Agenda and minutes

Venue: Skype

Contact: Iona Campbell, Senior Committee Assistant; Tel: 01436 658 801 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

There were no apologies for absence intimated.

 

2.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

 

3.

Minutes

3a

Minute of the Meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee held on Wednesday, 2 December 2020 pdf icon PDF 232 KB

Minutes:

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

 

4.

Public and Councillors Question Time

Minutes:

Councillor Kelly requested an update on a survey being carried out across the MAKI area in relation to disabled access to pavements. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services confirmed that these surveys would usually be undertaken by colleagues in Economic Development in conjunction with Roads and Infrastructure Services and confirmed that he would communicate this request to them. Councillor Kelly requested that this item be added to the MAKI Area Committee workplan for regular updates to Members.

 

Councillor Kelly asked that updates be sought from the Health and Social Care Partnership prior to the next meeting of the Committee in June in relation to delayed discharges at Campbeltown Hospital and concerns raised around Kintyre Care Centre. The Committee Manager confirmed that she would request these updates and circulate any responses to Members by e-mail.

 

Councillor Horn raised concerns around the new Caledonian MacBrayne policy of no loose cargo being allowed on ferries affecting the delivery of prescriptions to island communities and it was agreed that the Committee Manager would contact the Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership in relation to this and circulate any response to Members by e-mail.

 

Councillor Horn advised that there had been increased reports of littering and dog fouling in the MAKI area, and requested that this be brought to the attention of the relevant warden. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services advised that the number of wardens in Argyll and Bute had been reduced due to a previous Council budget decision and there was therefore limited resource across the area, however as a result of the most recent Council budget decision there would be some extra resource available to deal with seasonal issues which may allow the existing wardens to give this issue additional attention. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services requested that Members advise him of any specific areas which they felt should be particularly targeted and suggested that it may also be beneficial to circulate information around this through a social media campaign, noting that this had been carried out in other areas previously with some success.

 

Councillor Horn requested an update in relation to a previous agreement that Officers would liaise with local undertakers around issues at Carrick Cemetery. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services confirmed that regular meetings between Officers and local undertakers across Argyll and Bute took place to discuss issues and circulate relevant information, noting that these meetings appeared to be generally well received. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services confirmed that historical issues around record-keeping had been improved now and it was hoped that a better position had been reached and would continue in this regard.

 

Councillor Horn advised that severe damage to the B8001 road at Claonaig was causing concern to residents and requested an update on work being carried out to remedy the situation. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services advised that a solution was being progressed and a briefing note would be circulated to Members and the wider community to provide details of this. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services confirmed that a traffic management plan was in place currently and a contingency plan had been identified in case of any situation where the existing road may not be useable in the interim.

 

Councillor Redman raised concerns around rabbits in Kilnaughton cemetery and enquired around the possibility of culling them to prevent damage to the cemetery. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services confirmed that he would research briefing notes in relation to this topic and provide an update to Members by e-mail following the meeting.

 

Councillor Armour reiterated concerns raised earlier in the meeting around an increase in dog fouling, noting his concern that this appeared to be an issue across the whole Argyll and Bute area. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services advised that he took on board concerns from Members and suggested that it may be beneficial to carry out an active social media campaign in addition to ongoing work to address the issue. The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services highlighted issues around some people being unwilling to report people for dog fouling due to worries around the consequences of this and noted that lockdown restrictions had seen a large increase in dog ownership at a national level.

5.

Transport Scotland Update pdf icon PDF 106 KB

Update by North West Area Manager, Transport Scotland

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to an update provided by Transport Scotland’s North West Area Manager on works scheduled to be carried out on the A83 and the A82 Loch Lomond side over the following 4 months.

 

Discussion took place around the planned methods of resurfacing; works scheduled to take place in Campbeltown between 29th March and 8th July 2021; the ways in which required repairs to the roads were identified and progressed; the need for improved communication with Members in relation to repairs to roads; the plans for a pedestrian crossing and general future improvements at Kinloch Road, Campbeltown; and joint working between Transport Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to prepare for potential visitor management requirements in the summer months.

 

Following queries from Members, the North West Area Manager agreed to liaise with BEAR Scotland colleagues in relation to verges at Tayinloan requiring clearing following flooding issues over the winter; the deteriorating carriageway between Bellochantuy and Killegruer caravan site; the need for repairs at the roundabout near Tesco in Lochgilphead; and a sunken manhole at Corran.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by North West Area Manager, Transport Scotland, dated 3rd March 2021, submitted)

6.

Scottish Water Update pdf icon PDF 241 KB

Report by Regional Communities Manager – West, Scottish Water

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report and verbal update provided by the Regional Communities Manager, Scottish Water, on a number of ongoing projects and future planned works in the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area. Discussion took place around joint working between the Council and Scottish Water in line with the Roads Capital Reconstruction Programme.

 

Following a comment from Councillor Horn, the Regional Communities Manager agreed to feedback positive comments around the sub-contractors working at Tarbert to the relevant team. The Regional Communities Manager also confirmed that she would liaise with Councillor Kelly around a section of infrastructure between Stewarton and Drumlemble which had not been upgraded during the Machrihanish improvement works; and agreed that she would provide a further update to Members following the meeting around future planned works on Islay and the Tayvallich Mains Rehabilitation Programme.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Regional Communities Manager, Scottish Water, dated February 2021, submitted)

 

7.

Roads and Infrastructure Services Update pdf icon PDF 204 KB

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on Roads and Infrastructure Services activities within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.

 

Discussion took place around the potential benefit of future Roads Capital Reconstruction Programmes being discussed at Area Committees in advance of a report being brought to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee for agreement.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated 3rd March 2021, submitted)

 

8.

Traffic Management - Campbeltown pdf icon PDF 267 KB

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

 

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided Members with information relating to traffic in the residential areas of Davaar and Meadows in Campbeltown.

 

Discussion took place around the procedure for traffic and speed surveys; the impact of lockdown restrictions on traffic in the area; and the importance of engaging with local bus service providers, residents and the local community council to ascertain their views.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee:

 

1.    noted the information and data provided in the report in relation to the desktop exercise, accident statistics and the consultation with Police Scotland;

2.    agreed that the available data does not support the introduction of traffic calming measures in the Davaar Avenue and Meadows Housing Schemes at this time; and

3.    agreed that this item would remain on the Committee workplan until agreed traffic and speed surveys had been carried out and a further report was brought back to the Committee for Members consideration.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated 3rd March 2021, submitted)

 

 

9.

Increased Campervan and Motorhome Tourism pdf icon PDF 402 KB

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing details of increased campervan and motorhome tourism across Argyll and Bute and providing Members with the latest position in respect of this, following the setting up of a short life working group involving a wide range of partners.

 

Discussion took place in relation to potential future resource being made available by the Scottish Government to manage the national increase in campervan and motorhome tourism; the requirement for any solutions to take into account the views of local people and businesses; the importance of tourism to the Argyll and Bute area; and the need to provide relevant facilities and infrastructure to manage the increase in campervan and motorhome tourism.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee:

 

1.    noted the contents of the report; and

2.    considered the opportunities and challenges presented by informal camping and motorhome visits and how these could be best managed within the MAKI administrative area.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 3rd March 2021, submitted)

 

 

10.

Housing Services Activity Update 2019/20 - Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) - Annual Update pdf icon PDF 745 KB

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the Housing Services activity within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.

 

Discussion took place in respect of the importance of people seeking housing being accommodated within their desired areas where possible; the work of the Care and Repair service; work being carried out in Helensburgh to repatriate young adults with additional housing needs to the Argyll and Bute area; the factors used to determine rates of fuel poverty; and the potential housing demand generated by Health and Social Care Partnership job vacancies. 

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 3rd March 2021, submitted)

 

11.

Area Scorecard - FQ3 2020-21 pdf icon PDF 859 KB

Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Performance and Improvement

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to a report presenting the Area Report and Scorecard for Financial Quarter 3 2020/21 (October-December 2020) and illustrating the agreed performance measures.

 

The Chair noted that following discussions earlier in the meeting in relation to dog fouling, the report appeared to indicate that this was an increasing problem across the Argyll and Bute area and asked that the need for action around this was highlighted by the Committee Manager to relevant officers.

 

Decision

 

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

 

  1. to note the performance presented on the Scorecard and supporting commentary;
  2. that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries; and
  3. to note that work is ongoing and 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 3 March 2021, submitted)

 

12.

Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee Workplan pdf icon PDF 331 KB

Minutes:

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee Workplan as at March 2021 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)

 

13.

Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 13

That the Area Committee agree to request that the next meeting of the full Council consider supporting Petition no. PE01853 (https://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/petitionPDF/PE01853.pdf) which is requesting that the Scottish Parliament urge the Scottish Government to provide an all year round freight and passenger ferry service from Campbeltown to Ardrossan.

 

Proposed: Councillor Donald Kelly

Seconded:  Councillor Dougie Philand 

 

Minutes:

Councillor Kelly, seconded by Councillor Philand, had given notice of the following motion:

 

That the Area Committee agree to request that the next meeting of the full Council consider supporting Petition no. PE01853 (https://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/petitionPDF/PE01853.pdf) which is requesting that the Scottish Parliament urge the Scottish Government to provide an all year round freight and passenger ferry service from Campbeltown to Ardrossan.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed the terms of the Motion subject to minor amendment as follows:

 

That the Area Committee agree to request that the next meeting of the full Council consider supporting Petition no. PE01853 (https://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/petitionPDF/PE01853.pdf) which is requesting that the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee urge the Scottish Government to provide a year round freight and passenger ferry service from Campbeltown to Ardrossan.