Agenda and minutes

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

Councillor JR Walsh

Allan Macdonald

Jonathan Welch

Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group – 19^th April 2013

The Minutes of the Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group of 19^th April 2013 were approved as a correct record.

Councillor Marshall gave an update on what was happening in the Burgh Hall.

He advised the Film Festival had been a great success and that the Hall will be closed next year for refurbishment, as it is to be re-roofed.  They need £1.5M funding.

He also reiterated that the Hall committee were looking for board members.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

There has been no PA23 BID Manager appointed yet but there will be an email update circulated as soon as this information becomes available.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Members heard from the Area Governance Manager on the outcome of the SWOT analysis which was carried out in order to inform the group’s action planning processes.  The Group noted that only 3 forms had been returned and agreed that they should concentrate on progressing a number of actions in regards walking and mountain biking, wildlife and photography.

 Decision

The Group:-

a)      Agreed that they would consider a way forward to assist the group in developing actions for progress, and asked that each member of the group  invite one person whom they think can contribute to developing Dunoon and Cowal  to attend the next meeting;

b)      Agreed to invite the PA23 BID Manager to the next meeting;

c)      Agreed that Ian MacNaughton would begin collating information on local walks in the Cowal area from the group he is  a member of and would pass this to Catriona Craig for inclusion on the Marketing Group’s website;

d)      Agreed that Cllr Marshall would progress information on off road mountain bikes in the area with the group he is involved with and would pass this to Catriona Craig for inclusion on the Marketing Group’s website;

e)      Agreed that Brian Close would provide information on road cycling routes to Catriona Craig for inclusion on the Marketing Group’s website; and

f)        Agreed that Janet Mckellar would assist Ian McNaughton in making application to the Local Health Improvement funding for assistance in the costs of production of leaflets/brochures to promote walking and cycling in Dunoon and Cowal.

Mountain Biking

Councillor Marshall  advised there are  problems with advertising routes for mountain biking which include areas of private ground and the owner is not in agreement.

Decision

The group:-

a)      Noted the information provided; and

b)      Agreed to invite David Robertson from FCS to the next meeting to discuss the promotion of off road cycling routes.

Fyne Homes

Councillor Marshall expressed his concern over the plans from Fyne Homes to develop the site that includes the new seating area in Argyll Street.  The proposals are for two separate blocks of flats and the pre-planning enquiry is expected by the Planning Department imminently. He advised that this area was only leased to the Council until 2015.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and agreed that in the event the seating area cannot be retained in its current location the possibility of relocation in the grounds of St John’s Church should be explored.

Marketing

Catriona advised that the marketing group have produced an advertising map and are now at the stage of proof reading it and further advised that she has been  co-opted  onto Argyll and Islands Strategic Partnership and cooperative.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and Catriona is to check if Riverside is advertised in the map.

HELP

Janet advised that the HELP Project have been awarded a Spirit of Scotland Award, the group congratulated the project on their success.

Councillor Blair advised that it was looking unlikely that the Velotaxi project would be proceeding.

Wednesday 23^rd October 2013

The Group noted the date of the next meeting would be Wednesday 23^rd October 2013.