Rural South West Area Community Planning Forum Outcome: to Bring Together Representatives

RURAL SOUTH WEST AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING FORUM –BIENNIAL PROGRESS REPORT – February 2010

Rural South West Area Community Community Engagement Standard: Planning Forum Outcome: To bring together representatives from Feedback – Forum members will feed back the results of the engagement to the wider community and support team will all 12 community areas to formulate, feed back to agencies affected. agree and own area plan related to Working with Others – We will work effectively with others with an interest in the engagement. specific area priorities identified by Methods – We will agree and use methods of engagement that are fit for purpose. these communities. Involvement – We will identify and involve the people and organisations who have an interest in the focus of the engagement To influence service design and delivery.

To influence budgetary decision- making process.

The Rural South West Area Community Planning Forum is a mechanism which informs the Community Planning Partnerships Single Outcome Agreement. Community Planning is about public organisations working with citizens to improve public services in their area. It’s also about combining resources and skills to tackle major issues such as health, transport, employment, housing, education, and community safety. As these topics cover the work of more than one organisation, they need a shared response, not only from public sector agencies but also from local businesses, voluntary organisations and citizens. Stirling Council has a duty to bring together organisations and citizens to identify the needs of our area, and to co-ordinate actions to meet those needs. Community Planning puts the citizen at the heart of service delivery. Citizens are invited to take part in all aspects of Community Planning, including participating on working groups.

The forum is open to representatives from community organisations, including community councils, community development trusts, youth groups, village hall committees and other community groups. The forum strives to ensure that issues taken forward are legitimate and shared by communities.

1 RURAL SOUTH WEST AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING FORUM –BIENNIAL PROGRESS REPORT – February 2010

Stirling SOA Strategic Topic 1 Platform for Action Making Stirling a place with a vibrant economy Future Proofing that is open for business  Develop, and deliver a new Economic Strategy for Stirling based on sustainable growth, innovation and enterprise, resilience and economic opportunity Local Outcomes  Intervening early in key work areas Vital, vibrant and diverse Stirling City Centre 1 Retraining Economically assured businesses, investors, 2 Business Retention employees & families 3 Maintain & developing skills Diverse sustainable urban & rural economies &  Develop measures of economic performance which are effective & appropriate to our economic strategy & communities conditions Economic Success  Ensure the economic success of our citizens our contribution to the sustainable growth of the Scottish economy  Deliver an integrated system for business growth, innovation and enterprise  Identify & pursue areas of competitive advantage  Maximise connectivity & co-ordinated action, within the Stirling area, and with neighbouring economies Communicating confidence  Deliver effective & appropriate marketing  Define Stirling ‘confidence’ level & working to keep it high  Demonstrate Stirling’s contribution to the Scottish economy Business Support  Engage directly with private sector businesses and respond to their expressed needs  Provide effective, tailored business support  Provide appropriate business space  Develop & support a social enterprise network Rural South West Priorities Progress Business Opportunities/Employment/Economic Economic sub-group formed and meetings facilitated. Development Economic Services provide a list of available business premises.  Assess need for increased business SC currently renewing Local Development Plan. premises, including micro & macro, industrial Area Community Forum June meeting on sustainability providing information on local and national directives premises. and support packages.  Research renewable energy alternatives Fintry Development Trust leading partnership investigating potential anaerobic digester opportunities.

Planning

 Planning regulations to encourage business growth and community cohesion Community Councils provided with clear information regarding delegated officer decision and opportunity for  Communities informed of planning community consultation. Modernisation of the Planning System Six elected members were appointed to the developments in clear communication format new Local Review Body, which has been set up in order to make their planning system more efficient. Three  Village services retained members will be required to hear appeals against decisions. The members are Margaret Brisley, Colin O'Brien, David Goss, Tony Ffinch, Alasdair MacPherson and Jim Thomson. The planning department have developed an information leaflet, summary of the main changes, Web link http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/services_homepage/planning.htm Future Developments  Build on good practice of meaningful partnership with local authorities, communities Individual communities are progressing or updating local (action) community plans and developers in progressing major local SC currently reviewing the Local Development Plan and Local Housing Strategy development  Community gain effectively from At the review meeting the forum highlighted their concern regarding closure of post offices. developments

