Loans Community Action Plan 2014 - 2019

Welcome to Loans Community Action Plan

This Community Action Plan lays out the community’s priorities for the development of Loans over the next 5 years. These priorities have been established through a process of local community engagement and consultation carried out during 2013.

Loans Community Action Plan 2014—2019 This Community Action Plan is for people who live or work in Loans and who want to plan for its future. The contents provide the results, conclusions and recommendations from the survey which took place in Loans during the summer of 2013. The Action Plan is a statement about the type of place the community wants Loans to be, and what needs to be done.

The Action Plan provides:

 An outline of our community profile  A summary of our community‘s views  A vision for the future; where the issues that matter most are priorities for action to be taken.

The Action Plan will be our guide for what we as a community want to try to make hap- pen over the next five years, laying the foundations for change over the longer term.

Equalities This plan contains: During the course of the consultation and en- gagement with this community, the consultants  Community Profile  Strengths and Weaknesses and other partners have been mindful to consider  Who's Who and What's going on all equality issues and carry out all of the activities  Community Vision inclusively to ensure that throughout the commu-  Themes and Actions nity, all ages, genders and themes have been  How to stay informed and in- considered and represented in a positive manner. volved

Loans Community & the Ayrshire 21 Project Our Community has worked with the Ayrshire 21 team, to undertake community consul- tations that has gathered the views and interests of local people about their community.

The consultation work has used a variety of methods including a householder survey to find out the opinions of local people about a range of topics. Various meetings have also taken place with community groups in Loans to ascertain their wants and needs. This process has fed into the action plan to clearly identify our needs and wants, things that need to be improved or changed, and our aspirations for the future of Loans.

The result of this work is an Action Plan with a list of recommendations for the future of the area. This project has been part-financed by the Scottish Government and by the European Community Ayrshire LEADER 2007-2013 Programme, along with volunteer work within the community.

Representatives from our Community have guided the consultation process and the de- velopment of this final report and action plan. Without the help and support of members of the community in responding to the consultation process, this report and action plan would not have been possible.

Page 2 Householder information: A sample of Loans households returned 34 questionnaires about living in Loans. It was apparent from the responses that Loans is a quiet place to live. Many activities for people to do are carried out in the outlying areas and those who have to use public transport to and from these areas, have difficulty in participating as there is a very irregular, infrequent public transport service. There is evidence through the responses that there is a lack of volunteers to sustain present and possible future projects within the village.

“ Quiet commuter village,

“Loans need more volunteers especially since the A78 to make things happen, this access, bypass route”. needs to be nurtured”.

Householder Survey comments:

 Village Hall underused and under supported

 Dog fouling and litter issues, especially in public places

 Poor transport service

 More volunteers required to make things happen

 Village Hall at risk of closing

 Little to do for all ages and lack of information

 Poor information on notice boards

Page 3 Where we came from: Loans is a village in South Ayrshire near Troon, located in the Dundonald Parish. The name of the village derived from the green loans, which can simply refer to a ‘lane’ and as such is a com- mon place name element. It is particularly appropriate to Loans, which is at a crossroads. Rob- ertloan House, originally a dwelling in the medieval clachan of Loans in the centre of the vil- lage ,and Hillhouse within the village, were seats of the local lairds during feudal times. Fairs used to be held here twice a year in June and October. In 1806 five small steadings comprised the settlement of Loans and a school was established in 1877 in the village. Today pupils go to Muirhead or Troon Primary Schools. Some of the old houses were like smugglers vaults having double walls and many cargoes from the Isle of Man and Ireland ended up hidden in the village. All around Loans, especially in the sandy hills, were “brandy holes” which were used for storing brandy casks. There was once two Toll Bars which were leased out sepa- rately or as one entity and the village tolls increased their income by selling ale and whisky. The village smithy was once situated on the main street as was the post office. An old cheese press stone was used as a mounting block and is still located outside the old post office. The Old Loans Inn once was a coaching inn and now brings visitors from far and wide for good food.

