Cunninghame House, Irvine. 14 March 2013 North Coast Area Committee You are requested to attend a Meeting of the above mentioned Committee of North Ayrshire Council to be held in the Community Room, Largs Library, Allanpark Street, Largs on THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2013 at 2.00 p.m. to consider the undernoted business. Yours faithfully Elma Murray Chief Executive 1. Declarations of Interest Members are requested to give notice of any declaration of interest in respect of items of business on the agenda. 2. Minutes The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 7 February 2013 will be signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (copy enclosed). 3. Strathclyde Police Submit report by Strathclyde Police on issues of local interest (copy enclosed). North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE
4. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Submit report by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue on issues of local interest (copy enclosed) 5. Local Youth Action Fund: Applications for Financial Assistance Submit report by Corporate Director (Education & Skills) on applications received in respect of the Local Youth Action Fund (copy enclosed). 6. Largs 2013 - Events & Projects Submit report by Corporate Director (Development & Environment) on the projects and events programmed for Largs during 2013 (copy enclosed) 7. Haylie Brae Picnic Area Receive verbal update by Streetscene Manager (Environment and Related Services) (Development & Environment). 8. Date and Venue of Next Meeting The next meeting of the North Coast Area Committee will be held on 23 May 2013 in the DA Hall, Millport. 9. Future Agenda Items Discuss items for consideration at future meetings of the Area Committee. 10. Urgent Items Any other items which the Chair considers to be urgent. North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 2
North Coast Area Committee Sederunt: Alex Gallagher Alan Hill Tom Marshall Alex McLean Chair: Attending: Apologies: Meeting Ended: North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 3
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North Coast Area Committee 7 February 2013 IRVINE, 7 February 2013 - At a Meeting of the North Coast Area Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 11.00 a.m. Present Alex Gallagher, Alan Hill, Tom Marshall and Alex McLean. In Attendance C. Hatton, Corporate Director, R. McCutcheon, Head of Environment and Related Services and D. Wilson, Streetscene Manager (Development and Environment); and M. Anderson, Committee Services Officer (Chief Executive's Service). Also In Attendance Inspector Gordon Jones (Strathclyde Police). Chair Councillor Hill in the Chair. 1. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 16 and Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct. 2. Minutes The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 22 November 2012 were signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 3. Strathclyde Police Submitted report by Strathclyde Police on issues of local interest or concern within the North Coast area during November and December 2012. Information was provided on the following:- crime statistics for November/December 2012 compared with the same period the previous year; actions in respect of the festive Safer Streets initiative, including stop/searches around Largs Town Centre and the seizure of a controlled substance; action plans in relation to vandalism, the purchase of alcohol, dog fouling and youth disorder in Largs, and speeding in Largs/Skelmorlie; the outcome of the 2012 public consultation survey, details of which were circulated at the meeting; and an Environmental Visual Audit carried out in Largs Town Centre on 20 November 2012. Page 1 5
Members asked questions, and received clarification, on the following:- the good partnership working evident in the Safer Streets and other initiatives; possible contributory factors relating to the reduction in drinking in public; reasons for the drop in the number of driving offences in November/December 2012 compared with the same period last year; vandalism and the role of Community Police officers in seeking to prevent the problem by delivering talks to school pupils; issues in relation to the gritting of areas such as Ashcraig, Skelmorlie, by Amey; and the availability of Community Police Officers to attend community council meetings. Noted. 4. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Submitted report by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue on activity from 1 December 2012 to 28 January 2013, which included information on:- 2 accidental dwelling fires in Largs; a refuse fire at Crawford Street, Largs; 2 malicious false alarm calls relating to properties in Largs; 5 equipment fault false alarm fires in Largs and Cumbrae; and a number of special services. Noted. 