Local Community Plan 2016-2019

Action Plan

This document is a supporting document to the Marr Community Plan 2016–19, it provides information on what we are doing as partners in order to meet the priorities of the plan. The Action Plan will be reviewed at approximately eight week intervals by Marr Community Planning Group at regular meetings. Completed actions will be removed and new actions added throughout the three year life of this plan. The current Action Plan including all updates can be found at www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/Marr. If you wish to discuss the plan, or the potential to add a new action to the plan, please contact the Marr Community Planning Officer at the Marr Area Office on 019755 64801.

Monitoring the Plan Actions will be SMART, that is they will be specific and measurable and attainable. Clear milestones and timescales will be set for actions along with identified outcomes, outputs and impacts. In order to be transparent a six monthly monitoring document will be actively shared with all Marr Community Councils. If other groups or organisations would like to receive the monitoring, they can request this. The monitoring information will be available at www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/marr where any interested parties can access it.

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

Priority 1 Empowered and Confident Communities

Key Outcomes: Marr’s communities are 1. Communities are empowered to achieve better local outcomes successful, innovative and 2. Community Planning is seen as the process for getting local priorities actioned inclusive 3. Communities are supported to develop and deliver a vision for their area 4. Communities and individuals have the confidence to participate in local democratic structures

What we will do 1.1 We will work with Community groups to improve representation and involvement in the Community Planning Process/ Marr Community Planning Group

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will define and complete a review on the arrangements April 2017. Community Planning Officer Review through which communities are represented on the MCPG. ( Council) Completed MCPG Establish Community

Representatives Numbers of representatives

The MCP 2016 – 19 update will be emailed to Community June and Community Planning Officer Emails out Councils and groups every 6 months and responses gathered. December (Aberdeenshire Council) Responses These will be presented to the twice yearly Marr Joint every year MCPG gathered Meetings.

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress Update and responses presented at Joint meeting

We will provide a platform for local communities and the MCPG Every 3 Marr Area Partnership Up to 12 ward to improve the effectiveness of community planning at a very months forums per year MCPG local level through the continued development of the Community Ward Forums in Marr’s 3 wards.

Aberdeenshire Council staff will attend a meeting of each of Once per year Marr Area Office Staff CC meetings Marr’s Community Councils. attended (Aberdeenshire Council)

1.2 We will enhance youth engagement and involvement in the Community Planning Process

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will complete an audit of young people’s involvement in April 2017 CLD/MCPG Audit completed the community planning process and Community Councils.

We will develop an action plan for young people to participate November CLD Young people in community planning activities, including ward forums on the 2017 attend ward Marr Area Partnership basis of work carried out with young people between November forums 2016 and October 2017. MCPG Young people attend and contribute to Community Planning activities/events Action Plan in place.

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

1.3 We will work with communities and Community Councils to ensure they are equipped with the skills and resources required to operate effectively

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress All new Community Council members will be made aware of Quarterly MAP/AVA 75% of new training opportunities. promotion of CC Aberdeenshire Council opportunities members will undertake online training modules

We will work with Community Councils and other organisations to April 2019 Develop identify what kind of training opportunities they would like to see Training and will develop a programme to be delivered through Community programme Ward Forums and other means. Deliver Training programme

1.4 We will support communities to understand, participate and take advantage of opportunities around legislative changes

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will organise a local meeting/event to inform community April 2017 Marr Area Partnership Event held groups of the opportunities provided for them by the Community MCPG Feedback Empowerment Act and discuss with them what this might mean in Marr

We will organise a Marr wide meeting/event focused on the Land December Marr Area Partnership Event held Reform Act 2017 MCPG Feedback

1.5 We will support and empower communities to develop and deliver a vision for their local area

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress Up to 6 communities will be supported to develop, review or April 2019 Marr Area Partnership SLA with deliver a Community Action Plan (CAP). MAP MCPG Progress report 2 x yearly Published CAP’s

We will provide support and advice to communities, we will also April 2019 Aberdeenshire Council Number of provide funding opportunities for projects projects Aberdeenshire Voluntary supported Action Funding Marr Area Partnership approved NHS Grampian

