Issue - meetings

Councillor Douglas advised that prior to Mhairi Gardiner leaving her post with Argyll and Bute Council she had confirmed that the next tranche of funding would be passed to Luss Estates. Mr McCay confirmed that WIAT and WIIG funding were still live. Mr McCay advised that works carried out by the Council in order to re-open the Woods could be reclaimed through the Forestry Commission. Mr McCay noted that when the current agreement with Argyll and Bute Council comes to an end, Luss Estates will not be obligated to commit to any other work in relation to felling trees. Mr Malone confirmed that trees highlighted within the survey which had not been felled were in areas which were extremely difficult to get to and should not pose any risk.

It was confirmed that any future funding applications would go through Luss Estates.

Decision

The Committee agreed to note the content of the update.

The committee gave consideration to a report submitted by the Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Infrastructure which provided an update on the Woodlands In and Around Town (WIAT) funding.

The Chair advised that Mhairi Gardiner who had led on the application has now left the Council and the Committee noted their thanks to Mhairi for all the work that she carried out in relation to the application.  It was also noted that there would be no further involvement by the Council in future applications and these would be taken forward by Luss Estates.

Decision

The Committee agreed to:

a)    the withdrawal of the Woodlands In and Around Town – Sustainable Management of Forests application; and

b)    Note the award of £11,100 if Woodland Improvement Grant funding and the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report submitted by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Infrastructure)