Craigheads Regeneration Steering Group
Inaugural Meeting
02 July 2008

Minutes approved at 10 September 2008 meeting

Role & Remit of Working Group

The purpose of the group is to advise the process of regeneration.  It was agreed that decisions relating to the regeneration of Craigheads would involve the Steering Group (tenants, owners, & private landlords.)  The objective of regeneration is:

• Improve quality of the housing stock
• Improve quality of the environment
• Improve health, well-being, and employability

Those present welcomed the attendance of officers from Carts Greenspace, Housing, Environmental Health, Housing Maintenance, and CHCP.  However, it was noted that Parks & Cleansing should be invited to attend future meetings.  NB Adrian Baines of Park had been invited but was unable to attend.  Elected members, and in particular the Convenor of Housing, will be invited to attend future meetings.

Housing Stock

Danny McKendry confirmed that the Head of Housing & Maintenance Services (Iain MacLean) is keen for works within the Council’s Capital programme to be accelerated within the Craigheads area, commencing 2009.  This would be reflected in a more targeted approach to works in Craigheads.  (Plan was displayed showing current capital programme commitment for FY 2008/2009).

Andrew Tweedie gave a brief description of the works to be carried out this financial year.  He also gave an overview of some of the problems to overcome in this mixed tenure community.

Fire damaged stock is currently under repair - currently no plans for demolition.

Danny McKendry acknowledged the need identified for a revised stock condition survey and options appraisal to target spend from 2009 onwards.

Environmental Improvements

Small community garden project by Carts Greenspace has proved successful to date.  Ewan Kane of Carts Greenspace confirmed that the garden acts as a focal point, however, the objective is engaging with those in the community whilst building confidence skills, and pride in their community.

Danny McKendry agreed to identify future external funding streams for further appropriately complimentary environmental works and will liaise with Carts Greenspace and Paul McDonagh.

Community Health and Wellbeing

Established links between regneration and the health of communities.  Fiona MacDonald (Community Health & Care Partnership) gave a brief overview of health services & and information provision in barrhead.

CHCP are working with communities across a range of issues relating to poor levels of health in our local communities (alcohol and substance abuse, lack of exercise, reasons for inactivity eg antisocial behavior, housing, crime, fear of crime, etc).  Fiona also provided the meeting with the summary of the recently completed Auchenback Health and Open Space Project Report and highlighted the parallels with Craigheads.

Allocations

Graham Hall confimed that there was little demand at present for housing within Craigheads.  Tom McInally expressed concern that Craigheads has become a dumping ground for antisocial tenants and called for a letting initiative for the area.  Its is hoped that regeneration in the estate will improve demand for homes in the area.

Issues of concern or the community

• Fabric of properties
• Door entry systems
• Antisocial behavior of some tenants (private and council)
• Poor and faulty street lighting
• General repairs

Steering group agreed to look at future “themed” meetings to tackle the topics raised.  Meetings to run bi-monthly.  The next meeting (September) will focus on the housing stock, however work associated with the environnetal improvements and Community Health will continue in the background.