Action Note – Fort William and Ardnamurchan (Ward 22)
Lochaber South Ward Forum
Monday 21 September 2009
Present: Councillors Donald Cameron (Chair), Brian Murphy, Bren Gormley, Michael Foxley; Magnus Monahan (Highland Youth Convener); Christopher Millar-Craig, Ardnamurchan High School; John McGilp, Kinlochleven High School; Ardnamurchan High Parent Council; Kinlochleven High School Parent Council; Nether Lochaber Community Council; Glencoe & Glen Etive Community Council, Ballachulish Community Council; Kentallen & Duror Community Council; Leven Centre Management Committee; 2 Lochs Project Youth Worker; Voluntary Action Lochaber; Skills Development Scotland; Lochaber College; Sunart Centre Management Committee; Room 13; Anne Tonner, Digital UK; plus 29 Members of the Public
Officials in attendance: Ian Jackson, Simon Jeffrey, Kirsteen Hine, Rebecca Rayner, Sue Watson, Stewart Malcolm (ECS); Bob Cameron, Dot Ferguson (CE); Jim Tolmie, Iain Bruce-Low, David Summers, Neil Riddell (TECS); Gerard Storey (SW); Inspector Dougie Allan, Paige MacDonald, Northern Constabulary; Chris Findlay, Sally Curran (Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service)
For Action:
Chief Executive’s (CE)
Education, Culture and Sport (ECS)
Finance (F)
Housing and Property (H & P)
Planning and Development (P & D)
Social Work (SW)
TEC
Listed below is the action required as a result of the decisions/discussions taken by the Lochaber South Ward Forum at their meeting held on Monday 21 September 2009 in Ballachulish Village Hall.
Please arrange to take the required action on the basis of this Action Sheet.
1 Apologies –
Charles Kennedy MP, Mary Ellen Campbell, Tracey Urry, Tracy Ligema, Claire Rumgay, Douglas Wilby, Dorothy Wilkie, Emma Thomson.
2 Action Sheet from 22 June 2009 –
Parking overspill from Abbeyfield and speeding on Albert Road – concerns remain about both of these issues which are seen as a particular threat to young children going to the play park. It was agreed that consideration could be given to creation of a 20mph area and that the issue re parking would be raised with Abbeyfield to try to reach a satisfactory resolution. Action – DF
Jubilee Park – it was confirmed that the funding package is £30,000 from Highland Council (committed in 2007) with hopefully £30,000 from SportScotland. Outcome from the SportScotland application is anticipated by end October.
3 Community Safety update –
Insp Dougie Allan informed the meeting that since his last report, there had been 156 fewer crimes on the same period last year, equating to a 22.7% reduction.
The meeting was also informed that test purchasing would begin soon in the area, to detect businesses selling alcohol to those underage.
Pro-Active Vehicle Road Safety Checks are also currently being carried out in Lochaber.
4 Digital UK Scotland –
Anne Tonner – this presentation set out the timescales and process for the switchover from analogue to digital TV which is due to take place on 13 October 2010. Digital UK is a not-for-profit company established to help people affected by the switchover. A long and detailed process of information sessions, consultation etc is now beginning which will be ongoing until the switchover takes place. Further information is available from www.digitaluk.co.uk
In response to a question, AT advised that if people are unsure whether they will be able to get reception, they should use the postcode checker on the Digital UK website. If this does not give enough information, then Ofcom may be able to help.
5 Ward matters –
from a young person’s perspective – this item, facilitated by Simon Jeffrey, ECS drew out many concerns and questions raised by the young people of South Lochaber. A full note of questions raised and the responses is attached at Appendix A. At the conclusion of this item, the Chairman thanked the many young people who had attended for their interest and participation and gave an undertaking that all questions raised would be answered. Members also strongly supported the re- invigoration of the Lochaber Youth Forum and encouraged young people to take part both in that group and in the Ward Fora.
6 AOCB - Tenancy issue –
it was agreed to check the situation whereby if the sole tenant of a Council house dies, does the family have to reinstate the house if required by Housing and Property? Action – DF
There were no further questions raised.