5. Largs Car Park Fund: Quarterly Update on Projects Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Development and Environment) on the progress of, and expenditure incurred to date on, the implementation of agreed projects. The report provided information on the following:- the completion of work to repair and replace the lanterns along Largs promenade; the revised timescale for completion of work to improve the pathway to the Pencil Monument; minor repairs required to the base of the Pencil Monument; approval by the Council of a 30,000 grant fund to support local initiatives promoting the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Largs; the planned replacement of festoon lighting prior to the end of May 2013; work to trench and install ducting along the length of the Pencil Monument path to facilitate the future supply of power to light the monument; and the current budgetary position of the Car Park Fund in terms of the estimated costs of initiatives and the actual expenditure against each. Page 2 6
The Corporate Director (Development and Environment) circulated, for the Committee's consideration, a proposed set of criteria, an application form and an evaluation procedure for use in the processing of applications for grant funding from the Largs Car Park Community Fund. The Corporate Director (Development and Environment) also made reference to significant support from EDF Energy, via their apprenticeship programme, to facilitate the lighting of the Pencil Monument, and advised that expenditure of 2,000 had been made from the Largs Car Park Fund to allow the project to proceed with EDF's support. Members asked questions, and received clarification, on the following:- the importance for tourism of providing a user-friendly link between the marina and Largs town centre; the quantity and quality of festoon lighting to be installed along the Promenade; the feasibility of dismantling some of the festoon lighting during the winter months; the extent of works to install ducting along the Pencil Monument path; income and expenditure information for the Car Park Fund in 2011/12; the scale of projects to be funded from Largs Car Park Community Fund; the importance of encouraging Largs Car Park Community Fund applicants to obtain match funding for their projects; and arrangements for the promotion of Largs Car Park Community Fund by Corporate Communications. The Committee agreed to (a) record its thanks to EDF Energy for the significant support given by the company to the Pencil Monument lighting project; (b) note the expenditure of 2,000 from the Largs Car Park Fund in respect of the Pencil Monument lighting project; and (c) to approve the proposed criteria, application form and evaluation procedure for use in processing Largs Car Park Community Fund applications, subject to a minor amendment to the criteria to replace the phrase "located within the town of Largs" with "for events within the town of Largs". 6. Largs Car Park Charges Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Development and Environment) on the process to review charges for the use of Largs Seafront Car Park. A charge of 2.00 per day or part thereof for Largs Seafront Car Park has remained static for a number of years and does not reflect the rates charged at similar facilities. The report proposed increasing the charge levied to 3.00 per day or part thereof, with effect from 1 April 2013, subject to approve by the Cabinet and suitable advertising to highlight the change. Members asked questions, and received clarification, on the following:- Page 3 7
any additional overnight charge applicable to the car park; the provision of electronic notice board information on alternative parking in the event of the car park being full, together with the signage to direct drivers to the other car parks available; and the need to address inaccuracies in the directional signage located at Douglas Street and Boyd/Gateside Street, Largs. The Committee agreed (a) that the Chief Executive submit a report to the next meeting of the Cabinet to recommend an increase of 1.00 in the tariff for parking in Largs Seafront Car Park; (b) to note the process for marking this change; and (c) that the Streetscene Manager arrange for (i) the electronic car park sign in the seafront car park to display information on the location of alternative parking in the event of the car park being full, (ii) the provision of signage directing drivers to the alternative parking available, and (iii) inaccuracies in respect of the directional signage at Douglas Street and Boyd/Gateside Street to be addressed. 7. Street Naming: Residential Development Adjacent to Copeland Crescent, Millport Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Development and Environment) on the naming of a street within a new housing development adjacent to Copeland Crescent, Millport. A new residential development comprising 12 new-build houses is currently under construction by the Council's Housing Services. The site, which is adjacent to Copeland Crescent, is nearing completion and the developer has suggested "Beya Meadow" as a street name. "St Beya Gardens" has been suggested by several Ward Members, the name "Beya" being associated with an early missionary who visited the island. An alternative suggestion, that the local primary school hold a competition to generate possible names, would not be practical due to the time constraints associated with naming the development. The Committee agreed to name the new street within the development adjacent to Copeland Crescent, Millport, "St. Beya Gardens". 