ÓûÂþɬ

Plans are moving ahead for construction work to restart at Dunoon Primary as soon as lockdown restrictions allow. The school has already undergone extensive work over the last few months as part of a £10.7 million investment by ÓûÂþɬ Council, including £5.08 million funding from the Scottish Government, to transform it into a school fit for the 21st Century.

Head teachers will be getting in touch with parents and carers across ÓûÂþɬ today (Friday) to let them know what the council’s proposed plans are for children and young people returning to school in August.

Community spirit in ÓûÂþɬ We love hearing from our residents about the efforts made by those in the community who are doing their best in light of the circumstances brought on by COVID-19. We are sharing with you an example of dedications we have received and we want to take this opportunity to recognise and thank you for all your hard work:

Following the announcement from the Scottish Government that specific businesses can start to reopen from 29th June as part of phase 2, ÓûÂþɬ Council is working with local businesses to offer guidance and support, on the steps they need to take to keep themselves, employees and the public safe.

ÓûÂþɬ Council continues to build its green transport fleet and has just taken delivery of 20 new Ultra Low Emission Vehicles, partially funded by the Scottish Government. Through Transport Scotland’s Switched-on Fleets Grant, for every three-year lease paid for by the council, the Scottish Government will pay the lease for an additional vehicle. This is conditional on the council taking a diesel car off the road for each new vehicle added.

The council is taking its first step to going back to the normal cycles of bin and recycling collections – three weekly for general domestic waste and two weekly for blue bin/bag recycling. From the week beginning 22 June

The council is taking its first step to going back to the normal cycles of bin and recycling collections – three weekly for general domestic waste and two weekly for blue bin/bag recycling. From the week beginning 22 June

The Leader of ÓûÂþɬ Council has urged the UK and Scottish Governments to progress ÓûÂþɬ’s rural growth deal, and so support the area’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19. Councillor Aileen Morton has written to the Secretary of State for Scotland and to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Islands and Connectivity, following the council’s recent agreement of an economic recovery plan for ÓûÂþɬ which features the £50 million+ rural growth deal (RGD). Councillor Morton said:

ÓûÂþɬ Council has given out £30 million in business grants, and is reminding businesses affected by COVID-19 that help is still available. Staff from a range of council services have either refocused their work, or left their usual roles temporarily, to help deliver support to local businesses at this hugely difficult time. The main area of activity involves the administration of Scottish Government business support schemes, which include rate reliefs and specific grants for small and medium sized businesses.

ÓûÂþɬ Council is continuing to deliver a range of services aimed at improving the educational attainment and life chances of care experienced children and young people. The Council has confirmed that significant improvements achieved during 2018/19 in relation to scrutiny, audit and outcomes for the area’s care experienced children and young people have been sustained into 2019/20 – including additional support related to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.