RESPONSES
South Lochaber Ward Forum
Monday 21st September 2009
Pre-raised questions / statements
PRIORITY QUESTIONS
Access to Community Facilities including activities for Young People.
1. In other areas they have Blue-light discos and specific Youth Band nights- Is this something that can happen here?
Yes, every year the young people at Fusion have a “Stars n yr eyes” show. This has a number of acts; some dance some singing. Last year a band from Ardnamurchan performed a number of songs. The Youth Work Service is looking into more regular Youth Events.
2. There is a need for a youth space or shelter in Kinlochleven as many young people gather there and have nowhere to go. How do we proceed?
A project has worked very successfully in Strontian, linking with partners. This model should be considered when looking at youth space in Kinlochleven and Fort William. Young people need to voice their support for such a project and work with the youth development officers to take projects forward. Limited funding for such developments and for the initial feasibility work may be available. A similar process should be followed if there is interest in blue-light discos.
3. There are a number of pitches across the Ward that Young People have challenges accessing particularly late at night. Why can’t we access them (any reasons) and can these be addressed ?
Sometimes access is restricted in ‘PPP’ schools due to the number of ‘flexible hours’ which are allowed for in the contract. Negotiations are ongoing about this and the RSL Corporate Manager undertook to find out the current position. Currently ECS is undertaking an exercise of working in partnership with the User Groups to audit the standard and operation of the pitches in a view to standardise the currently procedure.
Emma Thomson, the Area Facilities Officer and Kevin Thomson, the Area Sports Development Officer have undertaken user groups meetings with various user groups to discuss the standard of the pitches, the term of lease and what improvements could be made. These meetings are to be scheduled bi- annually however ECS will be meeting and working with individual groups in between the User groups meeting to ascertain their needs and make progress on any suggested improvements.
As with any pitch, there is a booking procedure which has to adhere to, to avoid double bookings etc. ECS would encourage all groups to book through the appropriate booking centre. There should not be any issue with accessing a pitch if it is not currently leased to a user group, is not already booked, is in a fit condition required for use or if there are any planning restrictions on hours of operation. If there are any issues we would welcome any feedback from the group it concerns.
Education / Further education
4. Why did the SVQ in outdoor learning not go ahead this year?
This course had previously benefited from European funding and due to this and other difficulties the course could not be sustained. However, a National Certificate in Outdoor Pursuits is being developed which it is hoped will run from August 2010. This will also act as a feeder into The BA in Adventure management. The course will be full time and students will be eligible for a bursary, travel expenses and a protective clothing allowance.
Four funded Skillseeker opportunities are still available through Lochaber College for employers who wish to train employees in the work place.
Employment
1. Apprenticeships are extremely hard to find because they are few available with lots of applicants – why can’t there be more apprenticeship opportunities with a broader range of industries?
Apprenticeships can be hard to find as this depends upon an employer’s recruitment requirements at a give time. Careers Scotland, which is part of Skills Development Scotland, keeps information on employers who do recruit apprentices so that school pupils can make speculative applications. The Government has also recently allocated an extra £16 million to encourage more employers to take on apprentices, and this will cover a broader range of industries. It is important for pupils to keep in touch with their careers adviser before they leave school to receive advice on how to apply for apprenticeships.
The Council encourages and supports individuals by taking on apprentices in buildings maintenance and vehicle mechanics for example.
2. Lots of jobs are seasonal and don’t offer regular full time employment opportunities - young people have the perception that there is no realistic possibility of stable jobs other than in the Council or smelter. What are agencies doing to address this?
Whilst it is true there are seasonal jobs in Lochaber, there are also many full time jobs. In fact Lochaber has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Scotland. There are many opportunities for careers in Lochaber in traditional areas such as tourism, food and drink, timber, manufacturing and construction. As well as these, there are opportunities in newer areas such as renewable energy, IT and contact centres. One particular example of what Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) are doing to promote jobs in the area is HIEs Graduate placement scheme which aims to match newly qualified graduates with companies to create new quality jobs, and support businesses whilst they do this. More details on the scheme can be obtained from HIE’s Fort William office.
