Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Councillor R Simon

Councillor A MacAlister

Councillor J McQueen

Jonathan Welch, Transport Planner

Michael Breslin, Principal, Argyll College

Ailsa Cunningham, Environmental Warden

Brian Close, Planning Officer

Brian Chennell, Business Association

The Minutes of the meeting of 14^th April 2011 were approved as a correct record.

Councillor Marshall updated Members on the Town Centre Regeneration works advising that there had been a problem with the contractor for the interpretation panel to be displayed at the railings in the new seating area but it was hoped this will be completed before Christmas.

Vicky Neville, Community Development Ranger spoke on the Woodland in and Around Town Project advising the Development Trust and the Help Project have been taking this forward.  Vicky spoke on the bid to RBS for the winter festival, the meeting with Paths for All and she was hopeful they may get Heritage Lottery Funding.  The Group discussed linking the two glens and land ownership.

Vicky said that the Employability team are going into Morag’s Fairy Glen to clear the front that is very overgrown, a tree survey has also been carried out and a selection of trees need to be felled.

Councillor Marshall advised that he had asked the Environmental Warden to try and spruce up some areas in Dunoon but to date nothing has been done.  He explained that Ailsa Cunningham has been speaking to local contractors to help with some areas.

Councillor Marshall advised that the CHORD Project was progressing, there had been a successful open day and the Board will have to decide what option to take forward for the Queen’s Hall, Pier Building and Environmental Improvements.

Iain McNaughton liked the proposal for the Queen’s Hall and thought incorporating the Library and Service Point was a good idea.

Councillor Marshall is hoping that AECOM will be able to bring the Full Business Case to a meeting in February.

Councillor Marshall advised that the Burgh Hall Trust are doing well focusing on Arts & Culture.  He said that the Trust have an excellent events manager and they are hoping to have a Film Festival in September 2012 with national and local films. 

Councillor Marshall advised that it is hoped a farmers market will be held in the Burgh Hall during Christmas.

Councillor Marshall advised that John Orr is the Project Manager for the PA23 Bids project and the steering group are currently trying to decide on the project/initiative to take forward, once this has been agreed they will hold an election, which the Council will carry out, to see if the Bid will progress. 

Councillor Marshall advised that pedestrianisation of part of Argyll Street was discussed at a Bids meeting, he explained that part of Argyll Street from Moir Street to Church Street would be the pedestianised part and he felt this was a good opportunity for Dunoon.  The Group supported this in principle and Councillor Marshall said he would ask for an officer to get involved.

The Group discussed the potential for the area to have Off Road Biking and Nigel Brooks spoke on the National Park development of an outdoor recreation plan.  Councillor Marshall advised that Gordon Ross had approached him regarding this and they met the Forestry Commission in June with a view to producing a leaflet.  The Group agree to take this forward and Nigel Brooks advised that the National Park have facilities to develop templates for leaflets which would reduce printing costs.

None

The Group agreed to cancel the next meeting scheduled for 25^th November and dates for 2012 would be circulated.  It was also agreed to invite Gordon Ross and David Robertson to the next meeting.