Badenoch and Strathspey Ward Forum – Monday 24th September 2007, the Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown 

Action Note

 

Attendees: Cllr Fallows (Chair) supported by Elected Members, Ward Manager, various officials, and some 25 Community Councillors and members of the public

 
Apologies:

 

Cllr Back, Kate Adamson Carrbridge CC, Cromdale & Advie CC, Dalwhinnie CC, Dulnain Bridge CC, HIE, Jim Beveridge Grantown CC, Angela Cox, Newtonmore CC, Kingussie & District CC

 

Agenda:

 

2. Matters arising from previous forum 24.07.07

 

a) Building standards – Cllr. Fallows gave an update on the problems raised last
    time in relation to slow service. This has been due to uncompetitive salary
    scales leading to difficulties in retaining and recruiting staff.  Salary scales
    have now been raised and recruitment of Building Standards Officers is
    underway, with adverts out at end of week. One appointment will be
    based in Kingussie - but it will take time for new personnel to get up to
    speed.  Use of temporary consultants has only been partially successful, one
    had the contract withdrawn following excessive attention to detail.

 

b) Roadworks in Aviemore – Cameron Kemp highlighted that work was planned
    in a single phase otherwise led to longer time period and costlier. Chose
    summer as dry season required for paving work. Delays unforeseen and
    included problem of getting skilled staff. Particular difficulties with local
    businesses experiencing lack of communication. Need to learn lesson from
    this. Action: Cameron to check brightness of lights at roundabout.

 

c)  Justice of the Peace Court – Cllr. Douglas advised of meeting with Scottish
     Court Service to explore Grantown Town House but costly structural
     changes required. Alternative options being explored. An e-mail has been
     circulated to local organisations asking them to support retaining a local
     court. Consultation closes at end September.

 

3. NHS Out of Hours (OoH) service – Joanne Veasey stated that service in operation since December 2004, and service level agreement drawn up since 1 August 2007 with 14 GPs across surgeries in B&S. B&S in a better position than many areas insofar as agreement has been reached with local GPs to provide OoH cover. Calls come through NHS 24. Some difficulties highlighted with connecting to NHS 24 or when calling back people who speak other languages or mobile phone not compatible. Dialling 999 should be constrained to life threatening events. Doctors on duty have access to medication notes for those considered to be at risk whose details have been registered with the OoH Service by their GPs. Action: agreed that specific issues can be followed up via Joanne.

 

4. Care at Home Service – Brian Robertson notified that Social Work is still going through re-structuring, with appointment of Care at Home Manager at end of year. Issues regarding staff recruitment and retention so need to look at right benefits package. Service being modernised. Domestic support a smaller element with more personal care. Domestic support provided to reduce risk as part of a whole package to include shopping, laundry and cleaning. Need to bring overspend in line for end of financial year. New referrals directed to Brian in Inverness to ensure resources are targeted. Under new administration 1 million put towards CAH Services. Noted the high cost of providing any form of care in scattered rural communities compared with urban and / or care home situations. 

 

5. Traffic Orders – These relate to a 20 mph limit in Clune Terrace in Newtonmore and to extending the 30 mph limit on the outskirts south of Aviemore.

 

6. Ward Profile – Sue Palmer outlined improvements to the www.highland.gov.uk /your council ward/ward 21 web-site.  This includes a facility to enable questions to be posted up to three days before the next WF meeting in order to secure a response on the day.  The Action Note following the first WF ran to eight sides. Action: future note shorted, perhaps two sides, to allow it to be placed on notice boards as well as being available on the web-site.

 

7. Ward Discretionary Budget – Sue provide update regarding budget.. Action: update made available on ward profile as well as application form, guidance notes and process

 

There was also discussion about the allocation of H2007 funding.

 

8. Public Questions – These included a detailed outline of HC allocation policy for housing. Members discussed inclusion of local connection within application points.

 

Control of ragwort, August period missed but back on track.

 

Dental Suite, concerns noted but unable to comment. Site visit planned.

 

Parking in Aviemore, coach and lorry parking a major problem. Action: Sue to discuss ways forward with Aviemore Projects Group.

 

Phoning Service Points, difficulties highlighted with calls going through to the central HC Service Centre in Alness, which may or may not be able to answer the question and may or may not refer the caller to the most appropriate person to deal with the query. Action: Sue to follow up these issues.

 

9. A.O.B. Community Safety – Andy Walker stated that the role of the police has changed over past few years and outlined many challenges facing the police service in the Highlands, ranging from road traffic accidents, to drugs, to attendance at large events such as Rock Ness.  Noted the problems arising from the widespread use of new technology, mobile 'phones in particular, which can clog up switchboards in relation to one event while blocking the lines for other events.

 

10. Future meeting themes – the following were suggested:

 

• service provision and infrastructure;
• services relating to young people (across agencies);
•  re-cycling issues and
• policing.

Date of Next Meeting:  Tuesday 27th November 19.00 (Refreshments from 18.30) at Talla nan Ros, Kingussie. Please note change of date and earlier time.