CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN 2020 - 2025 CONTENTS 1 2 4

Our Community A Shared Vision for Introduction Now Our Community 5 6 7

From Our Kids’ Our Likes Our Dislikes Perspective 8 9 10 THEME 2: THEME 3: THEME 1: Community Safety Facilities and Amenities and Local Services Activities 11 12 13 Early Actions THEME 4: Local Funded through the Environment Participatory Budget Making it Happen INTRODUCTION

Coalfields Community Futures The Coalfields Community Futures Programme is an approach to local community planning and sustainable community development that aims to encourage active citizenship and build local democracy. It enables communities to devise a community action plan which makes a case for the things that the community thinks are important and wishes to make happen.

The process consists of a community wide California Community Action Plan paper survey delivered to residents, and on line The plan summarises community views and Survey Monkey option to identify local needs information about: and priorities. We then work with local residents and groups to develop a common sense of • Our community now purpose and assist them to produce a deliverable • Our shared Vision for California community action plan. • Priority themes and actions To support the action planning process the • Making the links to the Community Plan community receive a Participatory Budget to local The Steering Group brought together constituted community or voluntary groups for soon, representatives from Shieldhill and California seen and successful projects. Community Council, California Community Hub, This budget enables the community to fund small Shieldhill Gala Committee, Shieldhill Butterfly projects that are identified by the community Project, Shieldhill Welfare Hall Management and through the results of the household surveys and Braes Greenspace - Shieldhill Hillcrest. the community open event. Thank you to everyone who took part in helping California plan for a bright future!

Household Surveys In total over On line Survey Primary Pupil Surveys 250 residents of all ages were Family Fun Voting Event involved in the creation Community Conversations of this community action plan

California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 1 OUR COMMUNITY NOW

Location Education & Childcare The village of California is a former pit village in the California has a Primary School which is non- Falkirk council area of . It lies between denominational. The school provides education Shieldhill and Avonbridge on the uplands which from nursery to primary 7. The school also form the southern edge of the council area. provides a wide range of informal learning activities at the after school clubs. The Primary School has a Population Parent Council. The High Schools pupils can progress to are The total population of California is 830 with a The Braes High and St Mungo’s. working population of 520, with 140 over 65’s and 170 young people aged between 0-15 There are no private nurseries. There are two years of age. childminders in the village. (Source: Mid-Year Estimates (ONS) 2018) Community Activities & Facilities Housing Currently there are no social or activity groups within the village other than the Parent Teachers California has a range of different housing including Council, due to the fact that there is nowhere to detached, semi-detached, terraced and flats/ meet that fits the needs of the community. apartments. 63.5% of housing is owner occupied with 36.5% being council/housing association tenants or private rentals, according Environment to the 2011 census. NRS 2016 figures show the California is one of a number of mining and number of home units to be 316. quarrying communities covering an area of high ground within five miles to the south and east Health & Care of the county town of Falkirk. Collectively these The main hospital for the Area is situated in communities are called Falkirk Braes. . There are two Doctor’s surgeries The Gardrum Burn runs through California and people in the village can attend Avonbridge flows in a winding fashion until it meets the and . At the time of the last Census, Burn on the outskirts of 17.9% of all people in California were living and then on into the Firth of Forth. People who live with a limiting long-term illness.The figure for in California benefit from the excellent views and Scotland as a whole is 19.6%. sky scapes due to its hilltop location. Source: Census 2011 Traffic & Transport Local Economy, Shops & Services California has an hourly service with First Scotland In the village there is a newsagents shop with a East Service 29 between Falkirk and Bathgate. The Post Office service. nearest train stations are Polmont and Falkirk High. At the time of the last 2011 Census, 71.9% of people aged 16-74 were economically active with 43.2% of people in full time employment. This is much lower than Scotland as a whole at 69%.