8. North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP): Board Minutes of Meeting held on 6 December 2012 Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the minutes of the meeting of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) held on 6 December 2012. Noted. 9. Date and Venue of Next Meeting The next meeting of the North Coast Area Committee will be held on Thursday 21 March 2013 at 2.00 p.m. in Largs Library. Page 4 8
Discussion took place on the following:- the venue for the 23 May 2013 meeting of the Area Committee; and the possibility of holding an Area Committee meeting in Skelmorlie. The Committee agreed (a) to note the time, date and venue of the next meeting to be held on 21 March 2013; (b) that the 23 May 2013 meeting be held in the D.A. Hall, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae; and (c) that the Clerk to the Committee investigate the feasibility of holding an Area Committee meeting in Skelmorlie later in the year. The meeting ended at 11.55 a.m. Page 5 9
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NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED STRATHCLYDE POLICE North Coast Area Committee 21 March 2013 Submitted for attention of North Coast Area Committee is the Strathclyde Police report for the months of January & February 2013. This report includes crime and offence information relating to Beats 20, 21, 22 and 24 which encompasses the geographical area of Largs, Skelmorlie and Cumbrae for November & December 2012. Beat 23 crime and offence information consists mainly of West Kilbride and is contained within the report submitted to the Garnock Valley and West Kilbride Area Committee. However, information relating to Fairlie is also included in Beat 23 and a limited data capture is detailed for Fairlie for the consideration of the North Coast Area Committee. An explanation regarding this has previously been forwarded to the secretary for the Committee. The main focus of our proactivity and support for public reassurance continues to be the priorities listed on the local Community Policing Plan for 2012/2013. The priorities as formulated from the public consultation exercise are; 1. Drunk or Disorderly behaviour (including Vandalism and Graffiti) 2. Drug Dealing and Drug use 3. Assault and Violent crime 4. Housebreaking and Other Theft A breakdown of the crime/offence statistics for the months of January & February 2013 and a previous year comparison for the North Coast area are detailed below. Largs (Beats 20 & 21) Crimes Jan/Feb 2013 Jan/Feb 2012 Reported Detected Reported Detected Attempt Murder 0 0 0 0 Serious Assault 2 2 0 0 Assault 11 9 10 6 Housebreaking (Domestic) 1 0 2 1 Theft 14 2 20 2 Vandalism 15 1 9 1 Breach of the Peace 3 3 3 3 Threaten/Abusive behaviour 11 10 8 7 Offensive Weapons 0 0 0 0 Drinking in Public 0 0 5 5 Urinating 0 0 2 2 Drug Misuse 4 4 3 3 Driving Offences 29 30 44 44 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 11
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Skelmorlie & Cumbrae (Beats 22 & 24) Crimes Jan/Feb 2013 Jan/Feb 2012 Reported Detected Reported Detected Attempt Murder 0 0 0 0 Serious Assault 0 0 0 0 Assault 1 0 0 0 Theft 1 0 2 1 Vandalism 2 0 2 0 Housebreaking (Domestic) 0 0 1 0 Breach of the Peace 0 0 0 0 Threaten/Abusive behaviour 4 2 2 2 Offensive Weapons 0 0 0 0 Drinking in Public 0 0 0 0 Urinating 0 0 0 0 Drug Misuse 0 0 0 0 Driving Offences 4 4 3 3 Fairlie (Beat 23) Crimes Jan/Feb 2013 Reported Detected Theft 3 0 Common Assault 1 1 Threaten/Abusive behaviour 2 1 Vandalism 0 0 Driving Offences 4 4 Additional Information Action Plans As in previous updates to the North Coast Area Committee, officers from the Community Policing Team continue to be actively involved in public reassurance. Recent action plans have proactively addressed areas of concern, particularly violence, vandalism, drug dealing, anti social behaviour and acquisitive crime in line with the priorities outlined. A number of local action plans have been instigated during the period to address specific issues, namely; Vandalism Largs Bogus Workers - Largs Youth Disorder Largs Purchase of alcohol - Largs Speeding Fairlie/Skelmorlie Dog Fouling Largs/Skelmorlie Operation MYRIAD 'Operation Myriad' is a five month sustained campaign tackling issues that blight communities in Strathclyde and was launched on 4 th October 2012. Following successful operations in other areas the operation was launched in Ayrshire on Saturday 16th NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 12