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

Priority 2 Economically Vibrant Communities

Key Outcomes: The economic sustainability 5. Town and village centres are regenerated and/or revitalised through effective partnership working of communities in Marr will 6. Support for small scale tourism infrastructure in communities across Marr is enhanced be enhanced 7. Communities are supported to identify and develop community based enterprises 8. Communities are supported to develop and enhance their facilities 9. Communities are involved in assessing the need for local affordable housing and/or delivering Community Based Housing opportunities. 10. Awareness of funding opportunities is enhanced to support economic development + diversification e.g. LEADER, Wind farms etc.

What we will do 2.1 We will work with communities to develop partnership solutions for town and village centre regeneration and revitalisation.

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will work with partners in to develop a strategy to April 2019 HDDT Town Team in revitalise/regenerate the town centre. place Huntly Community Council New Aberdeenshire Council Economies Huntly Business Association Project complete Deveron Arts Town Strategy in complete

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will work with Donside Community Council and other local April 2017 Aberdeenshire Council Car park partners to improve the Alford Car Park, including relining the relined Donside Community Council facility and providing new information maps for visitors. Visitor

information maps in place

We will work with the Lumsden Community to support them to April 2019 Lumsden Community Design for revitalise the village square and the area around it, providing Association playpark improved play/sport facilities. agreed Aberdeenshire Council Final Plan for MAP square agreed Funding in place Works complete

We will work with the Town Improvement Group To December Area Project Officer, South Agree signage develop a signage and interpretation strategy with the aim of 2016 Marr, Aberdeenshire Council proposal enhancing the town centre. Implement signage strategy

We will work with the community to reinstate Station November Aberdeenshire Council Ballater Visitor Centre following a fire in May 2015, provide an enhanced 2016 appoint Station Visitor Victoria and Albert Halls cultural heritage offering, a restaurant, improved contractor Centre is Committee community/library facilities and develop a new civic space in constructed December the form of a Station Square. Community Stakeholders on time 2016 Constructions A new civic site start space -Station Square is October 2017 completed. Construction completed

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress December 2017 official opening

We will carry out an options appraisal on the display of the November Aberdeenshire Council Options Tullich Stones (Scheduled Monument at Tullich Kirk). In order to 2017 appraisal achieve this, we will consult with Historic Environment complete (HES)

We will develop a Banchory Town Strategy to guide future December Aberdeenshire Council Banchory planning for the provision of services and facilities within the 2016 Town Strategy Community Planning Partners town completed

We will support the community and private partners to work to December RICL Before and improve the long term sustainability of Lumsden as a community 2017 after Lumsden Community both environmentally and economically. measurements Association of fuel Aberdeenshire Council poverty and carbon

footprint Key community buildings insulated A combined heat and power plant in place Agreements on community benefit from income of plant in place.

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

2.2 Communities will be supported to identify and develop opportunities for community based enterprises

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will support Huntly and District Development Trust to deliver a April 2019 HDDT Paths vibrant community facility at Greenmyres that physically links to linking the town and draws in visitors to both the facility and the town. Greenmyres to Moor Forest and to Huntly in place Plans for safe crossing over A96 in place Temporary base and facilities at Greenmyres in place.

We will support Ballater Community Enterprise Ltd to develop April 2019 Aberdeenshire Council Increased Ballater Caravan Park with long term sustainability in mind. Number of

caravan pitches

2.3 We will support communities with funding advice as well as providing funding for inclusive/sustainable projects

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will support to develop an enhanced play park March 2017 Braemar Community Ltd Funding in place Aberdeenshire Council Play park upgraded

We will support Strachan to investigate developing an enhanced 2017 Feughdee West Community Project group play park Council established Aberdeenshire Council Consultation completed Plans developed

We will support Ballogie Community Association to develop an 2018 Aberdeenshire Council BCA has outdoor village hub become a AVA Company Ltd by Guarantee Community agreed proposals Funding in place Hub constructed

We will support to develop an enhanced public open December Area Project Officer, North Bowling Green space in the old Bowling Green 2018 Marr, Aberdeenshire Council made safe Open space completed.