Strategic Topic 2:- Platforms for Action Making Stirling a place with jobs and Meeting housing need opportunities for all  Ensure an appropriate & range of housing across the Stirling area through the Local Plan/Development Plans Local Outcomes:-  Implement a strategic housing investment plan (SHIP) to meet housing quality standards A greater diversity of jobs, including those of  Increase the number of social rented homes and developing a new affordable housing policy higher value  Meet the housing needs of people who are homeless An appropriately skilled workforce  Develop specialist & adapted housing to address the housing needs of individuals with particular care Maximised income and minimised poverty requirements (including fuel poverty)  Improve access to local facilities & services A good range and choice of housing, including Skills development & access to jobs affordable  Provide co-ordinated pathways for skills development & learning Reduced inequalities across the area  Ensure the achievement of core employability skills for all those seeking work including young people Viable and sustainable communities  Encourage & support volunteering & other routes into economic activity  Build the capacity of employers to provide more apprenticeships, training & employment opportunities, in particular for young people, in ways that enhance business competitiveness & profitability  Identify & address barriers to accessing jobs, including transport access issues

Financial Inclusion

 Develop & deliver an antipoverty strategy  Provide integrated support for all those wishing to be economically active  Provide comprehensive & integrated advice & support services for vulnerable families & individuals Rural Development  Address access to service issues in rural areas  Support rural business growth & new business development  Address rural housing needs  Develop enhanced integrated public transport opportunities

Rural South West Priorities Progress Housing  To achieve a range of additional affordable Meeting held with all rural forums on 28th May 2009 housing to help meet the housing needs. Completion of Housing Needs Study  Affordable housing will be delivered through a Successful application for Housing Pressured Area Status partnership of house builders, developers and Stirling Council and RSHA have ongoing programmes of housing stock improvement and refurbishment housing associations with the assistance of Many RSHA properties are built to Communities Scotland “housing for varying needs” standard, with level public subsidy and the planning system. access etc. A smaller number have been purpose designed with enhanced features, including some that are  To be able to provide and improve access and accessible to wheelchair users. choice of housing to meet the needs of the RSHA also host regular tenant forum meetings. community, especially to those in most need. Catriona Rowley is the TPAS Officer (Tenant Participation and Advisory Service) at Stirling Council and supports  To solve problems and invigorate communities individual Council tenants where there is not a tenant association. There is also a Stirling Tenants Assembly. by working in partnership with all local people to Community consultation on Stirling Council Allocations Policy August 2008 th improve their neighbourhoods and making them Meeting for rural landowners held 26 May 2009, which explored grant funding for private sector rural housing a safer, cleaner and better place to live and work. and releasing land for rural housing.  Design of housing, to encourage sustainable living, including Sheltered Housing At the review meeting, the forum highlighted the need for affordable housing and representatives identified  To provide well-maintained comfortable homes potential sites and ideas, however require support to advance them. with modern facilities in safe and pleasant neighbourhoods.

 Working with tenants to provide safer, healthier homes and environment that meets the changing needs of all tenants by delivering a good quality service. Sub-group formed and initial meeting facilitated. 2nd meeting facilitated (17/6/08). Local business information

 Community influence allocation policy provided. Distributed registration forms for Stirling Business Panel and promoted membership of business  Reduction of properties lying empty directory. 3rd meeting facilitated (3/8/09), identified essential rural and employability skills 4th meeting facilitated 29/10/08. Learn Direct presented at sub-group meeting.

Business Opportunities/Employment/Economic Joint Forum meeting facilitated 16/2/09 with Forth Valley College to discuss joint approach between urban & rural areas of Development skill gaps.  Partners responding to identified skills gap in rural areas. Stirling Business Panel facilitated a series of focus groups in May 2009 following on from their business survey.  Increase skills of workforce A report will be compiled and fed back to the business and communities April 2010..

Forth Valley College organised a community day held in Raploch Community Campus in September, which enabled people to have an opportunity to see the plans and comment on the proposals.

