Tuesday 27th November 2007, Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie

ACTION NOTE

1. Attendees: Cllr Douglas (Chair) supported by Elected Members, Sue Palmer (Ward Manager) Gillian Slider (Youth Convenor), Claire Ross (CNPA) Matthew O’Brien (local businessman),  Community Councils and colleagues working with young people (HIE, VABS).  

2. Apologies: Alan Rankin, Sandy Bennett, Iain Malcolm and Bill Carr. 

3. Matter arising from previous forum 24.09.07

a) Lighting at High Range Roundabout
Sue updated in Cameron Kemp’s (Integrated Transport Manager) absence; Lights adjusted on 11/10/07, Safety audit undertaken on 23/10/07 resulting in grills being ordered, and taking one month to arrive. There was decision to switch off lights on 29/10/07 following further concerns. Grills tested on 14/11/07, which did not have desired affect. Andrew Matheson and James Milne (Lighting Consultant) are meeting on site with Holophane on 28.11.07 to look at all possibilities including fitting baffles and dimming. Until a solution is found a completion date cannot be confirmed. Installation of Pelican crossing to commence on 26/11/07 with lights switched on 29/11.07. Action: Sue to relay to officials whether smaller/lower wattage bulbs could be explored.

b) Parking in Aviemore
Sue has discussed difficulties regarding parking at the Aviemore Projects Group and a range of suggestions was noted to address the problems. Sue is arranging a specific meeting in January to look at what is feasible with relevant parties. Contact Sue is you wish to attend. Notes from the meeting have been sent to Land Use Consultants to incorporate in the Aviemore Master Plan. Action: Sue to ensure info re proposed developments in Aviemore are sent round Community Councils (e.g. Aviemore Master Plan)

c) Difficulties Contacting Service Points/Centre
Sue has discussed difficulties highlighted at last forum with Allyson Palmer’s (Customer Services Manager). If people contact the 3 published Service Point numbers they will always be put through to the Service Centre in Alness. During a Council review our performance was unacceptable (58% telephone calls being abandoned by Service Points largely due to staff being unable to answer calls if dealing with customers face-to-face), this resulted in a decision to re-route calls to a Service Centre. Current performance averaging 7% abandoned calls. A numbering strategy has been agreed in principle by the Chief Executive and final agreement due in spring. Key services will be grouped and given a specific number as well as number for all other enquiries.

d) Kingussie Court
Cllr Fallow’s updated news that Kingussie Court is to close, following Scottish Court Services publication of report (Report Following Responses received to the Written Consultation 23 Nov 07). The report makes reference to exploring Badenoch and Strathspey business being dealt with on dedicated days. Action: Members and WM to follow up dedicated court days for the area

4. Ward Discretionary Budget and Ward Profile
Sue provided update regarding budget since the last forum (balance is £32,858). She has arranged for applications and approvals to be published in the S&B Herald (request at last meeting). Sue is exploring WD budget information being added to the Ward Profile. Action: Sue will update regarding the outcome.

  
5. Young People in Badenoch and Strathspey 
Introduction: Gillian introduced item 5 and talked about her role as Youth Convenor. Sue spoke about the Local Action Fund. £11,320 allocated to the Ward to be spent by end March 2008. Sue is contact point for nomination forms or further details on 01540 664537 or sue.palmer@highland.gov.uk.

Market Display Session: People went round the displays to find out about services for young people in the area (written information on services was available).  

What Young people say they want in Badenoch and Strathspey?
Overview: Gillian went through the issues (written overview available) young people have identified across Highlands. These included transport, availability, costs and access to facilities, lack of education on sexual health and substance misuse, decision-making in schools, homelessness and affordable housing, attitudes to young people, bullying and accessing employment. She stated that issues have not changed and transport still number one.

Claire Ross (CNPA) stated that young people are key group identified by Park Authority. Claire highlighted issues of young people in the park arising from 3 consultation events since 2001 (written overview was available). Matthew shared his own experiences including transport, cost and access to social activities, affordable housing, limited range of low paid jobs. Claire stated the issues were similar to those highlighted earlier and had not changed over past 6 years.

Andy Walker (Northern Constabulary) discussed their work with young people including weekly meetings with youth leaders, Operation Youth Advantage, Young Drivers Awareness Night, Blue Light Discos and work experience. Kim Joynson spoke about the Young Drivers Group and ‘Pass Plus’ Course.

Discussion: Cllr Douglas asked how we can take things forward. It was noted that youth clubs were not in attendance tonight, also issues raised can apply to all age groups, lack of youth café’s and difficulties of young people getting from Newtonmore to Kingussie.

Mags Duncan-Stirling (Area Community Learning and Leisure Manager) spoke about Councils role to assist communities make facilities available and provide training. Contact Mags to discuss what is wanted and sources of funding.

Barriers identified were lack of funding (particularly long term), applying for funding, volunteers not coming forward and disclosures. Pol McClelland (Youth Action Team Manager) stated that Single Outcome Agreements would be introduced to change the way LA’s are funded and street football could be a possible LAF project.

David Green (CNPA) said transport, access to social activities and drug and alcohol use have been key issues since 1996. Keith Bottle updated the group regarding the taxi scheme. Gaps in council staffing were raised. Mags stated that advert for half time Youth Worker post in Grantown will be out in January and Youth Area Manager’s post went to internal advert on 21.11.07.

Actions: Focus on one or two solutions to take forward (include taxi scheme), ensure posts are filled; conduct work to identify youth provision (beyond council) in the area so we can look at the provision and how it can be best co-ordinated. Review situation in one year’s time.

6. Question and Answer Session: (Question and answer sheet tabled)
QUS 1: Anne stated under 18’s not allowed to use AHR pool without adult. Mags stated that these are AHR rules and unable to change them (Mags has since clarified that under 16s accompanied by responsible adult 18+/over 16s can go on their own).  
QUS 2: Seniod agreed to attend a meeting soon. Action: Report outcome to next forum. 
QUS 3: No issues.
QUS 4: Why is the traveller’s site still open? Sandra MacLennan (Principle Housing Officer) informed people of an illegal camper on site and Councils legal services are involved.

7. Future Agenda Items: Service Provision and Infrastructure, Recycling and Policing. 

8. Future Meeting: Service Provision and Infrastructure on Tuesday 5th February 2008 7-9pm (refreshments available from 6.30pm) at the Cairngorm Hotel, Grampian Road, Aviemore.