We will support Tarland Development Group to develop a large Summer 2019 Tarland Development Group Community Funding in place scale mountain biking trails centre supports for feasibility (Trails Centre Marr Area Partnership proposal study will open

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress beyond Aberdeenshire Council Feasibility Summer 2019) Study completed Planning Permission granted Funding in place Trails Centre Opens

2.4 We will support communities to assess the need for local affordable housing and to develop community based solutions

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will hold one Community Ward Forum on community based April 2018 Marr Area Partnership Forum housing solutions with invited speakers and presentations held Aberdeenshire Council Authority

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

Priority 3 Healthy, Safe and Thriving Communities

Key Outcomes: Marr’s population will be 11. Health inequalities across Marr are improved through effective and targeted partnership working healthy, safe and thriving 12. Opportunities for positive health and wellbeing activity are supported and developed in the community throughout life 13. Local groups are supported to develop initiatives that will make a difference 14. Community safety across Marr is improved and a better understanding of local issues is gained

What we will do 3.1 We will support people to be actively engaged in local communities and feel empowered to participate to improve social connectedness, health and wellbeing. Particularly older people, substance misusers, people with mental health issues and those who are vulnerable/disadvantaged

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will develop a HEAL (Healthy Eating/Active Living) strategy and March 2017 NHS Grampian (NHSG), Strategy action plan Aberdeenshire Health and Social and action

Care Partnership (AHSCP), plan Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action complete (AVA) and other local services and agencies

The AB54 Health and Wellbeing (H&WB) Network will support at December NHSG, AHSCP, AVA and other Priorities least 3 groups in the AB54 area of Marr, to explore health issues 2017 local services and agencies identified and identify health and wellbeing priorities for action. Resources in place

We will develop a physical activity strategy and action plan for April 2017 NHSG, AHSCP, Aberdeenshire Strategy Marr (emphasis on walking and cycling) Council (AC), Cairngorms and action National Park Authority (CPNA), plan

Marr Area Partnership (MAP), complete AVA

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

We will support the local school communities in , Alford, December NHSG, 4 x GIRFEC groups, Each Banchory and Huntly to develop and implement youth health and 2017 GIRFEC wellbeing actions. Area: identify actions implement 2 actions.

3.2 We will support initiatives that raise the profile of the impact of alcohol on individuals, families and communities across Marr

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will complete a community research project on alcohol in June 2017 NHSG, AHSCP, MAP, AC (CLD) Full and South Marr, this will recommend local actions around alcohol. AVA, CARE summary results made available

We will attend Community Council meetings to raise awareness of January 2018 NHSG Engage the role they can play in advising the Licensing Board with 2 CC’s in each Ward

We will pilot the use of CO2 monitors in homes, in partnership with December NHSG, Early Years Forums, Outcomes the 4 Early Years Forums in Marr (Smokefree homes/cars initiative) 2017 AHSCP report available

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

3.3 We will work with the community to identify where gaps in local Health and Social Care provision exist and if appropriate, assist in the development of partnership led solutions

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will carry out research which will assist communities and March 2017 NHSG, Marr Area Partnership, Report strategic partners, particularly the AHSCP, in developing local, AC, AVA, AHSCP Available innovative and community led solutions to identified issues

We will ensure community groups and voluntary organisations January 2018 Aberdeenshire Voluntary 4 x have the opportunity to engage in processes, which influence Action workshops 1 in each the design and delivery of health & social care services. MCPG Marr CP Partners Community Councils Health and Social Care Development Trusts area in Marr 4 x local AHSCP groups Develop action plans

3.4 We will support initiatives that help residents of Marr to live their lives in a safe and secure environment

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will develop an initiative to discourage inappropriate parking April 2019 Police Scotland, and Print in and around schools and make people more aware of the North Marr Community Safety Banners potential impact of their actions. Group (GNMCSG), South Marr Display Community Safety Group banners at (SMCSG), MCPG, school entrances

We will ensure vulnerable members of the community have April 2019 Scottish Fire and Rescue Numbers of access to services and support through referrals from front line Service home fire service providers – e.g. Home Fire Safety Visits safety visits completed

