Initial engagement on the Strategic Commissioning Plan for Health and Social Care 2021-2024 

To overcome current and future challenges and to improve health and social care outcomes for people in Dumfries and Galloway, we need to plan and develop health and social care services. 

The Health and Social Care Partnership are inviting people to get involved in developing the next Strategic Commissioning Plan. 

Forestry and Land Scotland are preparing a ten year management plan for Cally Woods. There is an opportunity for all those interested in the future of Cally Woods to look at what the plan is proposing and to comment. Full details of the plans can be found on the Forestry and Land Scotland website:  forestryandland.gov.scot/what-we-do/planning/consultations/cally-woods-land-management-plan-consultation.

With the recent cold snap and perhaps more to come it may be useful to know the locations of salt bins around the town.  The Council have a useful map which shows locations of salt bins.  It also gives a guide to the priority level of roads for Council gritting as well which may be of interest. 

The helpline will be reactivated on 6 January 2020.

THE CONTACT NUMBER REMAINS: 01557 520377

• The service offered will consist of advice and information during the current lockdown;
• Unlike the previous arrangements, we will not be able to collect and deliver shopping unless it has been paid for in advance. No payment on the doorstep will be possible;
• Collection and delivery of prescriptions can be carried out.

The changes to the shopping arrangements are the result of Spar being unable to accept payment for orders over the telephone

Volunteers will be able to provide details of retailers and other volunteer groups able to take shopping orders and payment, either by telephone or through online shopping.

Gatehouse of Fleet Community Council

The residents of Riverbank in Gatehouse are currently fundraising for a new play park for the young people as the current installation is over 25 years old and no longer fit for purpose.  The Dumfries and Galloway Council are no longer able to provide new play parks and it is up to the residents to fundraise, to design, and to procure their own playpark.  So far the intitial research has been carried out into what is needed, possible suppliers contacted and tenders received from the preferred suppliers.  A supplier has now been chosen and a range of equipment selected which the children would like to see in their new park. 

Archaeologists Ronan Toolis and Christopher Bowles were in Gatehouse on Saturday 21st January to launch their new book The Lost Dark Age Kingdom of Rheged.  This major publication based  on the excavation led here in Gatehouse by Ronan and Chris in 2012, places Trusty's hill at the centre of a lost dark age kingdom.