Agenda and minutes

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

Shirley MacLeod, Area Manager, Customer Services

Gordon Ross, Western Ferries

Leslie Cuthbertson, Lochgoil Community Trust

Nigel Brooks, LL&TNP

Iain MacNaughton, Sandbank Community Council

Anne Gabriel, Dunoon Community Council

Fulton McInnes, Hunters Quay Community Council

The minute of the meeting of 24^th November 2010 were approved as a correct record.

Rowan Simpson advised the meeting that she had contacted the Forestry Commission who informed her that they had no plans for the Lochgoil junction on the Rest and Be Thankful.  Archie Reid explained Strachur Community Council has a copy of the Forestry Commission plans for that area and he would forward a copy to Rowan for her to investigate the matter.

Rowan Simpson advised that her Department had tried to stop the bus going to Leanach in the past but the person involved complained.  The Group agreed Rowan would investigate if it was possible for the yellow school bus to take the passenger up to the main bus stop and it was further agreed that Councillor McNaughton would find out the days the lady needed the bus.

The Group agreed Rowan Simpson would bring a map showing all bus stops to the next meeting in order for Mr Baker to identify the bus stops requiring a hard standing.

Rowan Simpson advised she had investigated the matter of people missing the buses from the Ferry Terminal in Gourock to the hospital in Inverclyde and provided timetable of the buses which is attached to this minute.  She advised that although the timescale to walk from the Ferry to the bus stop for the 20 past bus may be tight, there is another bus at 10 to the hour.

Rowan Simpson advised that the double-decker buses are the only ones that have supervisors, there is no funding to provided them on any other buses.  If there are problems with children or passengers on the bus then the driver will stop the bus and try and sort the problem out.  Councillor McNaughton advised he would speak to Cairndow Community Council regarding this item.

The Group discussed the potential cuts to the Rural Transport Budget and Rowan advised that Douglas Blades had not yet decided which routes would be affected and he would take passenger figures into consideration.  Jeff McCormick advised that West Coast Motors were looking at routes with a view to keep mileage down and spoke on the problems he was having with buses being damaged at the turning area in Ardentinny. 

The Group discussed the timetable of the Strachur buses and Archie Reid said that a lot of people were leaving the town to do their shopping because the 3.50pm bus was no longer available and they have to wait until 5.50pm.

The Group discussed other bus providers and it was agreed Eilidh FitzPatrick would contact the Be-Frienders to find out if they provide transport.

The Group agreed to ask Douglas Blades to bring his Rural Transport Budget paper to this group before the Area Committee to allow for their comments to be considered.

Archie Reid said that Strachur Community Council had discussed the bus leaving from Dunoon Town Centre and then going to the school before going to Cairndow and they were unhappy with this change.  It was agreed Councillor McNaughton would discuss this with Cairndow Community Council.

The Group decided they would hold a meeting before the Rural Transport Grant paper was presented to the Area Committee in order to provide comments on the cuts proposed.