes. Consultations No prior circulation of this report. Resources No direct resource implications however consideration of the issues raised and following courses of action may have a knock on effect on finance and/or staff resource Prevention Contributes to the prevention agenda Equalities Contributes toward reducing inequalities For More Information: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk