Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence intimated.

The following Notice of Motion had been submitted as a matter of urgency under the provisions of Standing Order 14 –

Motion

That the Area Committee agree to instruct the appropriate Officers within the Department of Development and Infrastructure to bring forward a report to the March 2021 MAKI Area Committee meeting which will allow Members the opportunity to discuss and explore possible measures which will enhance road safety in the two Campbeltown housing schemes commonly known as the Meadows and Davaar Avenue. The decision of the Area Committee thereafter being referred to the EDI Committee for action.

Moved by Councillor Kelly, seconded by Councillor Philand.

The Chair ruled that he considered this item to be urgent by reason that there are concerns over road safety in the Davaar and Meadows areas of Campbeltown. The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to consider the motion following item 12 of the agenda and before item 13.  The Minute reflects the order in which items were discussed.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Minute of the Meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee, held on Wednesday, 2 September 2020 was approved as a correct record.

Councillor Horn raised the issue of motor homes and correspondence received around this from constituents in relation to health and safety concerns. The Committee Manager confirmed that a report in relation to this would be brought to the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee in March 2021.

Councillor Horn expressed concerns around domestic firework displays and asked for the Area Committee’s support in addressing concerns within communities around this. The Chair confirmed that he was in agreement that it was an issue and would raise this matter at an upcoming meeting of the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the four Area Committees to ascertain whether this was an authority-wide issue. The Chair agreed that he would then feedback this information to Councillor Horn and would progress the matter as appropriate.

Councillor Kelly requested that a number of road safety issues were brought to the attention of Transport Scotland and to appropriate Council Officers, including the access to Kinloch Road from Burnbank Street in light of the new traffic management system in Campbeltown as often cars were parked on both sides of the junction and it was difficult to see clearly. Councillor Kelly also asked that speeding concerns on Burnbank Street be highlighted to the relevant officers. Councillor Kelly requested that an update be provided by Transport Scotland on the planned repair of the pavement and road at Hall Street and on the proposals for a new crossing point on Kinloch Road. The Committee Manager agreed to raise these queries with Transport Scotland and appropriate Council Officers and to feedback any response to Members by e-mail.

Councillor Kelly requested the support of the Area Committee in requesting that a survey be carried out in Campbeltown and the main streets regarding those with wheelchairs and prams being able to use pavements, noting in particular that the double lip pavement on Longrow South had been reported to cause a number of elderly people to trip. Councillor Horn advised that she had also been reporting the requirement for more dropped kerbs in the Mid Argyll area for some time. The Chair highlighted that there were some issues with people parking beside disabled crossing areas, noting that the legislation around enforcement was changing. The Chair advised that he would request that a survey be carried out across the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area with regard to disabled pavement access.

Councillor Kelly asked for the Area Committee’s support in requesting that a reliable and affordable ferry service capable of taking hauliers be introduced from Campbeltown to the East Ayrshire coast all year round in light of the ongoing unacceptable situation of consistent road closures at the Rest and Be Thankful. Councillor Armour agreed to raise this matter again at the upcoming meeting of the Argyll Ferry Stakeholder Group. The Chair recommended that Councillor Kelly bring a motion regarding this matter to the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee in March 2021 and advised that in the interim he would, in consultation with the Vice-Chair and Councillor Kelly, write directly to Caledonian MacBrayne and the Scottish Government expressing the view of the Area Committee.

Presentation by Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association

The Committee gave consideration to an annual update presentation for the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area by the Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association, including details of the investment programme in the area; the Exemplar Estates initiative; and the building of new homes across the area.

Discussion took place around positive partnership working between the Council and Argyll Community Housing Association throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; the adaptation of existing housing stock to meet emerging needs; and the Community Action Fund. The Chief Executive confirmed that he would report back to Members in relation to queries raised.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the contents of the presentation.

(Reference: Presentation by Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Committee gave consideration to a progress report providing information in relation to wider achievement; SQA results; pupil and staff wellbeing; blended and home learning; contingency planning; school successes; the school roll; clothing and footwear grants; free school meals; and attendance, absence and exclusions.

Discussion took place around school league tables; an increase in the number of subjects which pupils could study; and increases in the number of pupils receiving free school meals and clothing and footwear grants.

The Chair thanked the Head Teacher and staff at the school for their work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Decision:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Reference: Report by Head Teacher, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Committee gave consideration to a progress report providing information in relation to wider achievement; SQA results; pupil and staff wellbeing; blended and home learning; contingency planning; school successes; the school roll; clothing and footwear grants; free school meals; and attendance, absence and exclusions.

Discussion took place around the process behind estimating pupils’ exam results and the use of Pupil Equity Funding.

The Chair thanked the Head Teacher and staff at the school for their work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Reference: Report by Head Teacher, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Committee gave consideration to a progress report providing information in relation to wider achievement; SQA results; pupil and staff wellbeing; blended and home learning; contingency planning; school successes; the school roll; clothing and footwear grants; free school meals; and attendance, absence and exclusions.