Leprosy:

In the 14th century Robert the Bruce is thought to have suffered from leprosy, psoriasis or some other skin ailment and is reputed to have drunk from a brook at Prestwick's "Bruce's Well".

The apparent healing effects of the waters caused him to establish a lazar house, or hospi- tal for lepers. The king endowed the establish- ment with the income from the lands of Loans, ensuring its survival.

The villagers of Loans were required to support eight lepers, each of whom was to have, annual- ly, "eight bolls of meal and eight merks". The meal for the lepers was ground at the nearby Sculloch Mill.

Early Map of Loans

Page 4 The Village Hall—A Brief History Loans Village Hall opened in 1926 with funds raised by villagers. The Hall was originally run by volunteers from the village as well as Trustees. Since 1969, the local authority has main- tained and managed the hall. However, South Ayrshire Council now wants many of its local communities to take on responsibility for their halls. Currently, Loans Village Hall makes an annual loss. However, a 2010 study indicated that the Hall could be made viable if run by the community, for the community. At this point, eve- ryone in Loans was invited to an Open Day and other events to give their views. The results were presented at a meeting in August 2010 with recommendations including setting up a local company to commission detailed architectural plans to redevelop the hall and establish a community management model. Four new trustees were nominated to Loans Village Hall Trust, which established ownership of the hall on behalf of the village. A limited company with charitable status was then set up as Loans Community Centre Ltd (LCCL) with the aim to modernise and upgrade the Hall. The same four trustees became its initial Directors and in 2012, ownership of the hall was transferred from the Trust to LCCL. Currently, LCCL has 3 directors and around 40 members. Membership is open to everyone in Loans and the surrounding area.

Loans village has changed and expanded significantly in the last 30 or so years, particularly since construction of the A78 by-pass. Many new houses have been built and new residents have come from further afield. But there are still a good number who were born and raised here.

Page 5 Strengths:

 ‘Life In Loans’ Committee Weaknesses:  Strong Community Council   Kyle Rural Forum Lack of volunteers within the community  Skills requirements for Committees

 Limited Amenities

 Physical State of roads / pavements

 Parking Issues on Main street

“The village Hall could close unless we get more help” Opportunities:

 Growth of community volunteers

 Heritage trails

 Development of Hall Threats:

 Funding Research  Possible closure of village hall

 Community Transport  Economic downturn

 Community Empowerment Bill  Poor public transport service

 Pelican Crossing  Lack of local amenities

 Moving of Bus stop  New Housing Estates

 Community Transport  Turbines

Page 6 Some Quick Hits:

 Clean up Dog Fouling & Litter

 Provide more activities for all age ranges

 Implement a drive for more volunteers

 Provide training for volunteers

 Improve communication links, leaflets, what’s on

Where we want to go to. We want to build on:

 People Skills

 Community Spirit

 Good Transport Links

 Improving roads and pavements

 Encouraging general maintenance of properties

 Good local amenities

 Communication

Page 7 Local Planning: Loans Listed below are the most recent planning applications for Loans.

 Ref: 13/00758/APP—Proposed wind turbine U105, Application refused.

There is a new draft local development plan which South Ayrshire Council has submitted to government for approval. This is expected to be approved and adopted this year, which will mean all of the individual ones that are currently being used will no longer be used. Link—http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/local-plan/document.aspx

Tourism and Loans Loans has a great deal of history and heritage to add to its attraction both to locals and visitors alike. The Bruce Trail South Ayrshire Loans is one of 17 local communities across South Ayrshire that identified its link with King Robert the Bruce: Lazar House, or Hospital, for lepers. The Smugglers Trail The Smugglers' Trail leads from South Beach, Troon, along the Wrack Road across Royal Troon Golf Club, past Crosbie Kirk and through Fullarton Woods. From the Main Street, in Loans the trail crosses ancient woodland and enjoys stunning views over the Firth of Clyde. This historic route has been in regular use from early times including use by smugglers known as the Brandy Holes. There was the Loans Smuggling Company and virtually every local person was involved in its acts

Page 8 Community Empowerment Bill—what it means to communities: The Scottish Government believes that its people are its greatest asset, and best placed to make decisions about their future. The proposed Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill aims to make the most of the talents that exist in our communities; deliver high quality and improving public services; and support strong local democracy and local decision-making. It will be community organisations and volunteers, working to deliver first class public services or innovating in the private sector, who will deliver a more successful future for Scotland.