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED February. Myriad aims to further drive down violence, disorder, antisocial behaviour, serious and organised crime, road traffic and drug offences. The campaign is intelligence led and will see officers join forces with other organisations such as Scottish Power, British Transport Police, North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency which have the power to regulate and disrupt criminal activity. Communities will see high profile Police activity with operations targeting drugs, street drinking and youth disorder, bogus callers, proceeds of crime and businesses connected to serious and organised crime. There will be visits to licensed premises, roadside safety checks, warrant executions and curfew and bail condition checks. Examples of some local activities include vehicle checks conducted at Greenock Road, Largs 46 vehicles stopped, checks made on vehicle and driver documentation and conditional offer issued for driving offences. One of the drivers stopped had previous links to potential bogus worker crimes and intelligence logs were submitted. In Main Road, Fairlie 23 vehicles stopped, checks again made on vehicle and driver documentation. One local trader issued conditional offer for using vehicle with no MOT test certificate. All drivers spoken to appreciated Police activity in the area looking to identify rogue traders and to positively influence driver behaviour on these occasions. Other activities in February included a joint operation with North Ayrshire Trading Standards targeting bogus workmen in Largs, identifying residences where work was being conducted. This resulted in:- 12 work related vehicles checked 19 persons checked 1 male reported for No insurance and no MOT Details of certain workmen being passed to the Department for Work and Pensions. New Non-emergency telephone number - 101 In March 2013 a Scotland-wide single non-emergency number has been implemented. This is a single, easy to remember number, 101, for all non emergency calls to police, right across Scotland. When a member of the public calls 101, they will hear a recorded message telling them they are about to be connected to their local police. Their call will then be routed to the nearest contact centre. Force Website Detailed below are the web page details for the local area. These pages provide local information together with a summary of crime statistics representing a comparison of the data between 5 year average values and the last 3 months. North Coast & Cumbraes www.strathclyde.police.uk/your_community/ayrshire/north_coast_and_cumbraes/ Inspector Gordon Jones Community Policing Inspector for North Coast/Cumbrae & Garnock Valley NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 13
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Tactical Assessment Dates: Councils: Wards: 01/02/2013-10/03/2013 North Ayrshire North Coast and Cumbraes Ward Incident Analysis Ward Council Ward as % of Council Population 16295 135817 12% Dwellings 9163 65550 14% Incidents 16 190 8.4% Casualties 2 11 18.2% Fire 0 7 % RTC 0 1 % Other 2 3 66.7% Fatalities 1 1 100% Fire 0 0 % RTC 0 0 % Other 1 1 100% Dwelling Fires: Accidental Top 10 Accidental Dwelling Fire Locations Street Incident Count GREENOCK RD,., LARGS 1 Total Incidents in all Ward Streets 1 Tactical Assessment Version: Draft Page 1 of 7 Executed: 11/03/2013 12:01:47 15
Tactical Assessment Dwelling Fires: Deliberate Top 10 Deliberate Dwelling Fire Locations Data does not exist for the specified criteria. Non Domestic Fires: Accidental Top 10 Accidental Non Domestic Fire Locations Non Domestic Fires: Deliberate Top 10 Deliberate Non Domestic Fire Locations Tactical Assessment Version: Draft Page 2 of 7 Executed: 11/03/2013 12:01:47 16
Tactical Assessment Vehicle Fires: Accidental Top 10 Accidental Vehicle Fire Locations Vehicle Fires: Deliberate Top 10 Deliberate Vehicle Fire Locations Rubbish Fires Top 10 Rubbish Fire Locations Tactical Assessment Version: Draft Page 3 of 7 Executed: 11/03/2013 12:01:47 17
Tactical Assessment Heath and Grass Fires Top 10 Heath and Grass Fire Locations Derelict Buildings: Accidental Top 10 Accidental Derelict Buildings Locations Data does not exist for the specified criteria. Derelict Buildings: Deliberate Top 10 Deliberate Derelict Buildings Locations Tactical Assessment Version: Draft Page 4 of 7 Executed: 11/03/2013 12:01:47 18
Tactical Assessment False Alarms: Malicious Top 10 Malicious False Alarm Locations False Alarms: Good Intent Top 10 Good Intent False Alarm Locations Street Incident Count BRISBANE RD,., LARGS 2 CARDIFF ST, MILLPORT, CUMBRAE 1 MAIN ST,., LARGS 1 Total Incidents in all Ward Streets 4 False Alarms: Equipment Fault Top 10 Equipment Fault False Alarm Locations Street Incident Count BURNSIDE RD,., LARGS 3.n/a, MILLPORT, CUMBRAE 1 :not recorded, :not recorded, :not recorded 1 IRVINE RD,., LARGS 1 WATERSIDE ST,., LARGS 1 Total Incidents in all Ward Streets 7 Tactical Assessment Version: Draft Page 5 of 7 Executed: 11/03/2013 12:01:47 19