Public Transport  Improve bus routes and connections  All communities have access to public transport  Implement Demand Responsive Transport Brian Peat, Commercial Manager, First Bus attended Forum meeting on 22/9/08 and discussed accessible System buses & route planning. A base line of current bus routes and connection timetables are available from Stirling  Improve accessibility to facilities for people Council web site or Natalie Hagen, [email protected] Tel No: 01786 443020. with restricted mobility and disposable income A Joint Forum meeting on transport & access to the new hospital was facilitated 22/6/09. The forum working in  Maintain and improve facilities for public partnership with Mark Craske to investigate potential developments of bus connections with New Hospital at transport Larbert.  Improve Customer Safety  Improve information provision One way tickets are now operational www.one-ticket.co.uk for information. Increased provision of public  Improve customer care transport at peak times would require to be done by commercial operators. SC is unlikely to subsidise peak services, as this would mean competing with commercial operators.

All communities within the southwest area, except Carron Valley, are covered by public transport routes, however Dial-A- Journey and WRVS cover Carron Valley area. Dial-A-Journey provide services for individuals with restricted mobility. For more information Contact: Dial-A- Journey, 3 Cunningham Road, Stirling FK7 7SW Tel: 01786 465355

Email: [email protected]

A small sub-group with community representatives from Fintry Development Trust, Community Transport Association Scotland, BCCP, WRVS, Dial-A-Journey and Older Peoples Reference Group are working together in partnership with SC to identify real need and perceived demand. A community survey is currently being undertaken and will run till 1st March. The survey results will be fed back to the forum. Survey forms can be collected from Arnprior – Nursery; Hairdresser; Balfron – local office & library; Buchanan – LLTNP Office Balmaha; Buchlyvie – Rockhill Coffee House; mobile library; Carron Valley – Carron Valley Hotel, Mayfield Centre; Croftamie – Post office & Burnbank B&B; Drymen – library; Gargunnock – village shop; Killearn – GP Surgery; Kippen – post office; Strathblane – library Stirling Council have initiated a DRT tender to cover the community of Fintry. Arnprior & Strathblane have secured new bus shelters.

Castleview Park & Ride incorporates Stirling Royal Infirmary. If driving into Stirling, you may find it easier and cheaper to park at one of the two park and ride sites at the edge of the City. To save driving into the City and looking for a parking space, you park at a park and ride site where there is a bus every 12 minutes to quickly take you into the City - all for £1 adult/ 50p child return fare. Weekly, four weekly and twelve weekly season tickets are available enabling savings to be made for the regular user. The sites are at Castleview, to the west of the City by M9 Junction 10, and at Springkerse to the east of the City just off the A91. First bus to Stirling at 07.30 am and last bus from Stirling is 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, except 8.30pm on Thursday. The buses operate every 12 minutes For further information on parking, please contact Roads and Transport Service 0845 277 7000 Email: [email protected] or visit www.stirling.gov.uk/index/services/roads/carpark.ht

Some of First bus Fleet are furnished with CCTV facilities. First will deploy CCTV equipment on routes with particular problems.

Stirling Council have a pilot project for solar panel powered information points – located x 3 Callander area; x 1 Lochearnhead x 1 Balfunning; x 1 Carbeth. This will be an 18 months pilot to support seasonal change

Enable facilitated the Thistle Card Scheme, unfortunately they did not secure continued funding. First Bus in partnership with Help the Aged facilitated a “Safe Journey Cards” scheme during June 2009.

At the review meeting the forum agreed the park & ride was a step forward, however could have linked with the railway station in Stirling and wished to highlight their concerns at lack of public transport planning for the new acute hospital. The forum acknowledged some progress had been made on some issues, however overall it was not significant.

Strategic Topic 3 – Making Stirling a place Platforms for Action where lifelong learning is valued and Across all stages encouraged  Identify & address potential barriers to learning. Including transport access issues, disadvantage & rurality Local Outcomes:- High performing schools & nurseries  Young people are successful learners,  Improve performance in all schools & nurseries with specific focus on the performance of the lowest attaining confident individuals effective contributors & 20% of young people responsible citizens  Locally implement key national strategies including Curriculum for Excellence & Assessment is for learning  We are better educated, more skilled &  Provide enhanced sports, arts, cultural, sustainable development, outdoor learning opportunities for young successful, renowned for our research & people innovation  People have access to and take advantage Young people & transitions of a range of appropriate lifelong learning  Support young people to make a successful transition from schools to jobs, further education or training & opportunities, achieving personal, independence community and economic growth  Support young people to benefit from partnership youth work opportunities, including outdoor learning, & the  Urban & rural communities’ well being & provision of facilities & resources that make a real difference to their live sense of identify will be enhanced through Adult & Continuing Learning participation in a diverse range of cultural  Develop learning cultures & build a shared value base and creative activity  Design & implement an effective communication strategy  Work together to enable participation in learning  Implement & review strategies around literacies & speakers of other languages Culture & Diversity  Develop & implement a Cultural strategy

