Minutes:
Councillor Horn advised that Tarbert had a run of very successful festivals so far this year and it was hoped that it would continue with Tarbert Fair which was being held this weekend.
Edward Laughton advised that Ardrishaig had a very successful Gala Day at the weekend and had been very lucky with the good weather. Mr Laughton advised that he was hopeful that the Committee would continue their hard work next year and the community will need to show there appreciation to ensure they do not quit.
Rod Buchanan advised that ACHA are currently carrying out work on flats on Lochnell Street, Lochgilphead. He reported that the work would include the re-pointing of the exterior of the building and it is hoped that this will help to tidy up the street. He advised that similar work would also be carried out on Church Terrace in Tarbert.
Sergeant David Ferguson reported that following the implementation of the new drink driving limits last year, drink driving across the whole of Scotland looks to have been reduced by around 25-50% which is a brilliant result. He advised that although this is a positive step forward, Police Scotland are continuing to work to reduce this further. Sergeant David Ferguson advised that Police Scotland are continuing to work hard to reduce the number of rogue workmen who have been targeting the elderly within the area. He advised that Police Scotland are working closely with the Council’s Trading Standards Team and the Citizens Advice Bureau but reported that unfortunately an elderly local woman recently lost a large amount of money the rogue tradesmen. He advised that Police Scotland would be happy to come to any local groups to discuss the risks directly with the local community so that hopefully they can be more aware and hopefully not put themselves at risk. He advised that the positive news is that any rogue traders which have been caught in the area to date, have been from out with the area however he advised that this shows how far they are willing to come. Sergeant David Ferguson advised the Partnership that the Police really rely on intelligence from the public to catch rogue tradesmen and stated that he hopes the community can work together to try and prevent anyone else being hurt by these criminals.
Betty Rhodick provided an update on the Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day. She asked the Partnership to remember that although this event is held in Lochgilphead, it is the Armed Forces Day for the whole of Argyll and Bute. Ms Rhoddick advised that the following comments had been left on the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Veterans Message Board following the event:
“I have attended a
large armed forces day in Edinburgh, we marched up the Royal Mile to our inspection
point then were dismissed and told to make our way to Princes Street Gardens
where we would get a cup of tea, well that was the servicemen the dignitaries
went off for a civic reception. My first
armed forces day parade in Stirling was uneventful, the next was at Bridge of
Alan, where a couple of us gate crashed the officers tent, we left gracefully
when spotted. The third and what will be
my last Stirling Parade saw us queue up to pay £4 for a pint, £4 for a nip, £4
for a very small portion of chips. No
doubt Stirling council will have profited from this, you never know it might
even have covered the dignitaries wee after parade do.
Lochgilphead you put them to shame, a simple parade, followed by an in inspection, dismissed to partake in the hospitality provided, first drink free and remainder at normal bar prices. Well done Betty and Geordie Rhodick, I will see you next year. I was totally gobsmacked how the majority of shop windows were displaying service memorabilia, photographs of the local servicemen, the recruiting posters were that auld they were recruiting for the Argylls.
Once again, well done Lochgilphead.”
Ms Rhodick noted that this post proved how successful the day was and advised the Partnership that she was very disappointed that a week before the Parade, Scottish Water began work on the front green, and Argyll and Bute Council dug up the bottom of Argyll Street. She noted that this had caused the organising Committee a great deal of stress, and advised that we need to communicate better to ensure that if a parade or event is planned in the community, work is not carried out which could jeopardise this event.
Andy Bunton advised that Lochgilphead had benefited from a very successful visit from the Vikings despite the event being organised at very short notice. He reported that it was a success and was glad to see the primary classes that were able to attend and benefit from the visit. He advised that he is looking forward to seeing them back again next year. Mr Bunton reported that Lochgilphead Community Council were really pleased to see that a number of shops had tidied themselves up and asked the Partnership if there was anything the Council could do to force the other premises in the street to carry out some work to the external of the buildings. The Chair advised that he, along with Councillor MacMillan and Philand, had raised this issue with the planning department before and unfortunately, at this stage enforcement action can not be taken. Mr Bunton advised that Lochgilphead Community Council were planning on putting a notice in the local paper congratulating the businesses who have carried out work to the exterior of their buildings in a hope to shaming some of the ones in a poor state to take action.
Jim Malcolm advised that Dunadd Community Council had carried out community engagement to identify the most important issues to the community. He advised that broadband had been the top. He advised that he had reported this issue to BT and advised that the community feel strongly about improving the broadband. He advised that he did not get a response however he has found out that BT are making improvements to the broadband in the Dunadd area. Mr Malcolm advised his fellow Community Councillors to find out what your community wants, do a bit of background research and take this knowledge to BT and you will get results.