Discussion took place around support in place for staff and pupils and the impact of the housing situation on Islay in relation to school staffing.

The Chair thanked the Head Teacher and staff at the school for their work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Reference: Report by Head Teacher, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Committee gave consideration to a progress report providing information in relation to wider achievement; SQA results; pupil and staff wellbeing; blended and home learning; contingency planning; school successes; the school roll; clothing and footwear grants; free school meals; and attendance, absence and exclusions.

Discussion took place around the way in which the school had dealt with the Covid-19 crisis and support provided to families throughout the lockdown period.

The Chair thanked the Head Teacher and staff at the school for their work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Reference: Report by Head Teacher, submitted)

Councillor Robin Currie left the meeting at this point.

Presentation by Area Manager, Skills Development Scotland

The Committee gave consideration to a presentation by the Area Manager, Skills Development Scotland, which provided information on the organisations’ response to Covid-19; services available to those in school; services available to those no longer at school; partnership working; and the future focus of the organisation. It was agreed that the Area Manager would provide a copy of the presentation for circulation to Members following the meeting.

Discussion took place around the ways in which financial incentives and greater engagement with local businesses could assist in increasing the number of apprenticeship opportunities in the area; the new Young Person’s Guarantee initiative; the Developing the Young Workforce Kickstart Scheme; and the need for increased publicity around grants and assistance available.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the contents of the presentation.

Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

The Committee gave consideration to the Health and Social Care Partnership Annual Performance Report for 2019/20.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 2 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing monitoring information on the grants distributed through the Supporting Communities Fund 2019/20.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed:

1.    to note the positive contribution of the grants to community projects, detailed in paragraph 4.1 and the table contained within the report; and

2.    to the carry forward of £2,000 for South Kintyre Development Trust until 31^st March 2022.  

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 2 December 2020, submitted.) 

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Committee gave consideration to a report asking the Committee to make an appointment to the Kilmartin Museum Trust and to confirm the appointments of Elected Members to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed:

1.    that anyone interested in being appointed as a Council representative to the Kilmartin Museum Trust should contact the Committee Manager;

2.    to delegate responsibility for the appointment of a Council representative to the Kilmartin Museum Trust to the Executive Director with Responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair; and

3.    to confirm the appointments of Councillor Armour, Councillor Horn and Councillor MacMillan BEM as Elected Member representatives on the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 2 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Performance and Improvement

The Committee gave consideration to a report presenting the Area Report and Scorecard for the first two Financial Quarters of 2020/21 (April - June 2020 and July - September 2020) and illustrating the agreed performance measures.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee:

1.    noted the performance reported on the Scorecard and supporting commentary;

2.    agreed that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries;

3.    agreed to the proposed presentation of Car Park Income;

4.    agreed to the removal of both Primary and Secondary School Inspection measures; and

5.    noted that work is ongoing and agreed to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Report and Scorecard.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Performance and Improvement, dated 2 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the progress of the Campbeltown Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) Round 6.

Discussion took place around Campbeltown being shortlisted for a SURF award as one of Scotland’s most improved places and the requirement for an updated yellow book survey for the Kintyre area.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed:

1.    to endorse the progress that had been made on Campbeltown CARS Round 6; and

2.    to note that all work had been completed except the final report and evaluation.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 2 December 2020, submitted)

The following Notice of Motion had been submitted under Standing Order 14 as a matter of urgency:-

Motion

That the Area Committee agree to instruct the appropriate Officers within the Department of Development and Infrastructure to bring forward a report to the March 2021 MAKI Area Committee meeting which will allow members the opportunity to discuss and explore possible measures which will enhance road safety in the two Campbeltown housing schemes commonly known as the Meadows and Davaar Avenue. The decision of the Area Committee thereafter being referred to the EDI Committee for action.

Moved by Councillor Kelly, seconded by Councillor Philand.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee unanimously agreed the terms of the Motion.

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing an update on the six projects approved to proceed to full business case as part of the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund.

Motion

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agree:

1. to note the progress made with the projects as detailed within the report; and
2. to recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee that Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Funding of £365,000 is reallocated to the Lochgilphead Front Green project (comprising £110,000 currently allocated to the Argyll Street project which is proposed to be delivered through another funding route and £255,000 underspend in relation to the Barmore Road junction improvement).

Moved by Councillor Colville, seconded by Councillor Taylor.

Amendment

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee considers that the allocation to Tarbert from the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund should remain within Tarbert and if not able to be utilised in the Tarbert area then it should be considered for reallocation throughout the Tarbert, Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead areas. 

Moved by Councillor Horn, Seconded by Councillor Kelly.

The vote was taken by calling the role and Members voted as follows:-

Decision

The motion was carried 5 votes to 3 and the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee resolved accordingly. 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth)

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee Workplan as at December 2020 was before the Committee for noting.  

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee noted the contents of the Workplan.

(Reference: Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee Workplan, submitted)