It is likely that this bill will include:

 New opportunities for communities to become owners of land and buildings from the public sector, along with new legislation pertaining to the rural community right to buy  New and greater opportunities for communities to be more involved in shaping and deliver- ing better outcomes locally  Strengthened Community planning, with public sector partners working better together to deliver better outcomes for communities  New powers and legislation on rate relief schemes, allotments, defective and dangerous buildings

Community empowerment is about communities taking their own decisions about their futures. It’s about communities choosing to grow and become stronger, and to improve things for their families, friends and neighbours through their own actions.

Through the proposed bill, communities will be enabled to develop their local economies, envi- ronments and actions.

The proposed bill is under consultation at the point of going to press. The bill will be finalised in 2014. Further information can be sought through: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00437584.pdf

Where we are now: Village Hall “Life in Loans” secured planning permission for transition and development of Village Hall. Meetings within the community are required to increase interest and create greater awareness of the importance to sustain the Village Hall presence in Loans. Funding opportunities require to be resourced and we need committed individuals with experi- ence and aptitude for this. Research for individuals to be able to volunteer and assist with the various fields of the project such as viability, policies, procedures, handovers, and project management.

Page 9 Main Themes, Strategies and Priorities

THEME PRIORITY

Loans Village Hall  More community support required  Financial Funding Streams to be Regeneration Project sought

 Attract local interest

 Secure partners

 Secure funding

Better Public  Campaign for roads and pavement re- pairs

Transport Routes / Road  Enforce traffic management

Improvements  Traffic Survey

 Campaign for better public transport links

 Community Transport

Park /Play Area Upgrade  Improve and maintain park and play area

 Dog Foul & Litter Campaign

Activities and People  Provide more activities for all age rang- es within the village and outlying areas

 Publish lists of Activities and Groups on websites and other local media

 Harness Local Community Spirit and encourage more volunteers

 Provide training and encouragement for new volunteers

Page 10 Main Themes, Strategies and Priorities

WHO WILL WORK ON RESOURCES & TIMESCALE THIS?

 “Life in Loans”  Approved planning application granted

 Community User Groups  Committee numbers now increased

 Community  Funding for project

 South Ayrshire Council  Management of facility & project

 Funding opportunities

Timescale Ongoing

 Transport Scotland  Planning requirements

 Loans Community Council  Labour for installation of equipment

 South Ayrshire Council  Potential New user group

 Amey Highways

 Local Developers Timescale Ongoing

 Loans Community Council  Signs, posters, stencils

 Community Groups  Litter & Dog bins

 South Ayrshire, Bag it / Bin it  Litter picking equipment  Community Safety SA Timescale Ongoing

 Loans Community Council  Equipment

 South Ayrshire Council  Volunteer time

 Loans Gala Committee  Training Programmes for Volunteers

 Community Groups in Loans  Meeting / Time  Volunteer Centre Ayr (VASA) Timescale Ongoing

Page 11 Community Planning Partnership (CPP) The South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership was set up in 2001. It tries to improve the quality of life in South Ayrshire by bringing together the Council and other providers of public services, such as the National Health Service, with private business and community organisations, such as the Association of Community Councils and Voluntary Action South Ayrshire. Our Vision: ‘to establish South Ayrshire as the most dynamic, inclusive and sustainable community in Scotland’.

