Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated by:-

Audrey Baird

Jim Frame

Raymond Flanagan

Jane MacLeod

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 October 2011 were approved as a true record.

This was proposed by Councillor Donald MacMillan,  seconded by Leonard MacNeill.

Tarbert:  Ian Macintyre advised that the lights on Barmore Road, Tarbert were now operational.

Lochgair: Mary MacGugan stated that a tidy up had been undertaken in November but that there was still a requirement for ongoing maintenance.

It was noted that the other action points raised at the meeting on 18 October 2011 had  been dealt with satisfactorily.

 Jeanette Laughton advised that Ardrishaig CC were now full members of the Windfarm Partnership.  She continued that the road was progressing and the large cranes to undertake the heavy lifting were scheduled for July/August 2012.  Their expectation of the receipt of revenue cheques was for the middle of 2013.

In regards the re-naming of the play area Melissa Stewart advised that this would be discussed at the forthcoming MAKI Business Day scheduled for 7 March 2012. Jeanette detailed the problems in accessing money for the play equipment.  She suggested brokering a partnership with Argyll and Bute council – in that CCs would provide funding and installation of play equipment, then Argyll and Bute council would take this on.  The Chair agreed to raise this at the Business Day and Councillor Philand indicated his support for this suggestion, commenting this was in line with the current roads adoption policy.. 

Iain Macintyre raised the issue of the provison of affordable housing, industrial space and car parking in the Tarbert area.  He queried why Tarbert had not been included in the recent CHORD project, being a notable harbour on the West Coast of Scotland.  Bob Millar agreed with Iain on this point and reiterated that Mid-Argyll had not been included within the project despite ongoing flooding issues at the front green in Lochgilphead.  The Chair advised that the projects were too far advanced and that the funds had been set aside therefore there was no scope to re-look at this.  Bob requested that local Members address issues of localised flooding in the Mid Argyll area in terms of equitable funding.  The Chair replied that Argyll and Bute council were looking at rationalisation of properties in the area and it may be possible to ask questions such as this at that time.

Jeanette highlighted the ‘area for action on the local plan’.  She continued that this did not fit the criteria for many projects  Consequently, many communities were suffering as a result.

Councillor Horn advised the group of more fruit trees to be planted in the Tarbert area.  Jim Paterson, representative from the local Community Trust in Tarbert had sourced the funding for the trees.

Jeanette Laughton reported that the Woodland Trust was also providing packages of trees for planting in local communities to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Action: It was agreed that Fergus Murray would be invited to the next MAP meeting to discuss local plan designations.    

Colin Davidson reported that the Craignish Community Plan was now finalised and with Argyll and Bute council for adoption.

Rod Buchanan (ACHA) reported on funding to enable the upgrading of ACHA owned local play parks in Furnace and Inveraray.  This would entail regular maintenance and inspection.  He stated that ACHA were grateful to Argyll and Bute council for the area designation ensuring that properties were protected from ‘right to buy’.

Community grants were now available from AHCA and the lower limit had been raised from £200.00 to £500.00.  Bob Millar enquired if these grants  were available for Community Councils.  Rod advised that these were specifically aimed at small community projects.  Jeanette Laughton asked if they were part-funded. 

Action: Rod would investigate and advise Melissa Stewart accordingly.

Rod advised on the ACHA investment programme and reported on the progression of kitchen and bathroom upgrading Chalmers Court Sheltered Housing in Inveraray.  The programme for heating and re-wiring was in progress.

He advised that there was no new builds planned for Mid Argyll.

Discussion ensued in regards the provison of new affordable social housing, particularly in Tarbert.

Action: Melissa Stewart would write to RSLs to ascertain plans for affordable social housing and invite Fergus Murray to update on this.  

Jane McKenzie advised the group of a new water mains project in Tarbert.  It was proposed to relay 400 metres stretching from the Church (near the car park) towards Campbeltown.  The first 200 metres would be on the verge, the remainder would be on the road.  The works would commence on Monday, 13 February and it was envisaged this would last for 8 weeks.  She reported that customers would be advised by means of a press release and it was hoped to keep any disruption and inconvenience to a minimum.  During ferries operation times, manual traffic lights would be in operation.

Leonard McNeill reported on recent water works in Minard and the problems resulting from these works affecting the village hall.  The Chair advised that she would update Leonard McNeill on this issue.

