Issue - meetings

The Group considered an update from Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland, which provided information around scheduled trunk road projects including resurfacing projects taking place during March at Keilator Farm; North of Ardlui; and south of Arrochar. Neil confirmed that formal notification of these projects would take place in due course.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Update by Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland, tabled)

The Group considered an update from Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland, who provided information around scheduled trunk road projects including an imminent signing strategy for Cairndow; vegetation clearance between Inveraray and Cairndow; and overnight resurfacing projects being undertaken throughout April and May at Brenfield Bay, South of Arrochar, North of Carrick Cemetery, and North of Drumore.

Neil noted that repairs to the Inveraray sea wall had been ongoing for some time, with the majority of the work having now been completed and traffic lights removed. He confirmed that the small section still requiring repair would be revisited by BEAR Scotland in due course.

Neil provided an update on the improvement works to Kinloch Road, Campbeltown, particularly highlighting the technical challenges involved with improving drainage. He noted that investigations were underway involving relevant parties to ensure that the best possible solution was implemented. Discussion took place around the build-up of mud and difficulties in cleaning the existing drains, and Neil confirmed that he would consult with BEAR Scotland and provide an update to the Group following the meeting on when the drains had most recently been cleaned.

Discussion took place around overgrown trees and vegetation at Barmore Road, Tarbert, and Cairndow, with it being noted that the A83 had been blocked over the weekend at various times due to fallen trees. Neil advised that there were annual programmes in place to identify dangerous trees and vegetation but BEAR Scotland’s Landscaping Manager had confirmed that they would be undertaking investigations along the A83 on 2^nd February, following a number of adverse reports over the weekend. He confirmed that a programme of works would then be implemented, with works being prioritised where there was an immediate danger to the trunk road.

Councillor Armour requested an update on the plans for the junction between Burnbank Street and Kinloch Road, Campbeltown. Neil advised that designers were of the opinion that the solution to reported issues would be a permanent build out, and Councillor Armour noted that cars were already having to move further out onto the carriageway to get a clear view of the road.

Councillor Armour requested an update on works still to be completed on Hall Street, Campbeltown. Neil confirmed that this work would usually be completed during the Spring or Summer due to the requirement for good weather, however he was awaiting an official date for the works to be carried out from BEAR Scotland.

Councillor Armour advised that there had been some flooding issues at the end of Hall Street, Campbeltown, near the ferry terminal, and these had been raised with the Council’s Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services. Neil noted that he was unaware of these issues but he would be happy to ask his colleagues at BEAR Scotland to investigate this further.

Councillor Armour noted that resurfacing works were scheduled for the area North of Drumore and advised that a culvert collapse at Kilmichael Farm had previously been repaired temporarily with tar, however this had started to sink again and it was not clear whether further work had been scheduled to repair this. Neil advised that he was unsure if work had been specifically scheduled for the culvert repair but he would raise this issue with his BEAR Scotland colleagues following the meeting.

Lucy Sumsion asked Neil to investigate the possibility of implementing lighting at the junction to Cairndow, noting that Police Scotland had been supportive of this in the past. She provided examples of other areas where lighting had been put in place on a trunk road, and noted that there had been a tragic accident previously at the junction and locals were keen to see lighting put in place to avoid any future accidents. Neil confirmed that he would investigate this following the meeting.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Neil MacFarlane, North West Area Manager, Transport Scotland, tabled)