South West Priorities Progress Community Facilities Request information from play services of current play facilities baseline and current maintenance cycle and  Improved play areas prioritisation. Routine and replacement of parts occurs through the revenue budget, (2008) and capital budget  Decrease vandalism (£25,000). Play Scotland has conducted an audit of play provision throughout Scotland. Play Scotland has  Increase Nursery facilities advised that Stirling spend the highest sum per child on direct play (£800,000), £42 per child; £62 per pre-  Increase After School facilities secondary; £172 per pre-school child.  Increase facilities for young people  Community Worker (Youth) post The 2009 budget isn't specific by site but is currently around £33K for property maintenance to approx 95 sites, excluding grounds maintenance. Budget is transferring very shortly to Land Services. There is no priority process for play area upgrades, the services funding availability led.

Community Wardens deployment advised once yearly to community. Stirling Community Partnership has a zero tolerance to vandalism.

All pre-school children can access nursery provision. Stirling Council facilitate a play programme. The core play programme is free of charge. It consists of the Superbus during the Easter holidays 8 days covering 16 communities and a 6 week core programme of 4 days per week (2 days superbus - 4 communities, play in the park 3 venues per week all sessions are open to anyone, they are not specific to communities). In addition they work in partnership with communities to secure funding to operate community specific play programmes. They secured funding to provide water adventure Fridays (5 sessions this summer) open to all communities with pickup points on key communities. There are various factors taken into consideration when planning the programme, including logistics of parking, previous attendance, size and scope for the opportunities being offered, demographics. It's not possible to visit every community during the Easter break then again in the Summer therefore some communities may have more than one visit per year but this won't happen every year as we consider where the provision had been delivered over 3 consecutive years.

There is 5 youth clubs – Kippen, Gargunnock, Drymen, Balfron & Killearn. BCCP funded a series of youth gatherings, open to over 12s were organised in Drymen, Killearn & Balfron. Unfortunately Kippen lottery Formation of Youth Community Council – application was rejected Youth Services has again been restructured. Clare Whiston (operational leader) for  Increase young people involvement in their McLaren & Balfron Cluster and they have attracted external funding. This has resulted in additional staff, some communities of whom are area based and others who have a specific focus, such as Accreditation, Democratic Participation,  Improve community centres in line with Access to Apprenticeships, Vocational Opportunities and Peer Education. Youth services will be offering peer community needs learning for young people to deliver drugs, alcohol and web site training to other young people. Youth Services is  Provision & promotion of adequate, viable & in the process of appointing part-time youth worker for the area funded to October 2009 with the remit to support useable green spaces existing groups (Gargunnock, Kippen, Drymen). Youth Space and programmes for young people.  Increase sports provision  Library services within all communities Youth services will link young people into Mpower festival being run by MacRoberts. Youth Services will support the increase take up of Duke of Edinburgh; Youth Achievements and Dynamic Youth Awards. Some community councils have youth representatives. Youth Services support Youth Voice/Scottish Youth Parliament via Zara Kitson (Youth Services Worker Democracy & Citizenship). Young people will be provided with the opportunity to train as podcaster for Stirling Young Scot & Bebo Website. Create Ruraltxt is a service for rural young people and will link in local providers.

Several communities are progressing redevelopment of their village halls/facilities. £41,000 funding was secured for capital project to develop youth space in Gargunnock Village Hall. Killearn Village Hall Redevelopment Group secured £12,000 to support redevelopment of hall. Kippen have secured £60K funding from Rural Priorities for refurbishment works to their sports field. The group have also raised over £20K through local fundraising

Stirling Council are currently in the process of developing their Open Space Strategy. A Joint Rural Forum meeting was facilitated 11/8/08. SC appointed land service manager, Nicole Patterson. Work is continuing to gather basic data for the Open Space Strategy, with a developing inventory of assets and their attributes. Land services are currently working on a master planning process for parks, beginning with Beechwood (Stirling).

Land Services have also been restructured, play services & countryside rangers will form part of land services. Land Services are currently preparing an Open Space Strategy document; this will include an audit and maps, and set out broad parameters for open space use, as well as a framework for community consultation. . Land Services will propose to consult in 2010.

