Draft Denny, and Community Action Plan

Introduction The Community Planning Partnership

The areas of Denny, Dennyloanhead and Dunipace sit within the West The Community Planning Partnership is the term used in each Local Locality of . Each area has a proud industrial history but this has Authority area to describe the joint-planning and priority-setting of local declined considerably over the years which has led to a lack of public and third sector organisations, alongside community bodies. These employment opportunities and increased inequalities. The area has high organisations work together so they can share their local knowledge and unemployment and child poverty rates, and there are three resources to get the best outcomes for the people living there. neighbourhoods within the 15% most deprived in . In Falkirk partners include: This plan was developed to help address some of these inequalities so we • CVS Falkirk can improve the wealth, health and wellbeing of its residents and • workers. It was developed through a range of events, speaking to Falkirk Community Trust residents about what is important to them and what they think should be • Falkirk Council done to improve their area. • Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership • Forth Valley College • Local Community Bodies Why the Plan was Developed • NatureScot • NHS Forth Valley The Scottish Government published the Community Empowerment • (Scotland) Act in 2015, which outlined all Community Planning • Scottish Enterprise Partnerships in Scotland must develop an improvement plan for each • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area with higher levels of deprivation or disadvantage within the local • SESTran authority boundary. • Skills Development Scotland In Falkirk, the Community Planning Partnership is developing this plan for • Visit Scotland Denny, Dennyloanhead and Dunipace, as well as a plan for , and will develop further plans in places with higher levels of inequality.

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

About Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Local Community Groups

The area has a proud industrial history, contributing to the wool, iron, • Denny Baptist Church – a family-friendly church that regularly paper and brickworks industries. Sitting on the southern side of the River holds community events. Invested in helping to improve the Carron, there is a combined population of around 15,000 people. There are wellbeing of people of all ages in Denny and the surrounding a number of historic castles nearby, most notably Herbertshire Castle area. located in what is known locally as Gala Park. Gala Park is home to a variety • Denny and Dunipace YMCA – Aim to provide and support quality, of facilities such as football pitches, cycle path, a skateboard and BMX park, sustainable programmes for young people in Denny and Dunipace a basketball court and a play area for young children and families. in line with identified local needs. • Denny and Dunipace Heritage Society – brings together people Despite being a key industrial hub for the British economy during the who are interested in researching, recording, preserving and industrial era, the decline of key industries has had a detrimental impact on the local economy, and as a result the area has a number of inequalities. protecting the historical, archaeological and architectural The population of Denny and Dennyloanhead have increased over the last heritage of the area. 10 years and there is a higher percentage of older people living in these • Denny and Men’s Shed – community run workshops areas in comparison to both the Western locality and the Falkirk where men can come together to pursue hobbies, work on Community Planning Partnership (CPP) area. The population of Dunipace projects and chat with other people in the community. has decreased by 4.4% over the last 10 years and has high levels of • SMART Denny – a local charity with aims to reduce energy use in inequalities in areas such as health and employment. the town and tackle fuel poverty

Points of Interest (Show this on a map) What has been achieved so far

• Herbertshire Castle • The regeneration of Denny town centre is the result of extensive • Gala Park consultation with the public. The multi-million-pound investment • Chacefield Wood includes a modern library, free public Wi-Fi and ten new custom • Community centres designed shop units. • Anderson Park • Key stakeholders have worked together on the regeneration of • Denny Football Centre Herbertshire Castle Park. Phase 1 of the project has been • Wellsfield Farm Park approved which will see improvements made to the car park, as well as additional benches and picnic areas. • Tappoch Broch and Castle

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Profile - One Page Infographics about the overall population/ headline deprivation. TO BE ADDED IN DESIGN

Population of 12,238

Total population increased by 327 in 10 years

Dunipace population has decreased by 4.4% in the last 10 years

2,287 Children

25% of children living in poverty in the ward

410 children are in low income families

21.7% of children in Denny are in low income families

In the Ward, 23% of pupils receive a clothing grant

Average household weekly income in Denny is £568

Unemployment in February 2020 compared with November 2020

Denny 4.2% 7.4% Dennyloanhead 1.8% 4.2% Dunipace 2.8% 6.5%

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Timeline of events TO BE ADDED IN DESIGN

Community Conversations July Your Place, Your Views June- July Action Development Workshops 2018 – June 2019 2018 October – December 2019

Your Place, Your Views

• An online survey for the West Locality with 738 respondents • A series of workshops including

Community Conversations

• Engagement with Community Network • Community Action Plan Launch event in Denny

Action Development Workshops

• Addressing Poverty • Community Safety • Children’s Health • Community Food Plan • Adult Health • Community Transport • Community Network

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

What people like What people don’t like

Roads and pavements are not well maintained People like the green spaces in the area

They are generally satisfied with healthcare provision There is some anti-social behaviour in the area

People like their local area but feel not enough is done to celebrate it Public transport can be unreliable and too expensive

People are impressed with the range of activities on offer at the Archibald People feel there is a lack of jobs in the local area Russell Centre and library There are too many takeaways and not enough restaurants for families People feel safe in their area Young people think there are good walking and cycling routes along the There are not enough banks machines available locally canal which lead to other attractions, such as the Falkirk Wheel There is an appetite for community engagement amongst many residents Pupils from Denny High school enjoy visiting places, such as Chacefield but many feel their views are not taken on board Wood and Herbertshire Castle Park

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Poverty: • The average weekly income in Denny is £568 - lower than the Falkirk rate of £691.47. Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead are places where opportunities, • Denny has higher levels of children living in low-income power and wealth are shared equally. households compared to Falkirk and Scotland.