2 California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 Community Action Plan: Considerations The key issue for people living in California is The actions in this action plan were identified creating a facility in the village for people to meet, before the Covid19 virus struck and the plan was socialise and carry out community activities. Local completed during the national Lock Down. This residents have set up a SCIO with the aim of doing period spurred a lot of community led action with just that. What used to be the Falkirk Council run volunteers supporting those most in need locally. Community Hall is now being taken on by the For example everyone working in the local shop community for the community and is now called went the extra mile in supporting people and in the California Community Hub. Currently, there is response the villagers raised funds for them to work being carried out to bring the building up to a show their appreciation. suitable standard so it can be used for the benefit Also, a dedicated volunteer self-isolated in the of everyone. Community Hub so that it could progress by Plans include dividing the main hall to having the hall redecorated. It has also become a accommodate two occasional facilities and the sterile space for a local group who set themselves redecorating of the small meeting room. the challenge of making visors for care homes and the NHS free of charge. Other upgrade work includes the kitchen and three toileting facilities. What this virus has shown us is just how much kindness and goodwill there is within people, On the opening of the Community Hub the plan is to manifesting as acts of kindness and caring. We accommodate various groups including the Lunch need to build on this ‘can do’ spirit of concern Club; Martial Arts group; Drama group; Children’s for others as we go forward to deliver this 5 year parties; Youth group; Folk club; Indoor bowls; action plan. Social events; Indoor football; Funeral receptions; Conferences; Slimming club; Line dancing.

California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 3 A SHARED VISION FOR OUR COMMUNITY

California is where, for us, the sun always shines. Our school offers a learning environment in It’s a welcoming, clean and safe community attractive surroundings with safe access for where people pull together and look after each children and parents. other through good times and bad. Our roads are designed for safe driving speeds Our community has a village feel with its own and suitable crossings so that people can move community led hub that offers space for people around and make the most of being outdoors. of all ages to meet and socialise, be creative and The parkland and greenspace is well designed be enterprising. and maintained with path networks which create Every year, we come together to celebrate as good connections to other places. a whole community and enjoy each other’s Our residents are responsible and take care of company. their environment and enjoy our unique location We have good public services that are affordable with views that are second to none. and support the needs of everyone. Our housing is warm and comfortable and we can all access the world wide web if we wish to.

4 California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 OUR LIKES It is a small compact community which Quotes taken from the survey: still retains a village like feel Its a friendly community Sense of community Lovely school which tries hard to be Position, school, people heart of the community It’s a small village and everyone knows Peaceful village located beside each other and looks out for each other extensive wooded and farmland areas The view It has fresh air and nice scenery The name (!) and the feel of having an The fact that it has beautiful country walks exotic address. I love using it to confuse the but your only minutes from the town new people I meet

The results from the community survey show us what the people of California like. What do you like about your community? 72% 22% COMMUNITY 30% 30% QUIET AND RURAL VILLAGE SPIRIT SIZE SAFE 20% 18% 10% 8% SCHOOL PATH NETWORK LOCATION THE VIEW

California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 5 OUR DISLIKES

Quotes taken from the survey: Fast roads, poor road surfaces Mamre Drive and congested parking Lack of council road gritters in winter Lack of community hall Speeding traffic through the village Lack of play area for children Only one shop Lack of local groups for children’s Playground at back of school - run down activities and rusty Not much to do, could have so much People feel isolated more for all different age groups Lack of facilities and activities Poor mobile phone coverage

The results from the community survey show us what the people of California dislike. What do you not like about your community? 56% 50% 35% 42% 8% LACK OF LACK OF LACK OF AMENITIES LITTER FACILITIES ACTIVITIES MAINTENANCE 27% 10% 8% 6% POOR BUS 10% VANDALISM DOG ROAD UTILITIES SAFETY SERVICE FOULING

6 California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 FROM OUR KIDS PERSPECTIVE Pupils from California PS made their contribution to the California Coalfields Community Action Plan by completing their own questionnaire which asked pupils the following questions: What things do you like to do most of all? What do you like about living here? What hobbies do you have? What do you dislike most about living here? Are you a member of a club? What would you like to see happen here in the future? 37 pupils took part and the results give an insight to the thoughts and feelings of our young residents. From the pupils surveyed, 60% of the young people said that they are involved in a group or club.