Councillor Horn advised of a flooding issue affecting Barmore Road, Tarbert.  Jane informed the group of recent meetings with Transerv.  The problem was not a Scottish Water issue as it related to surface water clocking the sewer, but the companies had agreed to work together to reach a resolution.

Action: Jane McKenzie would keep Melissa Stewart aware of progress in regards this issue.

Jeanette Laughton highlighted the on-going issue of grass cutting beside the pumping station in Ardrishaig.  In addition, she reported on raw sewage flooding from a burst water main outside the local Co-operative store in Ardrishaig.  Jane McKenzie advised of the need to contact the Scottish Water call centre and log an emergency call.  Jeanette continued that the sunken water trap at Upper Glenfyne Park had now been rectified.

Bob Millar reported on water issues at the site of the High School in Lochgilphead.

Action: Jane McKenzie would arrange a meeting between the local team and Bob Millar to review this issue.

Councillor Horn reported on the stench arising from the water treatment plant in Tarbert.  Jane advised that she was not aware of recent calls or complaints and again advised that the best course of action was calling the call centre.

The number of which was:-

0845 601 8855.     

Jim Smith advised the group on various road issues.  These included:-

Inveraray ...road works which would entail over-night working.  This is envisaged before the end of the financial year to coincide with the roughcasting of the Archway which it was noted would be weather dependant. 

Jeanette Laughton stated that Julian Green had attended a recent CC meeting in Ardrishaig.   Issues regarding pot-holes had been reported to him at the meeting.  However, some were still outstanding.  Jim Smith reported on new methodolgy which |Argyll and Bute were proposing to undertake in the repair of pot holes.  A workshop was scheduled for 20 February before the new process commenced.

Leonard McNeill expressed delight at this change in council policy and detailed a road in Minard which was in need of urgent attention (Upper Achagoyle).

Bob Millar enquired if Jim Smith was involved in the meetings planned for discussion surrounding the various pinch points in teh local area.  Jim Smith replied that he was involved in the on-going meetings with Transport Scotland and the proposed study for the A83.  He reported that councilf officers enjoyed a good working relationship with both TranServ and Transport Scotland.

Jim Smith informed the group on the process to prioritise road projects within Argyll and Bute.  This involved utilising a software suite (WDM) - this incorporated using a scanner survey with an infrared detector.  It was a detailed, scientific process to determine remedial action and schedule necessary work programmes.

He advised that a draft programme of work had been submitted to Argyll and Bute council and would be under discussion at the meeting scheduled for 16 February.

The Chair highlighted the problem of unclassified roads.  Jim Smith agreed this was a challenge and replied that the Roads Department were dependant on input from the local community and local Members to address this issue.  He added that local inspections were also undertaken.

The group informed Jim Smith of other areas of concern which included:-

School Road, Tarbert

Flooding issues on the A83 between Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead (part of the Safe Walking Road to Schools)

Councillor Horn enquired on when the bus service in Tarbert (bottom of Mealdarroch) would be re-stated.  Jim Smith replied that he would raise this with Malcolm MacFadyen.

Action:  Jim Smith to liaise with Malcolm MacFadyen to ascertain the timescale for the reinstatement of the bus service in Tarbert (Mealdarroch) and to meet with Leonard MacNeill regarding condition of Upper Achagoyle.

Bob Millar enquired if sea walls came under Jim's remit.  Jim Smith affirmed that coastal protection was his responsibility and informed the group that there were plans to target properties which were flooded regularly.  There was a small programme for sea defence works.  The Chair enquired of Jim Smith on how best local Community Councils could request help on this issue.  Jim Smith replied that they should write to the Council in the first instance, detailing the impact of flooding.  The Council would then assess the problem, depending on the severity fo the problem, develop a business case and determe the appropriate action to ensure best value.

The Chair thanked Jim Smith for attending the MAP meeting.  Jim Smith stated that a member of the local Area team would attend future meetings to address issues raised at the meeting.            

Leonard MacNeil spoke regarding a conversation he had had with a carer worker who had made him aware of the Councils intention to transfer care staff to a private firm.  The Chair reported that she felt this was an area that had been looked into although dismissed.

Action: Melissa Stewart to investigate and report back to the Group in order to clarify the position regarding employment of carers.

Councillor Horn raised the issue of the proposed review of ambulance provision.  She queried whether anyone knew when the public consultation would take place.  The Chair indicated that this would be something that MAP would wish to respond to.