What local people said:

• It is difficult to understand poverty unless it has been directly Priorities to address together: experienced. • Food banks should be advertised better so people in need are • People are struggling financially, particularly in light of Covid-19: more aware of them. More work needs to be done to strengthen networks of support • Residents in Denny feel there is a lack of training and within communities so people who are struggling are aware of development opportunities within the area. where they can receive support. • There are not enough banks in the area, people already in • An inclusive local economy: people are concerned about training hardship have to travel too far to access banks/ATM machines. and job opportunities, and high levels of deprivation. • People feel business rates in the area are too high. • There is a need for training and skills projects to match the local economy. What will be different in 10 years?

1. The local economy will be more inclusive and there will be more What we know: local employment opportunities. • Denny has higher levels of unemployment as a result of the 2. Fewer people will be struggling with food insecurity Covid-19 pandemic, similar to the rest of Falkirk

• Denny and surrounding areas have three neighbourhoods within the SIMD 2020 20% most deprived areas.

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Poverty Action Plan

No. Action Who will be involved This will be achieved by: 1. Introduce a community led food pantry with a Community Food Communities, Falkirk Council, Fairer 2022 Worker, subscriptions service and local volunteers Falkirk, NHS Forth Valley 2. Explore additional community projects to address food poverty, such as Communities, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk 2024 cooking on a budget, a community kitchen, training on hygiene, Community Trust Denny Support Group, nutrition and allergens etc. Denny Baptist Church, Denny and district network, Falkirk Council 3. Consider local energy-efficiency education, for example keeping heat in Communities, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk 2024 homes, energy-efficient cooking etc. Council 4. Consider sustainable food projects, such as community growing, Communities, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk 2024 reducing food waste, local and seasonal food education etc. Council 5. Investigate local training needs, and design local projects with local Communities, Falkirk Council, CVS, Skills 2022 communities Development Scotland 6. Work with communities to combat negative perceptions of those in Communities, Fairer Falkirk, Denny Support 2022 poverty, and consider local events related to Challenge Poverty Week Group, Denny and district network, Poverty Alliance

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Health Inequalities What we know People in Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead will lead long, active and healthy lives, and families are supported. Data to be updated for final draft

What local people said: Priorities to address together:

• Some residents were shocked by the poor health outcomes of • Mental health is a concern in the area as is substance use, so people living in the area. additional barriers should be prioritised. • Allotment sites to supplement growing healthy foods which can • There is a lack of affordable options for leisure and sports activities help healthy living • People should have access to affordable healthy and nutritious • Need better support mechanisms for the elderly and vulnerable food • Not enough affordable leisure centres/sporting facilities in the area for young people and their families. What will be different in 10 years? • Too many takeaways in the area and not enough local restaurants for families. 3. Local people are healthier and able to make informed choices about • Make use of local open space for recreational activities for young their health. people. • More activities to promote good mental health for children and 4. Young people will be more active and healthier as a result of improved young people. options for healthy food and exercise. • Young people should be educated about mental health 5. People with additional barriers have access to the services they need.

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Health Inequalities Actions

No. Action Who will be involved: This will be achieved by: 7. Consider options for a preventative project for substance Communities, Alcohol and Drug 2022 use Partnership, NHS Forth Valley 8. Identify whether there is need for a local family support group related Communities, Alcohol and Drug 2024 to substance use Partnership 9. Map out available mental health services in the area, and access for Communities, Falkirk council, NHS Forth 2022 people in Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Valley 10. Develop an approach for involving people with lived experience of Communities, Fairer Falkirk, NHS Forth 2022 poorer mental health outcomes in service design Valley, Health and Social Care Partnership 11. Scope need for local pilot project around social isolation, focussing on Communities, Fairer Falkirk, NHS Forth 2024 older and young people Valley, Health and Social Care Partnership 12. Map out existing buildings, resources and health related groups and Communities, NHS Health Improvement, 2022 services operating within the area Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership

13. Consider options to improve access and participation of exercise and Communities, Falkirk Community Trust 2022 sports 14. Identify and scope need for walking groups or health walks Communities, Falkirk Council, NHS Health 2024 Improvement 15. Explore development of a Child Health Week, co-produced with young Communities, Local schools, Falkirk 2024 people Council, NHS Forth valley