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

We will support and roll out a series of education programs on April 2019 Pass Plus rural road safety to young people and the wider community funding distributed Safe Drive Stay Alive Marr Schools attend Crash Live events at 4 Academy’s or in communities on ongoing basis

We will establish a Marr Community Defibrillator Network to April 2017 Community Planning Officer Network develop and maintain standards and share best practice NHSG, Garioch and North Marr Established Community Safety Group/South

Marr Community Safety Group Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire H&SC Partnership Marr Area Partnership Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action

We will put a shared agency Community Support Officer in place December Aberdeenshire Council, Service between Ballater and Braemar, supported by the NHS, Scottish 2017 Scottish Fire Rescue Service, established Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and Aberdeenshire Police Scotland, NHS 1 year trial Council. This will be a fixed term trial post and the postholder period will deliver a mix of services around safety completed.

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

Priority 4 Connected Communities

Key Outcomes: 15. Residents of Marr have access to safe, active travel options The connectivity of 16. Towns and villages are connected with routes that can be accessed by all communities across Marr 17. Residents in Marr have access to reliable transport options including community transport will be enhanced 18. Communities in Marr receive broadband and mobile phone coverage that is reliable and cost effective

What we will do 4.1 We will work with communities to improve and expand locally identified active travel options. We will promote active travel as a realistic alternative to the car, e.g. for short local journeys

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress

4.2 We will work with communities to assess gaps in public transport provision and where appropriate, help to develop locally led solutions

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress A feasibility study will be carried out to identify sustainable travel April 2018 MAP Feasibility solutions in rural north Marr. Study Completed

A Community Ward Forum on transport will be held, presenting April 2017 MAP Ward current and planned provision, sharing best practice in community Forum transport and discussing options for future community led options held

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

4.3 We will work in partnership with communities, Aberdeenshire Council, Visit Aberdeenshire, Active Cairngorms and the Cairngorms Business Partnership to promote walking and cycling

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will establish a Marr Community Paths and Cycle Network. April 2017 MAP, AC, AVA, NHSG, AHSCP, Network This will aim to cover the creation and development of active CPNA, HDDT Established routes and the maintenance of community networks to support walking and cycling.

4.4 We will work with communities to explore and assess broadband and mobile phone coverage

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

Priority 5 Natural Heritage and Environment

Key Outcomes: 19. Residents and communities in Marr are able to take advantage of their natural surroundings in a Marr’s natural heritage and way that supports positive, healthy lifestyles environment will be 20. Residents and communities across Marr are engaged in the use of land and natural heritage assets safeguarded and nurtured and gain the benefits arising from such activity with residents and communities connected to 21. Communities are supported to develop resilience plans relevant to their local area their surroundings 22. Community projects that seek to address climate change mitigation, adaption and preparedness are supported

23. Communities are supported to develop and enhance sustainable community buildings and other facilities

What we will do 5.1 We will support local communities to develop flooding and resilience plans

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will support Ballater to develop a Resilience plan November Ballater Resilience Plan group Plan complete 2016 Recommended measures in place Plan ready to action in an emergency

We will support Crathie to develop a Resilience plan TBC

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Local Community Plan Marr 2016-2019

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress We will support Resilience plan April 2017 Aberdeenshire Council Ensure plan is recognised by Monymusk Resilience Group emergency planning

We will support Cromar area to develop a Resilience plan. TBC Plan complete Recommended measures in place Plan ready to action in an emergency

5.2 We will support community projects around climate change mitigation and adaption

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress Invite Local Energy Scotland to a future MCPG meeting to discuss April 2017 Community Planning Officer Information opportunities for funding for community-led projects shared Plan to promote in place

5.3 We will work with communities to assess the significance and benefits from natural heritage and environmental assets and support them to gain the capacity and confidence to engage in discussions around their management

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress

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Local Community Plan 2016-2019 Marr

5.4 Communities will be supported and encouraged to engage more broadly in relation to the management of natural heritage and environmental assets

How? When? Who? Outcome Progress

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