Tactical Assessment Road Traffic Collisions Top 10 Road Traffic Collision Locations Water Related Incidents Top 10 Water Related Incident Locations Data does not exist for the specified criteria. Other Special Services* Top 10 Other Special Services* Locations Street Incident Count B896, MILLPORT, CUMBRAE 1 GOLF RD, MILLPORT, CUMBRAE 1 MAIN RD,., FAIRLIE 1 MOORBURN RD,., LARGS 1 Total Incidents in all Ward Streets 4 * - Excluding road traffic collisions and water related incidents Tactical Assessment Version: Draft Page 6 of 7 Executed: 11/03/2013 12:01:47 20
Tactical Assessment Report Description Given a date range, council and ward, this report provides demographic, incident, casualty and fatality information in tabular format. It also charts and lists the top ten street locations for a chosen list of incident types. Tactical Assessment Version: Draft Page 7 of 7 Executed: 11/03/2013 12:01:47 21
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Agenda Item 5 North Coast Area Committee 21 March 2013 Subject: Purpose: Local Youth Action Fund: Applications for Financial Assistance To advise the Committee of applications received in respect of the Local Youth Action Fund. Recommendation: That the Committee agrees to consider and determine the applications as outlined in the attached appendix. 1. Introduction 1.1 The Local Youth Action Fund has a balance of 3,284.49 available for disbursement. 2. Current Position 2.1 Applications have been received within a number of categories of the Local Youth Action Fund. Details of these applications are summarised in the attached appendix. 2.2 The funds have been fully expended for the Community Development Grants Scheme. 3. Proposals 3.1 It is proposed that the Committee agrees to consider and determine the applications as outlined in the attached appendix. 4. Implications Financial Implications 4.1 Awards will be met from the available balance. Human Resource Implications 4.2 There are no human resource implications. 23
Legal Implications 4.3 There are no legal implications. Equality Implications 4.4 There are no equality implications. Environmental Implications 4.5 There are no environmental implications. Implications for Key Priorities 4.6 The following single outcome agreements are being addressed: 4a Levels of educational attainment and achievement have improved. 6e People are more active more often. 8a More children and young people live in a safe and supportive environment. 5. Consultations 5.1 Consultation has taken place between the applicant bodies and appropriate Officers of the Council. 6. Conclusion 6.1 Awards from the Community Development Grant Scheme assist community based projects, including cultural, social welfare, recreational or sporting based initiatives. CAROL KIRK Corporate Director (Education and Skills) Reference : JMcH/BA For further information please contact James McHarg, Assistant Manager, Community Development on telephone number 01294 468035. Background Papers Application forms. 24
Local Youth Action Fund Assessment Form 1. Reporting Officer: Lesley Forsyth 2. Department: Information and Culture Telephone No.: 01294 212716 SECTION 1 - Details of Group/Organisation 3. Name of Group/Organisation: Largs Youth Theatre 4. Date of Officer's Visit: 26 February 2013 (telephone) 5. Are you satisfied that the details contained in the Grant Application are accurate? - Yes If NO give reasons 6. Is the proposal a realistic undertaking of the group? - Yes If NO explain why 7. Does the group carry appropriate insurance for the project? - Yes 8. Does group attendance concur with the application? - Yes Is the award sought for a new youth activity, facility or service? - No 9. Does your organisation cater for children under the age of 16 years for more than 2 hours and more than 6 times per year? - Yes If YES, is it registered with the Care Commission under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001? - If NO explain why Activity specific hence no requirement to comply. 25
10. Does the expenditure meet the NA Community Safety Forum Aims and Priorities? - Yes If YES, which NA Community Safety Forum Aims and Priorities are being addressed? 4a - Levels of educational attainment and achievement have improved. 6e - People are more active more often. 8a - More children and young people live in a safe and supportive environment. SECTION 2 - Criteria for Assessment 11. In which way does this application address Local Youth Action Fund Objectives? Increase the number of services and facilities that provide constructive and relevant activities. Young people to have a sustained interest. An increase in satisfaction of young people. 12. What youth engagement/consultation has been undertaken regarding the proposed activity, service or facility? The number of young people who attend the theatre is tremendous and the opportunity to help develop the skills of some of the most talented is to be commended. The young people who are involved have been fully constituted and are keen to take part in this excellent opportunity and to help fundraise to achieve the goal. 13. What community engagement/consultation has been undertaken regarding the proposed activity, service or facility? This is not a new activity but an opportunity for progression for the young people who attend. 14. Are Partnership links in place? Yes The group have excellent partnerships established both locally and nationally which in turn facilitate such excellent work with the young people. 15. Overall Assessment An excellent group who are highly regarded nationally and who should indeed be supported and helped to celebrate success of their group and represent North Ayrshire within the dramatic arts world. SECTION 3 - Details of Proposed Expenditure 16. Amount Requested: 1,956 17. Group Contribution: 5,534 26
