Agenda and minutes

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

Nigel Brooks, LLTNP

Anne Gabriel, Dunoon Community Council

Elizabeth Bain, Lochgoilhead Community Council

The minute was approved as an accurate record.

The Area Governance Officer reported that he had been advised that the actions mandated in previous minute had been completed McGill’s timetables are reported to be up in the waiting rooms.

Stephen Johnston raised other issues re connectivity, David Canon highlighted that these issues are complex and while ferries will wait for trains this is not reciprocated, partly because train drivers are penalised.

One issue highlighted was anecdoatal evidence  that people are able to get on and  off the train without paying, however the main issue remains timing for hospital appointments and this is a half hour service.

AGO to write to McGills busses asking whether they have timetables available in Inverclyde Hospital itself  and whether their recent  review has improved the services they offer.

Current timetable is thought to be tight, but this may become an hourly service.  This is still on the agenda for D. Blades. West Coast Motors to be contacted by Chair and AGO to see if they are planning or are aware of any proposed changes.  Any response received will be fed back to the forum when recieved.

Council has written to Bidwells solicitors for the landowners and the design for the turning circle is now with Cowal Design and this will go forward once the land is purchased.

Gordon Ross highlighted that the “local access only” signage at Inverary can be misleading and asks that it be reviewed.

The diversionary route on the A83 is not seen as adequate provision for when the Rest closes.

The A83 is apparently to close in November for three months and there is no adequate replacement particularly given the recent suggestions to use the old military road.

Chair and AGO to write to Transerv and Alec Neil (Minister)ent/design highlighting that while it is understood that the road replacement is a complex issue concerns raised by both  businesses and affected  communities such as lochgoilhead. Dunoon and even island communities include questions such as whether 

i.                     The rather misleading  signage in Inverary and elsewhere (i.e. Local access only) can be replaced with something providing more detail such as highlighting alternative routes whether these use roads, ferries or even aircraft.

ii.                   Whether the Council or an alternative body could erect appropriate temporary signage at Strachur and Lochgoilhead for when the rest is closed.

iii.                  Adding the forums weight to the concerns about the condition of the road will make any difference.

iv.                 Asking what is the situation re a permanent engineering situation.

v.                   The communities also want to know what the short term temproary solutions and contingencies are going to be.

Councillor Donald Kelly, Lead Councillor for Roads and the relevant Strategic Director, Sandy McTaggart will be asked to add their support to this attempt to obtain an appropriate resolution to this issue.  Local Members whose wards are affected will also be invited to support the letter.

David Cannon stated that Argyll Ferries are doing as well as they can within exisiting resources, but are still looking at pontoon solution for berthing.

Argyll Ferries believe that some of the negative statements coming out of Cowal are unfair and inappropriate and that such statements do nothing except damage both operators and the community generally.

There was a general discussion regarding this.

Changes to boats or the contract operation requires changes to the contract which has been set by the Scottish Government to run for the next six years.

David Torrance from AECOM tabled a plan of the proposed road realignment which was included in the Dunoon CHORD Business Case. David talked through the plans and answered questions on various aspects of how the road and transport changes would affect the waterfront area. The proposed changes to the Queens Hall were also discussed.

Questions were raised on the availability of parking, especially during large events and also the location of disabled bays in relation to the hall and the proposed community facilities within. David noted the various considerations which had been taken in to account and also that more detailed stages of design and planning were to be progressed prior to the design being finalised. David suggested that the comments/concerns raised would be passed to the design team.

Questions were asked of the potential timescales for the implementation of the works and David noted that the site start was likely to be around summer 2013 but this was dependent upon design, planning and procurement timescales. The current estimate of construction period is 12 to 18 months but this is dependent upon the chosen contractors phasing and construction strategy.

Travel Timetables

Rowan Seddon circulated the new Public Transport Guide for Cowal which was warmly received by the forum.

The Group agreed to set the next meeting for the 28^th September 2012 at 10am in the Customer Services Office, 22 Hill Street, Dunoon.