Their key concerns about the village Poor quality Inclement not enough include: amenities weather activities

Playing What they like most Friends The scenery outdoors about living in the and family and the with village include: views friends

Major More Looking to the future We would improvements activities locally like to see the the three most to the park including setting village become important issues including up a California more attractive for our young creating a Youth Football to look at people are: cycle track Team

OUR LIKES OUR DISLIKES Lots of open space and I can go for a gallop. There isn’t much to do Also I enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunsets without going into the town Playing in the park I don’t like the park as it’s ruined because The school is small and there are lots of of teenagers places to walk your dog The park is old and rusty and we can’t Friendly people and amazing views really hang about there

The school in nice and cosy Not a lot of clubs

Not many people at my school There is not much to do

Living near to my friends and there’s lots of Our park needs a lot more fun in it nooks and crannies to play hide and seek There is not enough things to do There is not much pollution and all my Not much to do. The park is boring friends live near me

California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 7 THEME 1: AMENITIES

These are the main strategies and priorities the community will work towards achieving in partnership with public agencies and other supporters. Access to good quality greenspace and woodland is important in any community as a way of improving health and wellbeing as is accessible sport and play facilities. Other amenities such as good quality local shopping provision that allows access to fresh, affordable food and other supplies are also very important. These amenities, combined with good quality nursery and school provision together make up the key elements in supporting a healthy, educated and sustainable community.

Improve our local greenspace and park Improve the look of the school and land for the benefit of everyone parking area Work with Falkirk Council and other appropriate Work with Falkirk Council to identify a agencies to explore taking forward the ideas from timely work schedule and suitable budget the survey including: to expedite the necessary repairs and maintenance. Fixing the broken football nets Repairs relate to the uneven parking area Improving the local park with better equipment next to the school and maintenance relates for all ages to improving the appearance of the school Creating a cycle track building Building a new Skate Park Potential Partners Local shopping provision Falkirk Council, Shieldhill and California Support the local shop and Post Office by Community Council, Local shop owner, Local using it regularly to help keep it open. residents.

8 California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 THEME 2: COMMUNITY SAFETY AND LOCAL SERVICES

There is a lot that needs done to give people the range of services they need to keep safe, stay well and travel to work, to school and for social needs. We will be working in partnership with a range of agencies over the term of this plan to ensure we can have the services that fulfil the needs of the people living in California.

Make our roads safer Better broadband across the village Work with Falkirk Council to explore a solutions Work with service providers to explore options based approach to: for improving the broadband in areas where the Traffic management to slow cars down to service is poor. legal requirements Affordable energy for our homes Creating safe road crossings to the park and the school Work with appropriate agencies to see what Ensuring there is a regular road gritting can be done to make energy costs more service in bad weather affordable for those most in need. Explore options for moving to more efficient Improve the bus service appliances in social housing. Liaise with transport providers to explore the Potential Partners potential for improvements to the existing service. Falkirk Council, Shieldhill and California Community Council, First Bus, Police Scotland, local residents.

California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 9 THEME 3: FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Building social capital is a key aspect of creating strong, resilient communities. Good quality, affordable community facilities where people can meet and share in activities and in conversation, this is the glue that binds communities together and a key priority for the people living in California.

Open the Community Hub for the Create a California Youth Football Team community Idea and identify the level of support for this Build further support for the California idea. Community Hub SCIO. If there is a strong backing for a football team With its plans to re-open the hall for community then work with appropriate agencies to gain use. development support and necessary funding to take this initiative forward. Work with Falkirk Council to secure a suitable lease agreement with a view to plans for an asset transfer to the community. A Summer Fayre for the whole village Identify funding for the necessary renovation Build a volunteer base. work to bring the hall up to a suitable standard Create a committee to plan and deliver the for community use. event. Carry out local engagement to find out what Identify and secure any necessary funding. activities people would like to see happen in the Promote and publicise your event. Hub. Celebrate success. Grow Community Assets in California Encourage responsible parking Carry out local community engagement and build support from local residents for Work together with the primary school to run community ownership of assets including the a campaign aimed at encouraging responsible Community Hub and the local park land. parking. Work with support agencies to help drive this Potential Partners forward. California Community Hub SCIO, Falkirk Identify and secure necessary funding to carry Council, Shieldhill and California Community out purchases. Council, Local residents. Put on more activities for all ages Secure community space to host activities. Carry out community engagement to find out what activities people would like to get involved in taking part in. Identify and secure any funding required. Work with partners and build a volunteer base that can deliver the activities people want.