SECTION 4 - Recommendation 18. Support Application: Yes 19. Defer Application? 20. Amount recommended: 1,956 Give reasons The award will give the young people the opportunity to take part in an excellent initiative which they will gain from on many levels. Signature: Lesley Forsyth Date: 26 February 2013 27
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Community Development Grants Scheme 2012/2013 Applications from Organisations seeking Financial Assistance - North Coast & Cumbrae Area Committee Meeting on 21 March 2013 Organisation Purpose of Grant Amount Requested Largs Youth Theatre Meeting place: Vikingar, Largs Numbers attending: 180 Balance in bank: 10,806.64 (provision of classes and activities, staff development, hall hire, tutor fees and insurance renewal) Millport Bowling Club Meeting place: Millport Bowling Club House Numbers attending: 86 Balance in bank: 5,531.95 (restricted funds for a club house extension) Costs towards performing a play on the last night of the "Connections" Festival at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh on 21/22 June 2013. Minibus hire - 420 Accommodation - 1,056 Subsistence - 480 Total cost of project - 8,984 Equipment to formation of Junior Section. Bowling equipment - 1,997.98 Total cost of project - 14,855 Amount Recommended Comments 1,956 1,956 The recommended amount will enable the group to travel and arrange accommodation in Edinburgh while the play is being performed to the public. The group are highly regarded nationally and an award will help them celebrate the success of their group and represent North Ayrshire within the dramatic arts world. 2,000 1,328.49 Subject to satisfactory Officer's Assessment being received prior to any monies being released. 29
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NORTH COAST AREA COMMITTEE ANALYSIS OF GRANTS EXPENDITURE - 2012-13 LOCAL ACTION FUND GRANT GROUP PURPOSE AMOUNT BALANCE DATE REF. NAME OF GRANT OF GRANT OF BUDGET PAID 5,580.00 Costs assoc with Largs NC/1/12-13 Largs Town Twinning Games 2,000.00 3,580.00 16/10/2012 NC/14/12-13 Largs Initiative Yuletide Evening 295.51 3,284.49 26/11/2012 31
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Agenda Item 6 North Coast Area Committee 21 March 2013 Subject: Purpose: Largs 2013 - Events & Projects To update the Committee on the projects and events programmed for Largs during 2013 Recommendation: That the Committee notes the report. 1. Introduction 1.1 The 750 th anniversary of the Battle of Largs will be celebrated during 2013 and in order to mark this occasion a number of unique events and projects have been organised. 1.2 The Council, in recognising the significance and importance of the anniversary of the Battle of Largs, created an Officers Working Group in 2012 to manage and support the projects and events which will be delivered during 2013. 1.3 Tourism is a key priority for North Ayrshire and Largs, and the anniversary provides an opportunity to attract visitors who will be able to enjoy a unique historical and cultural experience along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. The cultural and financial benefits from the projects and events planned for Largs will benefit the wider community of North Ayrshire. 1.4 The Area Committee agreed at its meeting on 23 August 2012 to recommend to the Council that 30,000 would be ring-fenced for a period of 12 months to support local events in respect of the 750 anniversary year of the Battle of Largs. This recommendation was approved by the Council at its meeting on 19 September 2013. 1.5 A list of cultural events being organised by various parties is attached at Appendix 1. 33
