Issue - meetings

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Meeting: 06/06/2018 - Mid Argyll, Kintyre & the Islands Area Committee (Item 4)

PUBLIC AND COUNCILLOR QUESTION TIME

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Minutes:

Isobel Epps asked the Committee if there are any plans to restrict campervans coming onto the Island?

 

Discussion took place on the facilities for emptying toilets, parking of campervans across the island and the opportunities for working with Cal Mac in relation to the numbers of campervans coming onto the island. 

 

It was agreed to investigate the possibility of the Community Council on Islay liaising with the Community Councils on Mull and Tiree to learn from their experience.  The Committee noted that a leaflet was being produced regarding the campervan issue and would be available shortly.  It was agreed that there would be an update provided at the next Area Committee.

 

Jim MacCalman of Islay Community Council asked for an update on the progress of the all-weather sports pitch on Islay? The Chair advised that discussions were ongoing with Live Argyll as they would be responsible for maintenance of the pitch.  It is hoped that they should be in a position to get things moving in the next few weeks.

 

Andy McCallum, Convenor of Jura Community Council asked about the possibility of providing bags and dog fouling bins on Jura.  It was agreed to raise this with Roads and Amenity Services.

 

Rachel Whyte of Islay Community Council asked for an update on timescales in regards to the pathways between Emeravale to Port Ellen and the new houses to Bowmore as it will soon be approaching the dark nights and feels money cannot be an issue when children’s safety is at risk.  The Chair confirmed that the Council’s Planning section are currently in discussions with ACHA regarding Bowmore and Cllr. Horn said that she was dealing with the situation at Port Ellen through West Highland HA.

 

Discussion took place on the proposals around further development in Bruchladdich, Keils and Ballygrant and the need for adequate pathways to be put in place.  The need for key infrastructure to be put in place and the criteria for signing off planning applications was also discussed.

 

It was asked if Housing Associations follow the same planning regulations as private builds?  The Chair confirmed this is correct.

 

Andy McCallum, Convenor of Jura Community Council asked if pathways could be included in the Rural Growth Deal?  The Chair advised that they are currently looking for suggestions and comments.

 

Jim Porteous asked if West Highland Housing Association are aware of the footpath problem and if there is going to be a second phase build?  Councillor Horn confirmed that they are looking at this already and a second phase has been agreed.  Councillor Horn agreed to contact WHHA for a timeframe of works.

 

Catriona Bell asked for an update on the housing development at Keils and asked if there would be a pathway taken into account for this development?  The Chair advised that the plan for 4 houses at Keils fell through but proposals for 4 houses at Ballygrant was being looked into and since then discussions have restarted over the site at Keils.  Catriona asked if an update on the current position could be looked into as a matter of urgency as there are no affordable houses for distillery workers. 

 

Isobel Epps asked if there could be a bus put on for the 29 children at Keils Primary School?  Kathleen Johnston, Education Officer suggested to write to the Council’s School Transport with her request.

 

The Committee heard a question from Rachel Whyte regarding a proposal for demolishing houses at Bunnahabhain.  It was confirmed that members who are on the Planning Protective and Licensing Committee are unable to make comment on applications prior to them going to Committee. It has been confirmed since the meeting that demolition does not require planning consent.

 

Andy McCallum, Convenor of Jura Community Council asked if a footpath in Craighouse would be considered for future planning.  Councillor Horn confirmed she has raised this in the Council Casebook system and agreed to chase this matter up.

 

Jim Porteous asked for the timescale on the Port Askaig Scoping Exercise?  It was agreed that this would be passed onto the Head of Roads and Amenity Services for an answer.

 

Councillor Kelly asked for an update to the next MAKI Area Committee meeting on the grass cutting schedule for Members to consider.  It was agreed that the Amenity Performance Manager would be contacted for this information and that all Members would be informed as soon as possible by email.

 

He also asked what the plans and timescales are for replacing the pipeline on the B843, Meadowburn Campbeltown.  The Committee agreed to write to Scottish Water.

 

Councillor Kelly asked for an update to come to the MAKI Area Committee meeting in September, on what further work is required in Campbeltown town centre when the CARS Scheme comes to an end.  It was agreed that Mr Lafferty would be contacted and asked to bring a report to the next Area Committee in September.

 

He asked if an officer can attend the MAKI Area Committee in September to discuss the Strategic Housing Fund, with the possibility of using this fund to help refurbish properties.  It was agreed that the appropriate Officer would be invited to the next MAKI Area Committee meeting.

 

Councillor Philand asked if it was possible for the Roads and Amenity Services department to purchase a lawnmower to pick up grass in cemeteries.  It was agreed to contact the Head of Roads and Amenity Services regarding this.

 

Councillor Redman asked if Scottish Water plan to replace the broken drains especially in Port Charlotte and the bus turning area in Portnahaven, the Committee agreed to write to Scottish Water.

 

Councillor Horn asked if the pathway in Bowmore could be progressed with disabled access.  It was agreed that this matter would be passed to the appropriate Officer.

 

Councillor Horn advised that the slide at the football field in Tarbert is broken and rotting which is making it unsafe for children to play on, she asked if this could be looked into.  It was agreed that this information would be passed onto the appropriate Officer.

 

She also advised that there are no dog bins in Jura and asked if there is a possibility some could be put on Jura.  It was agreed that this would be passed to the Head of Roads and Amenity Services.

 

Councillor Horn raised a concern in regards to breast screening in Kintyre.  She advised that patients are having to travel to Campbeltown at short notice and are being offered no alternative appointment if they cannot get the time off work.  She asked if this could be highlighted to the Health and Social Care Partnership.

 

Councillor Horn confirmed that the Islay Dentist has agreed to take the mobile dentist van over to Jura to save the residents of Jura travelling over to Islay for a check-up.  She asked for any possible sites to be identified.

 

She asked if the Area Committee could write to the bus company on Islay and ask for the bus time from the airport to be changed as the bus misses the ferry to Jura by 6 minutes.  It was agreed that this would be passed onto the appropriate Officer.

 

Councillor Horn also asked if the Skipness Road signs could be replaced, the Committee agreed to contact the Head of Roads and Amenity Services.

 

Councillor Horn raised her previous concern over the deer droppings at Jura Primary School.  She confirmed that the Council has no budget to erect the fence but someone has agreed to do this free of charge which needs Council approval.  It was agreed that this would be raised with the appropriate officer.

 

Councillor John Armour asked if the MAKI area could use the Oban grass cutting machine which picks up the grass as it is cut.  It was agreed that this would be passed to the Head of Roads and Amenity Services.

 

Councillor Armour asked if the Area Committee could contact Scottish Water and get a timescale for the works to be carried out in Campbeltown on the 200m stretch on the B843 Machrahanish to Campbeltown?  It was agreed to that this would be included in the letter to Scottish Water.

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