Access to Community Facilities including activities for Young People.
1. Young people feel there are a range of youth facilities across the South Ward, however, these are not open enough during the day, weekends and late at night. Can hours be extended or new facilities developed to accommodate extended opening? Examples would be Fusion not open on a Friday night over the summer– why was this?
We would love to have more nights for our Youth Clubs and operate during the day more, however we would need more resources to be able to do this. This is not just dependant on financial resources but also human resources. Across Scotland and other places in Highland the Local Authority provides a number of activities for young people. This is complimented by a range of activities provide by volunteers. For Example we would be delighted if a range of volunteers came forward to help run the Youth Activities in support of our workers- this would then enable us to free up time to provide more activities.
Fusion closed at night through the summer- in the past young people have not attended evening provision because of the lighter nights. Also we made a decision to provide activities through the day so that Young People could take part in a range of activities. If however the feedback is that Young People would like to see Fusion open on a Friday night then we will look at that.
2. Some pupils feel that youth clubs and drop in centres need to be aimed at the older (Snr) age range. Older pupils do not feel they need adult supervision and are therefore uninterested in going to the clubs provided etc. How can this be addressed?
This is largely around Health and Safety issues where there is still a duty of care to look after young people in a safe environment. This can be linked to the discussions around a youth space (see above). Young people were also encouraged to consider volunteering to work with younger children as well.
3. Young people feel that the South Lochaber area would greatly benefit from having a wider range of films on show at cinema nights in Kinlochleven (Leven centre). Young people in the Fort William area have also raised the issue of a lack of cinema – why does the screen machine not visit Fort William ?
The film provision in Kinlochleven is run voluntarily by a management committee and is dependent on funding. It may be possible for the screen machine to visit Fort William as there is some capacity in its timetable. Young people were encouraged to act together through a youth forum or via the Youth Development Officer in the Associated School Groups to say what they would like to see. Dot Ferguson undertook to find out what happened to a previous proposal to use the old screen machine in Fort William as a temporary cinema.
Answer - Nevis centre could not provide the capacity for the old screen machine to be located there. The main project of the cinema in Cameron Square, FW, is going through a feasibility review and is showing promising progress. Scope for a cinema refit has been agreed and detailed costings are expected soon. The project group hope to complete and submit the study by November.
4. People have expressed an interest in tennis however there are no courts available in the area to play on, there is also a call from young people to see improved, larger swimming facilities for the area. ‘ Why can’t the area have a pool facilities like the aquadome ?’
The Lochaber Leisure Centre will be shortly going through a period of refurbishment to modernise and improve the existing facilities. The refurbishment will consist of making the building DDA compliant, remodelling the changing rooms to provide more cubicles, lockers and facilities, installation a new sauna and stream room, creating a dance studio for exercise classes, creating a family changing area and also improvement work to the entrance of the building
5. Young People have expressed an interest in having access to Lochaber Leisure Centre for Youth nights - Is this possible?
Yes this is possible. We are currently in discussion to look at opening the Leisure Centre on a Sat. Eve starting late Oct/ Early Nov. This will be once a month up to March 2010. We would like young people to comment on what sort of activities they would like to see happen in the Leisure Centre.
Transport
1. Why is a Sunday bus service not available in South Lochaber?
2. Weekend services on the buses should be later and more frequent , especially on Sundays and bank holidays
With regard to Sunday transport, if this is not currently meeting community needs, then contact should be made with David Summers. A needs assessment would be carried out and discussions held with the transport provider. Sometimes extra funding can be found to enhance services, but with current budget conditions, this is difficult. However, an alternative can be to ‘tweak’ timetables to make things better. Consideration of use of existing minibuses etc is another option which should be considered.