2. Current Position 2.1 An Officers Working Group attended by representatives from the Chief Executive s Office, Economic Development-Tourism, Planning, Education and Streetscene has met on a number of occasions to discuss the development proposals for the celebration of the 750th Anniversary and to co-ordinate arrangements to support the projects and events which are taking place in Largs during 2013. 2.2 To date, 23 events have been identified as taking place and these range from locally organised to international events such as Scotland versus Ireland Veteran s Badminton Tournament. Appendix 1 provides a detailed list of events. 2.3 In addition to the organised cultural environmental events, Streetscene and Planning are taking forward the following projects (some of which are in partnership with other bodies) which are being carried out to help enhance promote Largs as an alternative place for visitors:- The refurbishment of the Pencil Monument which will see the minor repairs to the stone work including pointing and the painting of the door. The work is planned to take place between March and April 2013. The improvement of the footway from Anthony Road to the Yacht Haven which will see the footpath widened and safety guard rails installed between March - June 2013. Installation of a 3D life sized model of a Viking, which will be lit with an uplighter, and positioned close to the site of the Viking Village. This will take place in June 2013. A temporary flower bed will also be created in June to house a carpet bedding display depicting a long boat with wording "Battle of Largs" with the dates "1263-2013". The bed will be located on the grass verge adjacent to the A78 and close to the site set aside for the Viking Village. Upgrading of the footpath surrounding the Pencil Monument and the sandstone built structure which houses the seating area at the base of the monument will take place in June 2013. The design for this area incorporates some of the stones from the existing path. The lighting of the Pencil Monument which will be achieved in partnership with EDF Energy during July/August 2013. 34
2.4 The Area Committee agreed at its meeting on 23 August 2012 that 30,000 would be ring-fenced for a period of 12 months to support local events in respect of the 750 anniversary year of the Battle of Largs. It was agreed at this time that an events application form and assessment criteria should be developed to enable applications to be made and assessed in an open and transparent way. 2.5 At its meeting of the 7 February 2013 the Area Committee agreed the format of the application form, assessment criteria and the process for managing applications and awarding the grant. The grant fund was launched on 1 March and an article appeared in the Largs and Millport Weekly News during the week beginning 4 March 2013. 2.6 Application forms are available from the Corporate Communications Team and through the Council's website. To date 4 applications have been received for consideration. 2.7 The programme of events is continually updated by Corporate Communications to ensure the Officers from the Working Group are available to support those organising events. 3. Proposals 3.1 That the Area Committee notes the calendar of events and projects organised for Largs in 2013 so far. 4. Implications Financial Implications 4.1 The monies required for projects have been secured and 30,000 of income from the Largs Car Park has been ring-fenced for events during 2013. Human Resource Implications 4.2 There are no human resource implications. Legal Implications 4.3 There are no legal implications. Equality Implications 4.4 There are no equality implications. 35
Environmental Implications 4.5 There are no environmental implications. Implications for Key Priorities 4.6 The works identified will contribute towards the delivery of a number of key priorities. 5. Consultations 5.1 Consultation has taken place with Planning, Economic Development-Tourism, Education, Chief Executives Service and Environment & Related Services. 6. Conclusion 6.1 That the Area Committee notes the progress with regards to the projects identified and the events organised to be delivered during 2013. CRAIG HATTON Corporate Director (Development and Environment) Reference : CH/RMcC/DW/LB For further information please contact Donald Wilson, Streetscene Manager, Environment and Related Services on telephone number 01294 541526 Background Papers 0 36
Appendix 1 Consultation has taken place with Planning, Economic Development-Tourism, Education, Chief Executive and Environment & Related Services The following events are programmed for Largs 2013 1. Scotland v Ireland Veteran's Badminton Tournament, Inverclyde (18-20 January) 2. Royal Yachting Association Big Weekend (conference & trade event), Inverclyde (22-24 February) 3. Royal Yachting Association UK Youth National Championships (30 March - 5 April) 4. Inter league Scottish table tennis tournament, Inverclyde (29-31 April) 5. Scottish fencing championships - Inverclyde (1-2 June) 6. Largs Games - Town Twinning Event (7-10 June) 7. Largs Live (28-30 June) 8. Largs Youth Theatre drama workshop (29-30 June) 9. The Fife Regatta (28 June - 5 July) 10. Highland Games 5-6 July 2013 11. Kelburn Garden Party ( 6-7 July) 12. Scottish Ice Cream Festival (27-28 July) 13. UK Optimist Dinghy National championships (27 July - 2 August) 14. Home Nations junior Archery tournament (9-11 August) 15. GP14 National Dinghy Sailing Championship (10-16 August) 16. Largs Regatta Week (24-31 August) 17. Largs Comedy Festival (31 August - 1 September) 18. Continental Market (31 August 8 September 2013) 19. Italian Market- (5-8 September 2013) 20. Viking Festival (31 August - 8 September) 37