10 California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 THEME 4: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

A place that is attractive and cared for, with local people taking responsibility for their everyday actions, this is what creates an environment that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone.

Improve the appearance of the village Develop the path and green network environment between villages Identify and work with support agencies to create Carry out a feasibility study to look at how best and deliver a plan of action that could include: to create a path network to link communities, including community engagement, path routes, Building a volunteer base development costs and financing the project. Creating more flower tubs and floral enhancements Potential Partners New Benches around the village California Community Hub SCIO, Falkirk Cleaning up the signs in the village Council, Shieldhill and California Community Dealing with the dog fouling Council, Local residents. Reducing litter and fly tipping

California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 11 EARLY ACTIONS FUNDED THROUGH PARTICIPATORY BUDGET

Shieldhill Wellfare Hall Development of Welfare Miners Hall

California Community Hub The refurbishment of Village Hall

Shieldhill Butterfly Project Shieldhill Butterfly Project

Braes Greenspace – Shieldhill Hillcrest Improve Open/Greenspace

Rendezvous Club Events for Community

Shieldhill Gala Committee Equipment for Gala

Shieldhill Primary PTA Extracurricular project

California Primary PTA Extracurricular project

FALKIRK COMMUNITY PLAN The Falkirk Community Plan sets out six high level outcomes with each Community Planning Partner agreeing to work together to achieve these. We see our community action plan has an opportunity to link in these outcomes and help make action to achieve major improvements in the quality of life for the people of California.

FALKIRK COMMUNITY PLAN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY HIGH LEVEL OUTCOMES ACTION PLAN THEMES

Our area will be a fairer and more equal place to live Amenities

We will grow our local economy to secure Community Safety and successful businesses, investment & employment Local Services

Our children will develop into resilient, confident Facilities and Activities and successful adults

Our population will be healthier Local Environment

People live full, independent and positive lives within supportive communities

Our area will be a safer place to live

12 California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 MAKING IT HAPPEN

This report summarises the findings of the Community Views Survey carried out in California during October 2019 - January 2020. The survey was carried out as part of the Coalfields Community Futures participatory process that informed the preparation of this five year community action plan. The voting event, which took the form of a family fun day in February, allowed the local community to review the results of the survey, make further comment on community issues and vote on which priorities were most important to them. The Participatory Budget from Coalfields Regeneration Trust of £31,000 has been used to help take forward local projects which support the key themes found in this action plan.

The Community Action Plan contains

Our main Likes A summary and Dislikes Our Vision of California expressed in Statement for Community the community California Profile survey

Making the The Participatory links between The main themes Budget projects the California and priorities for that are helping Community Action taking action kick start the Plan outcomes and action plan. those of the Falkirk Community Plan

Information on how to get involved or just be kept informed. The California Community Action Plan is not just for the few but for everyone, we hope you will read it, consider its content and help towards making it work by taking action where you are, in whatever way you can. If everyone did something positive for their community every day, then what a difference that would make! Many thanks go to all those who took their time to share their views, to the volunteers and participants who made the Voting Day a great success. Thanks go to members of the community who contributed the photographs in this community action plan. To find out more information about the California Community Action Plan or to volunteer with any projects please contact: Email: [email protected] | Facebook: California Community Hub

California Community Action Plan 2020-2025 13 Design: Arken Creative Print: Armstrong Printing (Alloa) Ltd. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Registered Charity No. 1074930 in England and Wales. A Charity Registered In Scotland No. SC039277