Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence intimated.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee – 7^th March 2018

The Minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee meeting held on 7^th March 2018 was approved as a correct record.

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.

Presentation by Jenni Minto

The Area Committee heard a presentation from Jenni Minto on the WW100 event which took place on Islay on Friday 4^th May 2018.

 

She advised that the event on 4^th May was a great success and thanked the Council for their support, good partnership working for the event and for funding as this helped to leverage funding from other partnerships.

 

Jenni spoke about the whole year of commemorations which are planned.  She discussed a number of positives which have been achieved from the event in Islay which included that the War Memorials have been cleaned and lettering has been re-done, South Islay Development have planted 12,000 new trees and there was a service on 5^th February for the Tuscania commemoration.

 

She advised the schools were a great support for the event and have used WW1 for learning and a poet came over to the island to create work.

 

She advised the Stars and Stripes Flag came home to Islay on 2^nd May and was put in the museum which has given them an 11% rise in visitors in May.

 

She is currently planning a Legacy Fund and asked the Committee for any ideas.

 

She advised the Committee of some upcoming events:-

 

• VC Ceremony in Portnahaven on 24^th August
• Woodlands Trust of Scotland on 3^rd & 4^th September
• Ottranto Event on 6^th October
• Bonfires across Scotland on 11^th November.

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee noted the presentation and congratulated Jenni for all her hard work for going above and beyond with her time and efforts into the event and for making a positive day out of a tragedy.

 

(Ref:  Presentation by Jenni Minto dated 6^th June 2018, submitted).

Report by Locality Manager

The Area Committee considered a report from the Locality Manager on Auchinlee Care Home/Lorne Campbell Court.

 

Aileen MacAulay, Health and Social Care Partnership joined the meeting by Skype and took the Committee through the report.  She advised that there are 2 vacant flats at Lorne Campbell Court and that there are 3 staff vacancies for permanent posts with the interviews being held on 27^th June.

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee:-

 

1. Noted the contents of the report; and
2. Asked that a further update report come to the MAKI Area Committee in September detailing what progress has been made for the future model of care in Argyll and Bute.

 

(Ref:  Report by Locality Manager dated 6^th June 2018, submitted).

Report by Head of Education

The Area Committee considered the Primary Area report for the MAKI area.

 

The Education Officers for Islay & Jura, Kintyre and Mid Argyll gave an update on their local areas.

 

Kathleen Johnstone advised that Bowmore Primary School Pre 5 Unit were up for a Gaelic Award at the Education Awards taking place 6^th June.

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee noted the contents of the report.

 

(Ref:  Report by Education Officer dated 6^th June 2018, submitted).

Report by Head Teacher of Islay High School

The Head Teacher of Islay High School took the Committee through a progress update report on the schools achievements for the 2017 session.

 

Mr Harrison gave an update on particular strengths and agreed areas of improvement in Islay High School.

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee:-

 

1.    Noted the contents of the report; and

2.    Commended the work being done by the school.

 

(Report by Head Teacher, Islay High School dated 6^th June 2018, submitted).

Report by Performance Management and Improvement Officer

The Area Committee considered the Area Scorecard for financial quarter 4 of 2017/18.

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee:-

 

1. Agreed the contents of the scorecard;
2. Agreed that Parking Penalty Notices should be reported on a regular basis with detail included on the locations of times issued and therefore added to the Scorecard;
3. Noted and agreed the proposed method of presenting the Recycling of Waste information and removal of the Waste by Tonne measures; and
4. Noted the work is ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Report and Scorecard.

 

(Ref:  Report by Performance and Improvement Officer dated 6^th June 2018, submitted).</AI9>

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Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services

The Area Committee considered a report which detailed requests received for consideration of existing speed limits at three locations on Islay and one on Jura.

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee agreed the proposals within the report and asked for a further update report to come to the MAKI Area Committee in September.

 

(Ref:  Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services dated 6^th June 2018, submitted).

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Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services

The Area Committee considered a report on dog fouling issues in Tarbert.

 

Discussion took place on the problems across many of the areas in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands with members noting the various initiatives that have been undertaken.  The Head of Roads and Amenity Services advised that any information provided by local people in regard to offenders would be acted upon.

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee noted the information provided.

 

(Ref:  Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services dated 6^th June 2018, submitted).

The Area Committee considered the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Workplan for June 2018.

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee noted the Workplan.

 

(Ref:  Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Workplan dated 6^th June 2018, submitted).