Our Strategic Outcomes:

 Economic recovery and growth

 Supporting our Children and Families

 Health Inequalities and Physical Activity

 Caring for Older People

 Safer and Stronger Communities

 Protecting and Enhancing our Environment

What We Want To Achieve In 10 Years:

 South Ayrshire has an enterprising and sustainable economy

 People in South Ayrshire are skilled, confident and successful in accessing employment

 Our children and young people in South Ayrshire have the best possible life chances

 People in South Ayrshire enjoy the best possible health and inequalities are reduced

 Older people in South Ayrshire enjoy full and positive lives within their own communities

 Communities in South Ayrshire are stronger and safer

 South Ayrshire is clean, attractive and delivering a sustainable low carbon future

Key Contacts within South Ayrshire Council South Ayrshire Council—Housing email: [email protected] Community Engagement Team Gus Collins 01292 612128 email: [email protected] Community Safety Co-ordinator Linda Warwick 01292 559403 email: [email protected] Community Planning Partnership Valerie Stewart 01292 612134 email: [email protected]

Page 12 Making it Happen This action plan is reliant on all partners working together to make these priorities happen. We have identified the following partners who have agreed to work with the community of Kirkmichael, to ensure this action plan moves forward:

South Ayrshire’s Community Planning Partnership:  South Ayrshire Council  NHS Ayrshire and Arran  Strathclyde Partnership for Transport  Skills Development Scotland  Scottish Natural Heritage  Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry  Police Scotland  Scottish Fire and Rescue Service  Scottish Enterprise  Ayrshire College  Jobcentre Plus  Voluntary Action South Ayrshire

The South Ayrshire Community Planning Board also has two community representatives – one for the Kyle area and one for the Carrick area – and a representative from the South Ayrshire Youth Forum.

Other partners also include: · Loans Community Council · Loans Community Groups · Ailsa Horizons · Life in Loans · Transport Scotland · Amey Highways

This Community Action Plan for 2014-19 has been informed by many engagement activities, consultations and strategic activities within the local area. It provides a robust context for the community to determine priority actions with realistic timeframes.

Ailsa Horizons will be available to work with the community after the publication of this Action Plan to pro- duce a more detailed Delivery Plan for the first year of implementation. This delivery plan will define ac- tions and projects that will be taken forward over the coming year as starting projects from this plan.

One of the first actions will be to establish a group of existing and new volunteers to help to steer this ac- tion plan. This group will seek regular progress reports from any of the groups responsible for an action. Progress will then be reported to the wider community through local newsletters and websites.

Some of themes and priorities are currently aspirational in nature without necessarily spelling out the fine detail of what could be achieved. We will review the plan regularly to monitor progress and develop the fine detail of other actions.

Training and capacity building will be needed to help our community to achieve its aims. Life in Loans and others in the community will work with Partners to address those needs so that we are enabled to carry out the actions within this plan.

Page 13 South Ayrshire's Single Outcome Agreement

The challenges currently facing public services are significant. The financial climate is very difficult and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future and the demand for services is high and grows each year with an ageing population.

Many of the organisations delivering public services are part of major public sector reform programmes.

Our new SOA builds on the work and achievements of our previous partnership plan and will continue to provide the focus for the collective work of all partners in South Ayrshire over the next decade.

The full SOA along with the Outcome Delivery Plans can be accessed on the South Ayrshire Council community planning web pages: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/cpp

Key Contacts within South Ayrshire Council

Community Engagement Team Gus Collins 01292 612128 email: [email protected]

Community Safety Co-ordinator Linda Warwick 01292 559403 email: [email protected]

Community Planning Partnership

Valerie Stewart 01292 612134 email: [email protected]

South Ayrshire Council - Emergency Number: 0300 1230900

South Ayrshire Council—Housing email: [email protected]

Page 14 Our Councillors Ward 6 - Kyle

John Allan Scottish National Party Mobile Tel: 07890591806 Office Tel: 01292 612270 Email: [email protected]

“How many times has a casual conversation contained the line “I wish someone would do something about that”? The truth is, nobody can do it on their own but with a large part of the community involved, things can change for the better and leave a lasting legacy for our children. This series of action plans are the first steps in a process which involve communities in having a direct say in making those communities better places for the future”.

Andy Campbell Scottish Labour Party

Home Tel: 01292 520636 Office Tel: 01292 612166 Email: [email protected]

“I endorse the Ayrshire 21 Village Action Planning process as it provides communities with an evidence of need and a mandate to start to address priority actions within the community.

