Agenda and minutes

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

Douglas Blades, Public Transport Officer

Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny Community Council

The Minutes of the Meeting of 28^th September 2012 were approved as a correct recorded with the insertion of “Strachur” before “bus” on the third line of the first paragraph of point 3.

The Community Transport Officer advised the land owner has agreed to sell the piece of ground at the edge of the car park to provide the turning area.  The Council have started on the Planning Application and will submit a pre-application to the National Park.  On being asked about timescales the Community Transport Officer advised that it would depend on the Planning Process but hoped the job would be finished by March 2014.

The Group discussed the proposed bye-pass route and the suggested long term solution for the Rest and Be Thankful and the task force that has been set up by the Scottish Government. 

The Group agreed to express their concerns regarding the bye-pass route, the long term solutions and the signage to the Task Force and further agreed to invite the Lead Councillor for Environment, Development and Infrastructure (including Roads and Amenity Services) to the next meeting.

The Area Governance Officer advised he had contacted the Forestry Commission who has indicated that the new tenant will erect a sign at the Ardgarten Visitor Centre to highlight the path to the Campsite, this is to try and stop people walking along the dangerous stretch of road.  The Group discussed where the official bus stop was and it was agreed Bodbby Good of West Coast Mortos would make it clear to the bus drivers that the official stop is at the Visitor Centre and to drop passengers there and not at the campsite.

David Cannon advised the meeting that there were discussions ongoing between Argyll Ferries and Western Ferries regarding ticket recognition.  David Cannon also advised that Argyll Ferries provide a bus service to Western Ferries in certain circumstances.

Policy and practice towards unruly behaviour and offensive language on buses.

Larger school bus being used to Strachur.

Bus timetables to Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

The Group discussed the policies regarding unruly behaviour and offensive language on buses.  The Community Transport Officer explained that if it involved children on a school run then the Council would contact parents and the child could be banned from the bus.   The Group further discussed two particular cases involving adults and the Community Transport Officer explained this was West Coast Motors responsibility.  Bobby Good explained he was aware of the problems on the Strachur bus and was dealing with the situation. 

The Group noted the larger buses have been used for the Strachur route carrying the school children.

The Area Governance Officer advised he had been in contact with McGills to get more timetables showing the bus that goes to Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

David Cannon advised the Review was published on 23^rd December 2012 and Argyll Ferries are in discussion with the Government on how it will be implemented.

Bobby Good expressed his concern over cars and taxis blocking the road at the new mustering area and the difficulty the buses were having, he asked that yellow lines are painted to allow the Police to move the cars.  Gordon Ross asked if the area could be laid out as a car park with bays, and further asked about getting proper facilities instead of port-a-cabins.

The Group agreed specific items would be placed on future agenda for Timber Transportation, the Council’s Asset Management Plan etc and ask specific people to attend these meeting.

19^th April 2013

21^st June 2013

18^th October 2013

The Group noted the date of the next meeting would be 10am on Friday 19^th April 2013.