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Community Transport

Transport in Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead is affordable, What we know accessible and reliable. Our transport infrastructure is integrated, • Denny has higher levels of people claiming disability allowance in sustainable, efficient and reliable. comparison to the Falkirk average What local people said • There are higher levels of child poverty, benefit claimants, and lower weekly earnings than the rest of Falkirk so affordable • Transport infrastructure is poor. transport options is important • No bus shelter at Denny Cross. • Traffic lights at Denny Cross don’t work properly. Priorities to address together: • The roads in the area are not well maintained. • Transport Infrastructure: a modern and inclusive transport • Public transport isn’t very reliable and is generally too expensive. system which suits the needs of local residents. • Residents in Denny argued there should be a bus service to the • hospital. Access to a variety of transport options: people should have • Not enough dropped kerbs in the area which makes it difficult for access to good quality options for walking, cycling, and public some people to get around. transport • A community transport model would help address some of the problems with public transport in the area. • Extra cycle paths would be beneficial What will be different in 10 years? • Options such as a family card, subsidised travel, or a nominal fare would be helpful. 6. Cycling will be accessible to all residents living in the area. • Use of or access to electric cars would be beneficial. 7. Public transport will be more reliable and affordable. • The lack of adequate public transport is also contributing to social isolation and loneliness.

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Community Transport

No. Action Who will be involved This will be achieved by: 16. Identify and scope the need for improvements to cycling infrastructure. Communities, Forth 2022 This could include a bike library, bike share schemes, bike station etc. Valley Environmental Link, Falkirk Council 17. Carry out an audit of streets and paths to ensure there are good quality Falkirk Council 2024 cycling paths and well-lit streets 18. Raise awareness of local issues relating to public transport Communities, Falkirk Council, Sestran 2022 19. Investigate accessibility and affordability of public transport within the Communities, Falkirk Council, Sestran 2024 local area 20. Identify and scope need for community car provision or other Communities, Falkirk Council, Sestran 2024 community transport options 21. Ensure local transport projects in the area are publicised so the Communities, Falkirk Council, Sestran 2022 community can be involved

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Building Safe and Empowered Communities What we know

Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead are inclusive, empowered and Data for to added for final draft resilient places where residents feel safe in their communities. Priorities to address together:

What local people said • People want their communities to feel more welcoming and safer • Some people don’t feel safe walking around the area due to the for everyone. rise in anti-social behaviour, substance misuse and vandalism. • People want to be more involved in future engagement exercises • Lack of community identity viewed as a significant problem so there is greater insight from people within the area. • Community events need to be advertised better so more people • Reduce the amount of crime in the area. can participate in the local decision-making process. • Closure of local police station seen as an issue for some people. • Suggestion that one of the empty buildings in the area could be What will be different in 10 years? used as a Community Hub to aid inclusion and provide a safe 8. Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead will be more inclusive places to space for local residents. live. • Some people in the area report having been subject to homophobic abuse. 9. There will be less anti-social behaviour in the area and people will feel • Teenagers drinking in parks at the weekend can be intimidating. safe in their communities. • There is a feeling amongst young people that their voices aren’t 10. There will be a wide variety of community groups involved in ongoing listened to. consultations regarding improvements to the area. • We would feel safer in our community if we knew more people by name. • Hate crimes need to be taken more seriously.

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Safe and Empowered Communities

No. Action Who will be involved: This will be achieved by: 22. Develop a local community safety panel to identify and tackle local Communities, CVS, Police Scotland, 2022 issues in partnership, such as scams and home safety, fire safety, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Falkirk internet security etc. Council, CSREC, Falkirk equalities and rights group, Local Tenants and Residents groups 23. Develop a litter strategy in partnership across all community Communities, Falkirk Council 2024 organisations 24. Establish more local community events encouraging community Communities 2024 cohesion and ‘getting to know your neighbours’, that celebrate the towns of Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead 25. Investigate the need for provision of local youth services, particularly Communities, Falkirk Council 2022 for older youths 26. Introduce a campaign for increased youth involvement in community Communities, Falkirk Council 2024 activities

Draft Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead Community Action Plan

Next Steps

Monitoring this plan

This Action Plan shows what will be done to improve outcomes in Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead over the next 10 years. Each action will be jointly delivered by different organisations within the Community There is a lot of current and planned Planning Partnership and members of the local community. activity A Performance Management Framework will be developed so each action is monitored, and indicators will be developed by the working group responsible for each action. These groups will develop indicators and targets so change can be measured, and the community can see this change.

This plan will be monitored and reported on annually so trends and progress can be measured.

Getting involved

This plan is for anyone who lives or works in Denny, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead. The actions in this plan will be jointly delivered by organisations within the Community Planning Partnership, local community groups, members of the local community and anyone else that wants to be involved.

If you are interested in discussing what is in this plan, or want to get involved in any way, please contact the Community Planning Partnership at [email protected].