The Wigtown Area Committee convened to discuss a range of topics, including performance reports from various directorates, the Tackling Poverty and Inequalities Fund, and community engagement strategies. The committee also considered the final report of the Stranraer Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, and the development of a regional parking strategy. Additionally, members were asked to review appointments to outside bodies.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance

The committee was scheduled to review the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) performance report for Wigtownshire, covering 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The report highlighted the seven priority areas outlined in the Dumfries and Galloway SFRS Local Plan:

• Domestic Fire Safety
• Unintentional Harm and Injury
• Road Safety
• Deliberate Fire Setting
• Non-Domestic Fire Safety
• Unwanted Fire Alarms Signals
• Operational Resilience and Preparedness

The report included data and analysis of SFRS activities, such as special service breakdowns and Wigtownshire-specific activities. Station Commander Derek Milligan was expected to be present to provide additional information and answer questions from the committee.

The report also referred to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Dumfries and Galloway Local Plan 2020 Report to Full Council 25 March 2021, and Police And Fire Reform - A Collaborative Statement of Good Scrutiny & Engagement.

Directorate Performance Reporting

The committee was expected to discuss new arrangements for performance management, including reports from the Economy and Infrastructure, Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing, Enabling and Customer Services, and Social Work Services directorates. Members were asked to identify specific success measures and projects from each directorate's service plans for in-depth scrutiny and bi-annual reporting.

The report pack included lists of success measures and projects for each directorate. For the Economy and Infrastructure Directorate, this included 58 success measures and 29 projects, such as the RAAC removal from the Council Estate, and the Kirkcudbright Bridge project¹. The Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Directorate presented 47 success measures and 33 projects, while the Enabling and Customer Services Directorate listed 51 success measures and 51 projects. The Social Work Services Directorate presented 14 success measures and 22 projects.

Stranraer Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme Final Report

The committee was scheduled to note the outputs of the Stranraer Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), as detailed in the final report. The Stranraer CARS project aimed to improve the condition of key historic buildings in the Stranraer Conservation Area and raise awareness of the area's built heritage.

The report detailed the projects undertaken, including work on the Harbourmaster's building², Stranraer Museum, and Gillespie's bakery. The report also discussed the challenges faced during the project, such as engaging contractors and the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.

Regional Parking Strategy - Delivery Plan (Wigtown)

The committee was asked to consider the draft Regional Parking Strategy (RPS) Delivery Plan for Wigtown and the progress of the Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) application. The RPS aims to enhance parking provision and management across the region.

The draft Delivery Plan included an area overview, consultation feedback, and a delivery plan table with short, medium, and long-term actions. Members were invited to provide feedback on the draft plan before it progresses to a final version for approval.

The report also noted that the application for DPE had been submitted to Transport Scotland, with a potential implementation date in September 2026.

Tackling Poverty and Inequalities Fund Allocations 2025/26

The committee was expected to consider the Application Summaries and Scoring Panel's recommendations for the Wigtown Area Committee Tackling Poverty and Inequalities Fund allocations for 2025/26. The fund aims to support projects that address poverty and inequalities in the area.

The report pack included the priorities, eligibility, and criteria for the fund, as well as summaries of the applications received and the Scoring Panel's recommendations.

Wigtown Area Committee - Programme of Community Engagement 2025/26

The committee was asked to consider a programme of community engagement for the upcoming year. The report provided options and suggestions for an annual programme of in-person events, with a focus on engaging key community stakeholders.

Suggestions included visits to organisations that have received council funding, question and answer sessions with targeted groups, and round table events to discuss Place Planning initiatives.

Outside Bodies - Wigtown Area Committee

The committee was asked to note the current appointments to outside bodies and advise of any amendments. The outside bodies listed were:

• Machars Action Limited
• Newton Stewart Museum Trust
• Coronation Day Centre Ltd
• Wigtown Bay Nature Reserve Management Committee
• Wigtownshire Educational Trust
• Wigtownshire Sports Council
• The Furniture Project (Stranraer) Limited