3. Could we have more regular bus services in Fort William after 6pm at night? 2 per hour instead of 1?
4. There is a lack of buses from Duror to Kinlochleven and Fort William, apart from the 9am service it’s really hard for teenagers from
Duror and Kentallen to get around the area without getting a lift to Ballachulish, increasing their sense of isolation.
5. Why are the Service buses cheaper to get to School than school buses?
6. Ventilation systems in buses need to be improved as often there is a bad odour. Can this be done?
7. Why can’t we have more than one bus to Fort William (from Ardnamurchan area) on a Saturday – this only allows a couple of hours in Fort William ?
Transport q’s 2,3,5,7 – David Summers, the Council’s Transport Development Officer explained that commercial services are selected by the operator. The Council identifies non-profitable essential routes, and asks companies to tender for them. On Saturdays, there is currently one bus to Fort William and two return (the 1521 extends on request). Fort William evening service contract currently only allows for one service.
The above questions have also been forwarded to the Lochaber Transport Forum for further consideration.
8. What can be done to help young drivers access affordable driving lessons within the South Lochaber area. Instructors are reluctant to go to the villages to pick you up – can a scheme be run with the school for older pupils?
We are currently reviewing our PSE course and this is something which will be looked at.
9. How can young less experienced drivers be supported in gaining experience with motorway driving etc ? Can a scheme be set up that takes younger drivers to more built up areas to gain ‘city’ driving experience as well?
Five day intensive driving courses are available in Inverness and other cities which expose drivers to city driving however, they are expensive and are aimed at learner drivers. There is also the pass plus scheme available which gives newly qualified drivers an opportunity to obtain further skills with approved pass plus driving instructors ( 6 session course) – areas covered include motorway driving, night driving etc. In Highland, the Highland Council road safety team supported by the Community Planning Partnership offers a grant towards the pass plus course of £100. More information on this can be obtained by phoning the Council on 01463 702690 e-mailing: road.safety@highland.gov.uk or by picking up a leaflet from a driving centre.
Policing
1. Police would appear to be only out at night. Some people would like to see police more visible in the day not only for locals but tourists alike, although some argue also that perhaps if you don’t see them that means the area is safe. (looking for police to comment)
2. Police only put a patrol car around the villages – the patrol car only goes through the main street and does not stop. How can the community/young people have a positive relationship with the police if they are not seen as a part of daily community life ? why is the police station not manned (Kinlochleven) ?
3. Cars often park on or by the crossing at the co-op in Kinlochleven. This is dangerous and does not appear to be acted on by the police.
4. Roads should be monitored more closely as young people feel it is very clear that on some stretches of roads drivers are not driving within the speed limit.
5. Young people would like a more positive relationship with the police – why can’t the police run schemes such as driving programmes etc which enable the police to work closely with young people to help build respect – more emphasis should be on crime prevention programmes.
6. On the whole young people in the area are happy with how they are treated by the Police.
7. Young People would welcome opportunities for the Police to get involved in Youth Activities to get to know them better. Is the possible?
Q’s 5-7 Police are keen to retain strong links with schools and young people and still have school liaison officer. They are happy to make any presentations to young people as requested. In addition, the local police are very keen to be involved in local youth groups and would welcome becoming involved – however, they do need to be told what people would like from them.
Consideration can be given to setting up a street league in Kinlochleven, similar to the one in Caol and this could possibly link with increased use/access to the Astroturf at the school.
Community environments
1. The bus shelters in Kinlochleven need to be replaced. People who live both in and out of the village have vandalised them – they don’t look good and visitors are also commenting on them.
The bus shelters have been vandalised over the years. At a cost of some £5000 for a new shelter and only £7500 available for the whole of Lochaber there is an increasing backlog of requests for renewal.
2. More litter bins are needed along the school and tourist walking routes.
Kinlochleven Community Trust is working with the Council representatives to get more bins in Kinlochleven. Pupil council and Parent council successfully lobbied for additional litter bins between Strontian Village and Ardnamurchan High School.
3. Island park could offer a good grass pitch area but the changing rooms are no good. What can be done to sort these and make the pitch more accessible?
