Issue - meetings

Verbal update by Iona MacPhail

Iona MacPhail from ACHA updated the Group on the new properties at Catalina Avenue, Oban, she advised that these properties are for transfer applicants only as this will help to get a turnover of the housing stock in Oban. She updated on the open day for the community which took place at Menzies House and there was also an online survey. She informed the Group that there are 8 new builds in Connel, she also advised that the 2 properties in Bonawe are in the process of being let to families with young children.

Iona advised there is an overwhelming demand for housing in Oban, she stated that ACHA still own 532 properties in Oban which included 69 in Longsdale, 71 in Dunollie and 31 in Millpark. She advised that only 29 properties were let out in Oban last year and another 33 in the villages. ACHA had received over 1000 applications for the Lorn area and this was putting a heavy administrative burden on ACHA.

She reported to the Group that ACHA have had 2 anti-social behaviour cases in court recently, 1 was for noise and disturbance and the tenant received an ASBO for a period of 3 years. The other was for a drug dealing issue.

The Group noted the information provided.

Verbal update by Iona MacPhail

Iona MacPhail of ACHA updated the Group on the anti social behaviour figures to date.  She advised that there has been 1 eviction last year for drug cultivation and they have attempted to take another tenant to court recently for drug dealing but they left the property before the case appeared in court.  She reported on the ASBO they have for another tenant for a case of persistent noise and disturbance which they are in the process of dealing with.

Iona spoke about the evictions ACHA have had for tenants in rent arrears, none of which are related to bedroom tax and assured the Group that they are always try and help those tenants that are in need.  She advised that there have been 493 cases for bedroom tax and with help from Argyll and Bute Council they have managed to help all tenants out of their arrears.

She updated the Group on a problem ACHA are facing just now due to 38 empty homes in Rothesay and this  causes a £2,500 lose in rent payments every week, she asked the Group to please contact her if there was anyone looking to be housed in Bute.  She suggested that ACHA look into a different category of tenants, i.e workers that are coming into Bute Monday-Friday to work or pull together a package for someone that is relocating to the island. 

She updated the Group on the Community Open Day for Strachur Play Park last Friday which was a real success as the community got together and got equipment and ACHA got labourers in to carry out the job.

Iona advised the Group that recent meetings had been ongoing in relation to Ardenslate shop and they have discovered that the ground outside the shop actually belong to them so the shop owner is now looking to buy the ground from ACHA.

The Group noted the information provided.