Action Note of North West and Central Sutherland Ward Forum
Held at Lairg Community Centre, Lairg
26th October 2013

Agenda

1. Attending / Representing

Councillor Linda Munro (LM) - Highland Council (HC)
Councillor Hugh Morrison - Highland Council
Ricky Dibble - Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)
Anthony Gardner - Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Chief Inspector Garry Cameron - Police Scotland (PS)
Andy Mackay - Highland Council
Sandra Munro - Bettyhill Community Council
Sandy Allison - Lairg Community Council
David Laver - Ardgay Community Council 

 

Apologies

 

Councillor George Farlow - Highland Council
Janette Mackay - Strathy and Armadale Community Council
Alan Miller - Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) 

5 Members of the public

2. Police Scotland - Ward Police Plans

Chief Inspector Garry Cameron

 

Ward Policing Plan
Three priorities identified in the Ward Policing Plan:
• Public Protection
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Road safety

The forum confirmed these as the on-going priorities, public protection being the highest priority.

 

Discussion Points

• Vulnerable adults who live alone and alone in remote and rural areas are real concern and the Police officers play an important role to support these people in the community.

• Alcohol Abuse and not just disorder issues but all aspects discussed and it was explained how it is also treated as a public protection issue with referrals by Police to support agencies taking place where required.

• Speeding - Police better able to respond when given specific details but they generally target high risk areas and deploy road traffic unit to these locations.

• Overview of Police Scotland over last 6 months raised concerns about possible loss of front line staff and possible closure of Police stations.

• In an emergency the closest unit will respond which may mean officers travel from outwith Sutherland to deal with the incident.

• The reduction of front office counter staff meaning access by members of the public is limited after 6pm will be difficult.  Police Officers will be on duty after 6pm to deal with some enquiries and the public can make a pre-arranged appointment to meet an officer will be possible.

• The procedures for recruitment of Special Constables were covered and how this can be seen as a positive opportunity to serve as well as being a potential route into the Police Service.

• Mountain Rescue Team said when involved in a search they find themselves experiencing difficulties with communications and accessing the local Police Officer.  They are directed through to the Control Room in Inverness each time which causes delays and frustration.  Access to airwave communications by the Mountain Rescue (MR) could help things but security is an issue.

• This matter will be taken up by Councillor Munro to the Police Scotland Board.
Chief Inspector (CI) Cameron to arrange to meet with Assynt MR Team.

 

ACTION - LM to take issue re communications for Mountain Rescue to Police Scotland Board.
CI Cameron to arrange to meet with Assynt MR Team.

3. Scottish Fire & Rescue Service - Update and Review of Current Priorities

 

Ricky Dibble, Station Manager 
Anthony Gardner, Area Manager Prevention and Protection

 

Discussion points

• Aim of consultation is to obtain views on what the communities of NW & C Sutherland Ward see as priorities and what they wish to see in the Local Fire Plan. This was discussed in the context of how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) deliver its activities through prevention and protection as well as response and resilience. The four key priorities for NW & C Sutherland are:

o Accidental house fires
o Deliberate fires (including those started with malicious intent)
o Road traffic collisions
o Unwanted fire alarm signals

• How the most vulnerable are targeted for Fire Safety Visits? – Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) requests are prioritised towards the most vulnerable in communities and individuals at risk from fire in their home. This includes the elderly and those with known health, drink and drug issues. 

HFSV are also promoted through partner groups and organisations working with vulnerable people. The SFRS encourages all partner groups and agencies to assist in the promotion of free HFSV as well as referring those in need to the SFRS.

• The application and selection process for the Fire Service is an issue in remote and rural areas.  The level of cover across the area by Retained Fire-fighters is a concern. There is a lack of confidence in the recruitment and training of retained fire staff by the public which is believed to have caused poor public support when threats to closures have recently taken place.

• The lack of qualified staff has meant the level of cover for day time crews is seriously compromised and needs addressing to suit a rural context.

• In other parts of the country such as Wales who have joint Blue Light Services which have staff trained in a number of skills and can combine this with other duties.  In this area it was felt we too have better joined up thinking and to work out of the box to support the Blue Light Services.  This approach could also help support the Scottish Ambulance Services issue for single manned ambulance cover and make services more sustainable.

• Information regarding applying to become a Fire Fighter can be found on https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk and better advertising and promotion of the opportunities to train as a fire fighter should be looked at.

• Road traffic collisions – education is key – especially events aimed at young drivers e.g. Driving Ambition (DA). The SFRS is reviewing the current road safety programmes across Scotland and will deliver what is best and most suitable for the local communities.

• Do Smoke alarms have a shelf life? Yes, when fitted new, they have up to a ten year life span.  It is important that they are tested weekly and if it does not work fit a new battery, where possible. If it still doesn’t work replace the detector with a new one.

However should any member of the community have any concerns or need for free home fire safety advice, please get in touch with the SFRS as soon as possible who will come to your home to assist you.

• Private landlords have legislative responsibilities – by law, a landlord must provide fire-detection equipment (e.g. a smoke alarm) for the property and also has a general duty to keep the property fit to live in and ensure it does not endanger health.

Landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) must ensure there are adequate fire precautions and escape routes. HMOs are also licensed by Highland Council and must comply with the conditions of that licence.

• Go Safe Scotland is the new multi-agency education strategy for schools (launched 2 Sept) and comprises material for use by teachers backed up, where necessary by a visit from participating organisations including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

 

Contact Details for further comments or advice:

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (Highland Area)
Tel – 01463 227000
www.firescotland.gov.uk
www.facebook.com/ScottishFireAndRescueService
Twitter - @scotfire_north