Island Park is in the process of being transferred to Kinlochleven Community Trust from Rio Tinto Alcan who owns the site. KCT are awaiting a response from Rio Tinto, Kinlochleven Boat Club and Volunteers to agree a schedule of works to have the Island Park, Pier, Boat Shed and surrounding areas cleared up.
4. Vandalism – some young people are remarking on the vandalism of some public spaces particularly in Ballachulish, and Kinlochleven William, young people are suggesting a graffiti wall to help with this. What about the underpass in Fort William?
Two alternatives are being considered for the underpass – one which is a high cost refurbishment for which a bid has been made to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. The outcome of the bid is not expected until November. If it is unsuccessful, a small project involving a well-known graffiti artist is likely to be taken forward – this will be done in conjunction with the schools and Room 13.
5. Dog fouling is an issue (Fort William area) – how many people have been charged for not picking up after their dog has fouled ?
Three persons have been charged. The active patrolling coupled with the embarrassment factor for perpetrators is proving successful. The education message being introduced through schools also appears to be influencing the outcomes in reducing the problem.
6. Young People have expressed an interest on developing a Young Peoples memorial garden in the area? Is this possible?
This is possible and one already exists in the Glen Nevis cemetery. TEC Services (Roads and community Works) are happy to work with young people on this.
Education / Further education
1. Young people feel that there is not enough information on potential careers until later in High School and young people would like the opportunity from S1 to start looking at the careers available – a careers fayre early on is favoured.
KHS will take note of pupils views when reviewing their PSE programme. Careers in PSE starts in S2 at AHS and careers advisors are present at parents evenings for pupils and parents to get advice without appointments. It is fair to say that the careers service tends to feel they are underused at these sessions.
2. Pupils have to travel too far for college courses that suit, the courses are not varied enough and offer little to young adults
Q2 &3. At present all of the full time courses are delivered at Lochaber College, Fort William campus, but students enrolled on these courses can claim travel expenses through their bursary so the travel expense is covered. Lochaber College have over the last 2 years developed a variety of courses in consultation with industry – these include: child health and social care, business administration, construction, professional cookery, environmental conservation, music performance, retail principles and BA in Adventure management. The college have been very successful in maximising numbers on these courses. This year at least 70% of further education students are school leavers.
The college is not saying that they can offer courses to meet everyone’s needs but they are open to suggestions – they would also like to deliver full time courses in the more rural learning centres offering delivery through blended learning methods such as online, video conferencing etc.
3. Young people feel very strongly that they are forced to move away from the area to fulfil any academic or vocational ambitions as they feel the choices are limited. Suggestions from YP include sports courses, beauty therapy, sciences, Information technology. How do people chose what courses should be made available?
4. Inverness or Lochaber college does not offer any ‘residential halls’ that makes it easier and more attractive for young people to access further education in the Highlands.
Lochaber College have recognised that further space requirements is an issue
and have recently had an independent ‘Future Estates’ requirement review completed to provide proposals for teaching, research and accommodation space necessary for the predicted increase in student numbers. Various proposals were made and are currently being progressed by the Senior Management team before presenting to the college Board of directors.
5. Why do we have fewer choices of non academic subjects at Ardnamurchan High than Lochaber High e.g Childcare and more choices in languages? Or how do young people and parents get involved in helping to plan the choices school pupils take in subjects?
The meeting was advised that this is largely due to staffing ratios – smaller schools, tend to have fewer staff with which to cover all subjects and therefore do need to focus on priority and core subjects. That said, AHS has been expanding its range of vocational and non-academic subjects with Skills for Work courses and PC Passport. Mr Millar Craig also advised that uptake has been low e.g. in Rural skills, although cooking and hospitality have been popular. This can be explored further with the pupil council. Lochaber College also works with schools to try to fill the gap and provides ICT and PC Passport at AHS as well as practical cookery for the first time this session in S2. It can be true that sometimes they don’t have resources to meet all need but flexible and distance learning opportunities for seniors do expand the choices available. In terms of l anguages, AHS is making significant progress on meeting the priorities of the Highland Council’s Gaelic language plan with its Gaelic provision as well as offering French and occasionally German when course choice and staff time allows.
