Issue - meetings

A representative from Bute Community Council raised that there had been an ongoing issue with the length of time of Officer responses to queries.

Councillor Scoullar informed the Committee that he had written to the Chief Executive on behalf of Bute Community Council to raise the issue and it was agreed by Bute Community Council and the Committee that this item was now appropriately resolved.

Craig Borland, Editor of The Buteman, requested Members’ comments on the proposed changes to the Ward Boundaries in Bute and Cowal by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland.

Councillor Walsh responded that the decisions regarding local government boundaries are taken at national level. He further explained that within Argyll and Bute Council a Short Life Working Group had been set up and their recommendations had been presented at the most recent Policy and Resources Committee.

Councillor Marshall stated that it was his opinion that the situation had not been well handled and felt that an appropriate consultation process had not been put in place.

Councillor Strong raised concerns regarding the proposed new structure of the boundaries in particularly the effect this may have on appropriate representation for residents in West Cowal.

Councillor Breslin noted that the constraints on the number of ward representatives are contained in an order which specifies that a ward may have no less than three and no more than four representatives.

A member of the public requested an update on the situation at the West Kirk, Rothesay as she is affected by the situation due to living in close proximity to the building.

The Area Committee Manager explained that as this is currently an exempt item a public update could not be given at this point.

No public or Councillor questions were raised at this point.  The Chair confirmed that he would allow time for further public or Councillor question time after item 14, Traffic and Parking issues, as members of the public had specific questions relating to that item.