The action plans will be used to develop projects as well as evidence for funding applications, partnership working and a starting point for community action. It also brings together community groups with a shared focus and communities will find it easier to work together through this process”.

Hywel Davies Independent Mobile Tel: 07580 620 038 Office Tel: 01292 612647 Email: [email protected]

It is potentially a good project but to be effective it has to have funding behind any good ideas that emerge

Page 15 Whats Going On:

 Halloween Party (village Hall)

 Future of Loans Village Hall

 West Cost Country Liners

 Seniors Keep Fit

 SAC Cardiac Class

 Loans Bridge Class Loans Community Council  Learning in Loans  Chair: Mary Haden  Table Tennis (Scout Hall)  Vice Chair: Betty MacGougan, 4 Stable Wynd, LOANS, KA10 7LY,  Karate Email:[email protected], Tel: 01292 312256  Tae Kwon Do  Secretary: Rose Gallagher, 22 Collenan Avenue, LOANS, KA10 7HE, Email:  Fitness Classes [email protected], Tel: 01292 312401  Gala Day  Treasurer: None appointed – correspondence to Secretary.  Members: Caroline Burns, Shelagh & Gordon Jack- son, Iain McLennan  Planning Contact None appointed – correspond- ence to Secretary.  Licensing Contact None appointed – correspond- ence to Secretary. Monthly Meeting

Monthly - second Wednesday at 7pm Loans Village Hall, Hall Lane, Loans, KA10 7HG Who Can Help:

 Councillor—Hywell Davis / Andy Campbell / John Allan

 Community Council— Link Officer—Vacant

 Community Safety—Paul Scully—[email protected]

 Ayr Presbytery—Rev. Mandy Hickman—[email protected]

 Living Streets Scotland—Communities Co-Ordinator Penny Morris [email protected]

 Respect South Ayrshire—bag it, bin it, 0300 123 0900

Page 16

GROUP MEETING WHEN / CONTACT PLACE WHERE

West Coast Country Line dancing 7- Monday www.westcoastliners.net Liners 8pm for beginners and improvers. Intermediate level 8.30pm-9.30pm

Senior Citizens Keep 1.30pm-3.00pm Tuesday Fit SAC Cardiac Class 7pm-8pm Tuesday Louise McCulloch

Loans Bridge Classes 7.30pm-10.00pm Tuesday (lesser Adrian Eddolls 01292 220107 hall) The Creation Station 9.30am-11.00am Thursday Telephone Liz : 08448549115 or [email protected] Church Service 2.30pm-3.30pm Monthly Rev Bob Mayes 01563850243

Loans SWRI Last Friday of the Mrs Anne Bennett in- month (Sept – [email protected] or 01292 May) 262168 31st Ayrshire (Loans) Beavers Tuesday 31-33 Main Street, Loans Scouts/Cubs/Beavers 6pm-7.15pm Cubs Tuesday 7.15pm-8.45pm Scouts Monday 7.30pm-9.30pm Explorers Sunday 7.30pm-9.30pm

Loans Community 7.00pm 2nd Wednesday Rose Gallagher, Secretary Council of the month Life in Loans www.lifeinloans.org

Muirhead Primary Buchan Road muirhead.mail@south- School Troon ayrshire.gov.uk Ka10 7BT

South Ayrshire 03001230900 Emergency number NHS 24 08454242424

Scottish Water 08456008855

Child Protection 01292 267675 Committee 0800811505 (out of hours)

Page 17 Funding Sources When considering grant aid, the following table lists some potential sources of funding under which applica- tions may have some probability of success. As with all aspects of grant aid there can be no guarantees that any applications will be successful, particularly given the current financial climate. Funding Description Likely Possible Source Big Lottery Funds: Investing in £500 - £10,000

Ideas Development of feasibility planning for new concepts, testing ideas Yes £500 - £10,000 Awards for All General support for all activities Yes Communities £500 - £10,000 and Families

Giving Young children(0-8) the best start in life Yes

Up to £2,000 2014

Communities Encouraging new participants in physical activity Yes £10,000 to £50,000

Helping young people (8-24) become more healthy, connected, confi- Young Start dent, enterprising. Could be used to support marketing, organising, as- Yes sisting in civic events. Also potential to host specific aspects of sports development for young people.

