Living Streets Scotland AGM 2006

Saturday 24th June 2006

Click here for a printable version

Present: David Leslie, John Russell, Morag Haddow, David Mullender, Sandy Cook (LS Co-ordinator for Scotland)

Apologies were received from Alistair Fairburn, Patrick Brookes, John Schofield, George Gammack, Tom Conway, Graham Tuley, Elisabeth Carnall, Sandra Knight, Paul Tetlaw

Introduction

In view of the small attendance it was agreed that the agenda item for the 'Review of Progress and Prospects for LSS', by SC, would be combined with the 'Discussion of Priorities and A spirations for 2006-8' item.

LSS Website / Newsletter Development

MH reported on progress in preparing and distributing an electronic newsletter giving a monthly news round up. Increased numbers of visits to the website and an expanding mailing list for the newsletter were reported. The newsletter is also posted on the website. The main limitations are in getting material submitted. It was agreed that SC would provide information on national policy items and his own activities, and JR would provide items on Edinburgh and design issues. MH was thanked for her continuing work on the website and newsletters.

[Members are all invited to send information about newsworthy items, e.g. about local activities or items of interest from the local press directly to Morag at news@livingstreetsscotland.org.uk.]

It was agreed that the circulation list for the newsletter should be expanded to include SC's contacts list, and all LS members in Scotland with active email addresses.

Action SC and JR agreed to provide MH with updated lists of these contacts.

Secretary's Report

A draft summary of LSS Forum Activities over the year was circulated. It was agreed that items on the website / newsletter developments and on completion of the Awards for All project would be added before posting the summary on the website and circulating it by email.

Treasurer's Report and Accounts

DL circulated details of the annual accounts. These showed a balance of £235, sufficient to cover operating costs at a minimal level over the coming year. In addition there were credits in terms of advance purchases of stamps and printing. All of the Awards for All project monies had now been spent.

DL had been in contact with the national office about the annual grant for the coming year but had not yet received an answer. A £3 per member grant was anticipated.

The accounts were approved and the meeting thanked DL for his work as treasurer.

The excellent news was also reported that funding for SC's post, through Paths for All, had been renewed for second year. But it was noted that further renewals could not be expected from this source.

Election of Officials and Executive Committee

The meeting appointed / reappointed the following members of the Executive Committee (EC); on the assumption of continued willingness to serve in the case of some members not in attendance at the meeting:

Elisabeth Carnall, Steven Copeland, John Russell, and David Leslie (all from the Edinburgh Branch); Morag Haddow (Dunbar); Tom Conway (Eyemouth); Graham Morrison (Aberdeen);

Gorge Gammack had indicated he did not wish to continue as a member. Stella Wisdom had moved out of Scotland and Mary Hart was no longer in email contact. It was suggested that John Schofield (Dumfries) should be added to the committee, subject to his approval.

It was noted that as things stood significant decisions were unlikely to be required of the Committee. Most communications, such as draft submissions / responses to consultations etc, were circulated for comments to all members with a working email address on file.

JR and DL were reappointed as Secretary and as Treasurer respectively.

Minutes of the LSS 2005 AGM

The minutes were approved as a correct record of the meeting, with one amendment to correct the spelling of the Cockburn Association.

Progress Review and Prospects / Priorities for LS in Scotland

SC gave a brief overview of his work over the year, including the conduct of 9 Community Street Audits across Scotland, and the delivery of walkability workshops and CSA and design guidance training events. Contacts had been developed through various sections of the Scottish Executive and with many local authorities. Further training events were planned and several local authorities were interested in consultancy projects. [Your attention is drawn to the 'Living Streets Scotland Project Review of 2005-6' that is posted on the LSS website. This gives fuller details of Sandy's activities.]

Discussion then centred on immediate priorities for LSS.

It was agreed that:

• More help should be given to MH , to develop a network of volunteers feeding information to her for the newsletter.
• he LSS manifesto, covering 2002-2007, should be updated and used as a basis for lobbying in the run up to the 2007 Scottish Parliament and local elections. The manifesto should include more specific campaign items.
• We should seek to organise a launch event for the updated manifesto in the autumn, if possible in the Scottish Parliament building with MSPs of all parties invited to attend. JR agreed to contact Sarah Boyack with a view to initiating this.

SC reported that LS nationally was reviewing its own way of operating and in this context the development of branches was no longer seen as a priority. Developing closer links with other organisations / groups was seen as a better way forward in furthering the LSS agenda. It was agreed that LSS should seek the support of other groups in stepping up our campaigning for powers for local authorities over pavement parking etc.

JR indicated the intention to follow up contacts with the Chairman of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS), which advises the transport minister on matters of access for the disabled. Establishing contact with the Disability Equality Forum was also suggested.

National LS Conference, 2007

SC also reported that it had been agreed to hold the National Living Streets Conference in Edinburgh next year. This would provide an excellent opportunity to promote Living Streets in Scotland.

It was agreed that the LSS AGM next year would be held in association with this national conference.