BCCP funded an information leaflet on sporting opportunities within the Balfron Cluster area.

Active Stirling offer community health & fitness classes, web link http://www.activestirling.org.uk/active/active_communities/health_and_fitness.htm advising of current community programme For mobile library time table http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/services/libraries/lib-wcty/library_mobile.htm

Fintry community influenced Active Stirling community health and fitness programme and have a yoga class operating in the village on Wednesday. The community council secured funding to offer taster sessions in yoga.

For further information on library services http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/services/libraries.htm

Static library provisions at Balfron, Drymen & Strathblane. Improved access to stock at the 3 static libraries and on the mobiles leading to increased usage. 24/7 access to library website and catalogues

At the review meeting communities identified a need to include community communication, facilities/services for older people and access to communities

Strategic Topic 4 – Making Stirling a place Platforms for Action where improved wellbeing adds life to years, not Early Years just years to life  Develop & implementing a local response to the National Early Years Framework Local Outcomes:-  Provide a range of enhanced support & services for very young children & their families  Young people have the best start in life & Mental Wellbeing are ready to succeed  Develop & implement a shard framework that enables service delivery to support positive mental wellbeing  Reduced health inequalities Healthy Weight  All residents, particularly those who  Promote & improve standards of diet, activity & healthy weight for children & young people specifically experience the greatest health inequalities,  Ensure affordable local access to a range of activity opportunities & healthy food choices will be able to be mentally well, eat well & Ageing Well physically active, throughout their live  Co-ordinate services to best meet the expressed needs of older people  Less harmful use of alcohol  Develop, implement & review an Ageing Well Framework to increase the consistency of approach & co-  Improved care & support for those in need ordination of service activity Alcohol Use  Work across the partnership to prioritise the minimisation of alcohol misuse through early intervention, prevention & education  Co-ordinate regulatory statutory functions, particularly planning & licensing to support this prioritisation

Care & Support  Develop programmes and services for children & young people with those with additional support needs, including disabilities  Modernise care services to provide more care at home and deliver appropriate support programmes

South West Priorities – Progress Health  Need to plan for residential or supported Council agreed to appoint a Scrutiny Panel on the Care of Older People and has now produced its report, which care for increasing elderly population reviews the way services are delivered.  Need for joined up services The full report is available at:  More information needed on available http://www.stirling.gov.uk/scrutiny_final_report__220609_final_.pdf services At the joint forum meeting on transport and access to the new hospital on Monday 22nd June  More flexible services List of surgeries and clinics produced by CHP is available from NHS Forth Valley website. Secondary care referrals only offered as geographical crossover services. Pharmacies are involved the provision of Chronic Disease Mgmt, Public Health Services, Fall Prevention advice, smoking cessation, COPD, contraception, minor ailments and sexual health advice.

The Older Peoples Reference Group (OPRG) for Stirling provides a forum for members to learn about issues of interest for older people, and to discuss specific areas of service delivery directly with community planning partners. The Group is open for any Stirling area resident over the age of 50 to attend.

The group meets quarterly in Viewforth, Stirling. Its next meeting is on 5th May 2010 when the main discussion topics will be Digital Takeover and Library Service.

The group has subgroups covering Housing, Learning, Health and Transport.

The group has most recently been involved in Stirling Council's scrutiny process for care of older people. Representatives gave evidence to the scrutiny panel and feedback on progress on the panel's recommendations was given to the group at its February meeting.

For more information on OPRG, please contact Claire McDonald, Stirling Council., Email: [email protected]

Strategic Topic 5 – Making Stirling a place with Platforms for Action safe, strong & resilient communities Care & Protection Local Outcomes:-  Protect children & young people from abuse, neglect & harm  Improved the life chances for Stirling’s  Ensure safer communities for children & young children, young people and families at risk  people  Citizens are supported & encouraged to take  Develop policies & services to take account of the impact for domestic violence responsibility for their actions & how they Antisocial Behaviour affect others  Review our approach to antisocial behaviour locally & in the context of Nationally  Stirling communities are safer, stronger &  Continue to support new ways to join up partner approaches to early intervention & prevention with particular more resilient focus on young people & vulnerable communities  Continuing to seek innovation in partnership working to prevent antisocial behaviour in our urban & rural communities  Focus on co-ordinated approaches to education & communication to reduce visitor antisocial behaviour, including litter & vandalism, particularly in the National Park & rural Stirling Substance Misuse  Examine our communities’ relationship with alcohol in particular, & put in place pilot partnerships intervention in the context of both people & place  Ensure integrated working with Alcohol & Drug Partnerships including shared outcomes and common reporting

 Strength our approaches to early intervention & prevention work, in partnership with the third sector.