£500 - £10,000 Celebrate Support for events/activities celebrating the Commonwealth Games. Yes Could be linked to the development of new activities £10,000 - £750,000)

The Scottish Land Fund is aimed at supporting rural communities to be- come more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and man- agement of land and land assets. It will provide practical support and funding to enable local people to work together to develop their ideas and aspirations, put in place effective structures and plan and complete The Scottish viable land and land asset acquisition projects. Yes Land Fund All projects must meet outcome 1: Outcome 1. Rural communities achieve increased sustainable economic, social and environmental development through the experience of acquiring, owning and managing land and land assets; Funding is available to eligible projects for up to 95% of £750,000. Investing in

Communities Supporting 21st Century £10,000 - £1,000,000 Yes Life

Life £10,000 - £1,000,000 Yes Transitions Page 18 Funding Description Likely Possible Source Big Lottery Funds Continued: Investing in Communities Growing £10,000 - £1,000,000 Yes Community Assets Improve local support for people experiencing hardship. Supports:  welfare advice Yes Support and  financial skills training and services

Connect  action to address food poverty  provision of clothing and household goods

 action to address fuel poverty Other Funds: The National Agency for Sport has a number of capital and revenue sportscotland funding streams available in relation to sports facility provision and redevelopment Yes sportscotland £10,000 to £100,000 Legacy 2014 Improvement to physical infrastructure to support more people taking Yes Active Places part in sport. This could be used to support developments in the Fund games hall and the gym, e.g. construction of an indoor climbing wall Various grant strands up to £150,000 Creative Development of civic performances and events, involvement of Scotland Yes young people and development of sustainable arts programmes. Up to £10,000 per group or £30,000 per Cluster Voluntary Creating new volunteer projects, increasing diversity of volunteers. Action Fund Men’s Shed development may be suitable project or marketing initia- Yes tives Historic Scotland provides a number of grant and funding schemes to support bodies and individuals in the protection, education and pro- motion of the historic environment.

Historic Decisions on grants are made on information gained from extensive public consultation, and are also influenced by the extent to which Yes Scotland projects deliver benefits for communities, promote quality, develop knowledge and skills and build capacity for local heritage manage- ment. Grants are offered across 9 different categories.

The Climate Challenge Fund is being supported by an alliance of Keep partners from key organisations and networks throughout Scotland, Scotland who bring expertise and experience of community-level interventions. Beautiful Applicants must own their facilities and local authorities cannot apply. Yes The Climate £150,000 per project till March 2016 Challenge Development Grants £750 for disadvantaged communities Fund

Various small grant bodies, e.g. Tesco Community Fund, Coop Community Fund, Lloyds TSB Foundation, etc.

Page 19

Acknowledgements:

We would like to thank the community of Loans and some of the community groups within Loans for their help in putting together this action plan. All age ranges of the community have had the opportunity to feed into this process and have their views reflected within this plan.

Implementation and Feedback The Community Action Plan represents the end of one process, (capturing the views of the community and compiling recommendations), and the start of another—the implementation phase.

The recommendations within this plan need to be acted upon to realise the improvements to the quality of life that have identified. It is your community that will drive these actions forward, supported by partners and other agencies. The main community groups that have fed in to this Action Plan with ideas and actions will be able to draw on expertise of regeneration, community development, and economic development specialists within South Ayrshire Council, VASA and Ailsa Horizons to further develop and carry out their plans.

The local residents and groups within Loans who have been directly involved in the Action Planning process now invite other residents to review these results and conclusions. Through this Action Plan, you are sure to gain a better understanding of the issues of concern to your community and we would welcome your comments on the analysis and any new insights.

Visit our web page www.lifeinloans.org