Clackmannan Community Council
February 2017
Cllr Irene Hamilton
City Deal:
City Region Deals offer the potential for new collaborative regional partnerships, focused on long-term strategic approaches to improving regional economies. They can deliver positive outcomes in line with Scottish Government and UK policy: they encourage Local Authorities to operate strategically at the regional level and they can support a long-term focus on the priorities required to deliver Scotland’s Economic Strategy. Each deal is bespoke to the city region and will include a package of measures designed to work as a coherent whole. In September 2016, the leaders of Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, said both Councils had agreed to work together to help secure a City Deal for the region. Both Scottish and UK Governments have confirmed their commitment to supporting a City Deal for the region. Projects are in development in each area and the Councils will need to work together to develop a single, clear, consistent bid for the region to be submitted later in the year.
Visit Scotland Motion: Tourism Potential
The following motion, regarding Visit Scotland in Clackmannanshire, was passed at Council.
That Council welcomes the recent figures from VisitScotland showing that, in 2015, the number of people employed in the tourist industry rose by 11% and that the sector made up 9% of the total jobs in Scotland, making it a key employer for many areas; notes that the figures show that employment in this sector decreased by 8 per cent in Clackmannanshire at the same time our neighbours in Stirling saw a 12 per cent increase, Falkirk saw an 8 per cent increase and Fife saw a 10 per cent increase; is concerned that in fact Clackmannanshire is the only local authority in Scotland where the number of people employed in the tourist industry fell; recognises that Clackmannanshire has much to offer visitors from home and abroad and that the City Deal offers an opportunity to maximise our tourism potential; and instructs the Chief Executive to engage, as a matter of urgency, with VisitScotland to address this issue.
Clydesdale Bank Motion:
A motion was passed regarding the closure of the only two Clydesdale Banks in Clackmannanshire.
That Council notes recent correspondence from the Clydesdale Bank announcing its intention to close branches in Alloa and Tillicoultry; expresses concern that this will leave Clackmannanshire without a branch of the Bank; understands that customers affected will have to travel into Stirling for their nearest branch; recognises the considerable impact that this will have on local businesses, older people, those with mobility issues and those who are unable to use the internet to access online banking facilities; instructs the Chief Executive to urgently open a dialogue with the Clydesdale Bank to determine whether a solution can be found to retain access to vital banking services for local people.
Home Fire Safety checks:
It is that time of year when people accidentally leave their fires, heaters and electric blankets on. The Fire Service offer everyone a free home fire safety visit. They can also fit smoke alarms free of charge if your home requires them. If you, or anyone you know of, who may require this, then please get in touch in the following ways:
· call 0800 0731 999
· call Alloa Fire Station 01259 724112
· text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile phone
Clackmannanshire & Stirling Environmental Trust are looking for projects to apply to them for funding.
Contact details:
c/o Bannockburn Local Office
6 New Road
Bannockburn
Stirling
FK7 8LW
Tel: 01786 484611
Email:
Report It
Members of the public can report a number of issues in their area. Abandoned vehicles, dog fouling, missed waste collections and street lighting faults are some of the concerns you can report.
To report something, please do so here: http://clacksweb.org.uk/council/reportit/ or call 450000.
Cllr Irene Hamilton
Clackmannanshire Council
Kilncraigs
Alloa
FK10 1EB