South West Priorities – Progress

 Consult with communities on their  Introduced the PACT (Police And Community Together) approach to gathering and acting on policing priorities and demonstrate communities policing priorities. Community Constables undertake this within individual communities and appropriate action provide feedback through community meetings. At the Rural SW Planning Forum a summary of priorities  Address anti social behaviour within with actions is presented and the need for action across the whole area discussed and acted on where communities necessary. Key issues across communities have been speeding motorists, anti social behaviour by  Address road safety issues throughout youths in certain villages and amongst a minority of outsiders visiting the National Park and also the the Forum area problem of travelling criminals.  Proactively act to detect and deter travelling criminals who are entering this  Under the banner of Operation Ironworks to address the visitor pressures and anti social behaviour policing area. amongst a very small number of the visitors to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. This partnership approach utilises patrolling staff from key agencies to provide a high visibility presence for the purposes of prevention and deterrence – using education and enforcement where necessary. Local community involvement in setting priorities and providing feedback is an integral part. Behind the scenes partners work with communities to plan out the problems for future benefit.

 Working with members of the local community a presentation on invidious bogus workmen / no cold calling who prey, particularly, on the elderly was developed and being delivered locally.  The Camera Safety Partnership was extended to cover the length of the A811 and this has significantly reduced the number of road collisions on that piece of road.

 Along with partners from Strathclyde Police, National Park, VOSA and especially with Roads Policing and Special Constabulary colleagues local officers have carried out high visibility road checks to detect and deter travelling criminals.

 Where persons have been arrested for domestic abuse they are being currently interviewed as a pilot with partners to explore links with alcohol misuse and the potential for counselling to reduce the risk of reoffending.

Strategic Topic 6 - Making Stirling a place with Platforms for Action high quality environment Protecting & enhancing the quality of the built & natural environment Local Outcomes:- Ensuring environments promote & sustain healthy lifestyle & well being  High quality physical environments, both Addressing issues of pubic access to the natural & cultural environment built & natural Raising awareness of the areas’ unique environment & providing improved opportunities to enjoy it

This will in turn support a range of intermediate outcomes, including  healthy lifestyles & a sense of well-being  sustainable living & working  conservation of landscape, ecosystems, habitats & biodiversity  positive management of built heritage

South West Priorities – Progress Promote care and respect for the environment River Basin Plans are produced by SEPA, assisted by Area Advisory Groups representing a wide range of Protect landscape and water ways interests, including Councils. The first Area Management Plans - one for Scotland, one each for the major river Enforce dog fouling penalties basins - are due to be approved by Ministers later this year. SW Area will be covered by the Forth and Clyde Tackle litter and fly tipping. AMPs (drafts are on the SEPA website Tackle unauthorised camping Access to countryside Reduce flooding incidences

http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/river_basin_planning/area_advisory_groups/clyde.aspx. Plans are concerned with improving water quality in rivers and lochs and so seek to control or eliminate sources of pollution. They also look at things such as removal of artificial obstacles to migratory fish movements. They do not directly deal with flooding - Flood Risk Management Plans will be coming in due course now that the Flooding Bill has been passed.

Update BCCP - All schools facilitate litter-picking sessions/assemblies.

Several communities have engaged with community clean up, in partnership with youth organisations, including Balfron, Kippen & Killearn.

Some communities have enlisted the support of criminal justice team to support their litter picks/paths campaign. Contact Norrie Gilmour, Criminal Justice Assistant for further information email [email protected] or telephone 01786 463812.

Environment Services has been reorganised from three teams to two. Jenny Elliot covers the communities within the southwest. Unfortunately the service did not secure additional funding to provide deep clean. Communities can report any areas of concern via [email protected] or [email protected] or via the contact centre 0845 277 7000. Balfron Household Waste Recycling Centre is open Monday – Friday 5pm – 8pm; Saturday 10am – 2pm. Castle Compost can be collected free of charge from Balfron (HWRC). All plastic bottles can now be recycled.