This question might be better served by communicating and liaising with Pupil Council and parent council in the first instance as the school actively seeks to work in partnership with these forums, however, this question has not arisen before.
6. Young people felt the PSE curriculum could be extended to contain more information on life skills such as budgeting, paying rent, getting a mortgage, avoiding debts etc,
KHS will take note of pupil’s views when reviewing their PSE programme.
7. Why did the Council not build a new High School in Fort William instead of refurbishing and how long is the refurbishment works going to take?
The cost of building a new school would have been considerably higher than the refurbishment costs which are expected to take around 3-4 years in total. There will have to be significant input to the system of management for the community facility element.
8. Pupils and parents feel very strongly that the catchment area for the Kinlochleven High school bus should be expanded to include those beyond the Ballachulish Bridge ie North Ballachulish and Onich. Currently young people who are going to KHS from N.Ballachulish/Onich have to pay for transport to the school.
The Council is obliged to provide free transport for those living more than three miles from the school for that catchment. Due to Kinlochleven High School being in a different catchment area from those staying in the North Ballachulish/Onich areas, the only solution would be to have the area re-zoned as a feeder to Kinlochleven. This is unlikely to happen as discussion have been held on this matter previously with the consensus being to retain the current zoning.
Employment
1. Why do employers not employ under 16’s anymore?
Economic development
1. What ways are the Waterfront developers seeking young peoples views and how is information being disseminated to young people?
The developer has already confirmed that he wishes to work with young people through both the schools and youth development officers to ensure there is every opportunity for young people to become involved in the consultation.
2. There are large areas of ground that are not been used in communities, who / how do young people look at developing these for the community? What opportunities are available to young people to get involved in the development of their communities ?
In Kinlochleven the Community Trust is working on a village square regeneration project and bike park for young people. KCT welcomes young people’s involvement in these developments. Other communities also have developments being led by Community Councils and Trusts, any thoughts from young people on developing areas can be directed to these bodies. Community Councils welcome representation from young people.
3. Some people can’t get satellite TV – how can this be addressed – is it possible to get some sort of ‘community dish’ system?
4. The village shop has just closed (Kinlochleven) – why are so many shops empty and why can’t the owners be made to let them out, fill them etc ? Fort William High Street is also full of charity and tourist shops, there is not enough retail choice for people. Young People would welcome greater choice for clothes and sport shops.
The majority of shops in Fort William are owned by private landlords and rented out to their tenants. These landlords set rent for tenants, and this is something over which neither Highland Council or HIE has any control. There are plans for both the redevelopment of the West End and Waterfront, which should enable more High Street names to be attracted to the town. Large companies such as Next and Marks & Spencer are often looking for a standard layout for their shops and many of the current High Street shops do not fit their criteria.
Health / Support services
1. Why aren’t we given enough information on how to contact services for advice – eg on ‘sexual problems’, alcohol and drugs etc with an emphasis on confidentiality ?
High School pupils are given a range of information on contacts re sexual health during their PSE classes and take part in the SHARE programme. All pupils can make use of their school nurse service to access this information on a one to one basis if preferred. A health drop in clinic was available in Kinlochleven community centre but was under used and was stopped. It worked really well and NHS staff would be happy to provide it again if supported. Confidentiality is the first subject spoken about in P7 when school nurses do their sex education talk. In S1 they are told about their school nurse in more detail and in S3 they are given little cards with the family planning team’s phone numbers on.
Similarly, the drop-in clinic at AHS had practically no uptake and has ceased. The Parent Council for AHS are looking to get involved with providing help and information at parents nights as well as reinstating some kind of drop-in session with the nurse, perhaps during Youth Club or other venue out with the school.
2. Could we have a dedicated young peoples health drop in the medical centre ?
This request has been referred to the Health Service.