Individuals who did not received a Residents Card can make a request via email [email protected] or phone contact centre 0845 277 7000 or advise local office.

Operation Ironworks is tackling aspects of unauthorised camping.

Scottish Outdoor Access is piloting “Don’t Mess with Nature” radio advertising in the Glasgow area (Radio Clyde and Galaxy) w/c 27th July for two weeks.

Stirling Council in partnership with local communities are updating information on core paths and developing a core paths plan. Several communities have developed path information leaflets.

Balfron Community Futures are facilitating joint paths meeting September 2009, to clarify maintenance aspects and progress of core path plan. The join paths forum has held 2 successful meetings and has secured £2,000 from Paths for All to help with the network. The network is supported by Richard Barron, [email protected] and has representatives from various community paths groups, including urban areas, Sustrans and access forum

Joint Forum meeting on flooding facilitated on 27th October 2008. Appointment of 2 Engineering Hydrologists Flood Management Plan in progress Stations installed at Dunblane, Cambuskenneth Bridge, Aberfoyle, Callander & Bridge of Allan. Smaller works programme incorporating the modelling and mapping of flooding in Fintry by the River Endrick. To resolve flooding issues near Strathblane at the Cleddans To resolve flooding at Buchlyvie Primary School To investigate watercourses in Balmaha

Balmaha – Watercourses have been investigated and works carried out to solve problems. Fintry – A brief for the modelling of the River Endrick in Fintry has been submitted to a consultant The flooding team, in conjunction with the forum support team are planning community meetings with individual communities who may be affected by flooding, including Fintry. The Flooding Team's proposals for the budget they require to carry out their responsibilities under the Act have been passed by the Council Management Group. These proposals will go to the February Council meeting. As well as the existing Stirling Council flood budget there is flood mitigation money from the Government until 2014 and the proposal is to have this ring fenced for the first year, at least. The Government money is fairly modest for the coming financial year, but will be substantially increased thereafter.

Strategic Theme A – Making Better Services Actions Local Outcomes Greater co-ordination of information , research and performance data A robust performance management and Share efficiency opportunities improvement culture across the Partners Shared service redesign Effective, efficient and modernised service Planning and budgeting alignment delivery Integrated performance reporting Improved customer focus

South West Priorities – Progress Maintain local office in Balfron There are no plans to review Balfron Local Office Sustainable, efficient, cost-effective operated Stirling Council are currently progressing a Diagnostic Review, which incorporates structure changes. Bob Jack Council structure is the newly appointed Chief Executive; Rebecca Maxwell (ACE) Sustainability, Economy & Environment; Janice Clear two-way communication links with SC & Hewitt (ACE) Care, Health & Wellbeing; Linda Kinney (ACE) Learning, Empowerment & Citizenship. community partners Clear collaborative working between local The Heads of Service and areas of responsibility are: authorities Head of Assets, Property & Facilities Management - Bob Gil Good local voice Head of Communities & Culture - Kathleen Taylor Head of Economy, Employment & Youth - Des Friel Head of Education – Belinda Greer Head of Finance & Procurement - Willie Watson Head of Governance - Hazel McMorrow Head of Housing - Tony Cain Head of Improvement & Customer Service - John Risk Head of Planning, Regulation & Waste - Kevin Robertson Head of Roads, Transport & Open Space - Les Goodfellow Head of Social Care - Bill Eadie

Stirling Council website advises A-Z of services www.stirling.gov.uk Specific email communication link developed for community councils [email protected]

ROADS Substantial increase in roads budget from £3.57M to £6.32M each year for the next five years from 2008/09 Full spend of Council allocation for roads Increase of £104K annually for B roads; £390K for C roads and £492K for unclassified routes. Balance urban and rural roads expenditure Methodology agreed for allocating resources towards busiest roads in the worst condition. Change prioritisation of road spend, particularly Current and planned road maintenance work and affected bus routes posted on Stirling Council website in relation to key roads Explanation of rationale behind repair methods such as jetpatching, received from Les Goodfellow in Joint Roads Better co-ordination of road works meetings Improve quality of road repairs Road edges included in maintenance schedule Improve road edge condition Additional resources into roads-related maintenance, including road markings Improve Road Drainage Culverts are inspected regularly at known risk points. Improve road markings Bridge culverts over 1 metre in diameter are also inspected regularly. Reduction in speeding Remote speed monitoring loops installed along A811 by Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership Full Road Appraisal. All key roads appraised.

Increase efficiency of road gritting 20 mph zone agreed for all roads leading to schools. Improve quality of pavements The Roads Service is currently compiling a Route Accident Remedial Plan for the A811 and A81. This is a technical report Increase parking capacity which will make recommendations on remedial works (large and small) to accident blackspots on these routes. Small works would include improved signage, upgraded road markings and clearing vegetation. Large works, mainly bend realignments, have already been identified at the Allen Farm bend near Buchlyvie, Garden Bend and Middle Ballat. The intention is to begin one of these three projects in this financial year, with a projected start date of February or March 2010. A decision on the first of these projects to be taken forward will be made once the projects have been designed and costed. The Service will provide an update on this for the next Forum meeting. Winter maintenance policy currently being updated to incorporate cross-border roads. Winter maintenance policy on council website.

Programme of pavement upgrades currently underway.

At the review meeting, the forum members acknowledged the progress on the roads agenda, however some aspects still require continued work/lobbying. The forum also highlighted some difficulties in communication with Stirling Council services, especially roads.

Strategic Theme B – Making Stirling a place Actions where participation & responsibility are Community & Voluntary Sector Engagement and Capacity Building encouraged Further develop robust mechanisms for community engagement and influence including: A diverse yet co-ordinated range of engagement opportunities Local Outcomes Targeting of those not traditionally involved Our people will be enabled to work together to Developing and maintaining clear productive links to the CPP Critical Partnerships engage in and influence the shape of our Develop an appropriate communication, participation and networking infrastructure and interface with the communities voluntary sector Our people will take responsibility for their own Develop a community planning approach to community learning and development activity, to ensure co- actions and how they affect others ordinated, effective engagement process across the partners including:- A review of all partner engagement vehicles Sharing knowledge and information gained Supporting organisational and staff capacity Reviewing and implementing the Stirling Standards for Community Engagement Developing local implementation of the National Community Empowerment Action Plan Ensure communities have access to an appropriate range of facilities and resources to enable them to participate effectively and maintain resilience

South West Priorities Progress – ACPF identifies and addresses the needs of Several communities have updated local community plans. community At the review meeting. the forum identified the need for better connection and dialogue with the various critical partnerships and a potential duplication of community engagement through the public health partnerships. Community Planing Partners require having regular participation in the forum based on priority issues. There requires to be more transparency with budget decisions and implications. The membership acknowledged that they require to be supported to make sure the views they express are representative.

Strategic Theme C – Making Stirling more Platforms for Action sustainable Creating the conditions for citizens and communities to live more sustainable lives including local food production Local Outcomes and buying A commitment to sustainable development in Sharing collective responsibility for embedding sustainability as part of core business our communities and across all the partner Promoting sustainable development in infrastructure, economy, transport and energy including through the Local activities Development Plan process A reduced eco-footprint for the Stirling area Developing a joint Climate Challenge Strategy to mitigate the causes of climate change and adapt to its effect A sustained reduction in local carbon emissions Sustainable management of resources through more efficient use and disposal including waste management

South West Priorities Progress - Explore potential sustainable use of energy & Up-date from BCCP - 9 schools has achieved various levels of Eco-school initiative, which promotes care for resources environment. Explore potential for appropriate sustainable community projects Several communities have or are in the process of conducting energy audits for their communities. ACPF June meeting on Sustainability. Fintry Development Trust is leading partnership investigating potential anaerobic digester opportunities.

Strategic Theme D – Equalities & Diversity Platforms for Action Local Outcomes Embed equalities as part of core business Reduced inequalities across the area Collect and analyse demographic information to better understand the needs of our communities Diverse communities that welcome the Use information, learning and evaluation of what works to improve access to and experience of our services economic and cultural contributions of all sections of the community At present there have been no identified priorities from the south west community planning forum, however individual communities have identified the need for public agencies to raise awareness of these issues and could utilise local community communication mechanisms, including community newspapers to raise awareness of specific campaigns, including White Ribbon Scotland Campaign, Domestic Violence, etc. Information from other forums, including Multi-Cultural Partnership could provide information to the forum.