Action:  Melissa Stewart to investigate dates for the consultation and advise the Group accordingly.

Melissa Stewart advised the Group that the Community Safety Forum had been looking into issues such as the procedure for deployment of CCTV Cameras, organisation of a safe kids event, signage for core paths, bogus traders and sale of age related goods.  They also continued to monitor crime statisics for the area.

Inspector Davidson discussed the Police Policy regarding Domestic Abuse.  He advised the Group that Trish Collins was the Domestic Abuse Officer for this area and that her post now fell within the remit of C.I.D.

Matters relating to disposal of rubbish on the foreshore and disposal of out of date flares were raised which Councillor Horn agreed to raise the issue at the CSF meeting later that day.

Action:  Councillor Horn to raise issues at the CSF meeting and report back to Melissa Stewart who would distribute the response to the Group.

Leonard MacNeill advised that there was an intention by the West Lochfyne Community Council to hold an event for children in the Minard Hall on the Queen’s Jubilee.

David Pearson, Streetscene officer, reported that there would be bins provided for the disposal of dog litter near Ardfenaig.  These would not be dedicated dog litter bins, they would also be for the inclusion of general litter.

Bob Millar enquired if there was any update in regards a Tourist Information point in Lochgilphead.  Councillor MacMillan advised that there was a temporary tourist point within the Fyne Tackle store in Lochgilphead. Bob Millar stated his concerns that there was no a dedicated point to advise on local tourist attractions – e.g. Beavers Trail and also the purchase of bus tickets.

Action:  The group agreed that an invite would be made to Visit Scotland for attendance at the next meeting to raise the issue of the temporary tourist point and enquire as to whether there were plans to re-look at this.  It was also agreed to liaise with Citilink to establish whether there had been any interest from local businesses in becoming a ticket point and that Citilink’s central booking number (0871 2266 3333) would be distributed to the Group

Dave Pearson advised that re-rendering work was planned for the archway at Inveraray near the Argyll Hotel.  It was hoped this would be undertaken before the end of the financial year.  Work to cut back on hedges obscuring the road in Lochgair had been completed although  May McGugan disagreed that this had been resolved, as there was some work needed to be scheduled to cut back overhanging shrubs near the bus stop at Lochgair.

Bob Millar highlighted the footpath between Manse Brae and Dewar Avenue was never swept.  In additon, the hedges were obscuring the street lights.

Action: David Pearson would instigate the necessary action to address these 2 issues.

Bob Millar enquired on what reductions were being made in regards staffing/opening hours at the local Community Centre in Lochgilphead.  Councillor MacMillan reported that negotiations had been concluded to the centre users satisfaction.     

Action:  It was agreed that Melissa Stewart would establish what proposals were and respond to Bob directly.

The date of the next LACPG meeting is:-

7 March 2012 – 10.00a.m.

Town Hall, Campbeltown

The date of the next LACPG was scheduled for:-

7 March 2012  – 10.00a.m. Town Hall, Campbeltown.

Unfortunately, there would not be a VC facility.  The Virtual Meeting room VC line had been over-subscribed.

LACPG:

Leonard MacNeill raised the issue of the MAKI LACPG.  He,  personally cose not to attend these meetings as, in his opinion, there was replication in existing meetings.  He enquired if the Chair could explain the differentiation between the MAP and LACPG meetings.  He continued that local Community Councils (CCs) found it extremely difficult to attend an overlap of meetings.  Primarily, CCs were composed of local volunteers who, in many case,  found it difficult to attend a surplus of meetings.

Jeanette Laughton replied that she had found the last LACPG meeting (11 January 2012) an extremely useful meeting.  Discussion had been useful and the topics had been excellent.  However, when the venue was Campbeltown she would not drive there and, therfore, her attendance on behalf of Ardrishaig CC was intermittent.  She felt the same for island attendance, especially  when VC was not available.

The Chair agreed with Jeanett’s viewpoint and detailed local Members concerns at a ‘talk down’ approach to local communities.  She detailed that MAP/KIWG and a similar forum for the Islands would be an option.

Leonard MacNeill reiterated that  Mid Argyll were fortunate in having MAP and detailed a survey in which he was involved in to quantify local needs and concerns.  The Chair advised on the Short Life Working group in which Charles Reppke was involved in and would await the outcome of this.  

Action:  It was agreed to invite representatives of the Community Planning Partnership to attend a future meeting of the MAP.

The group discussed the report (which had been emailed out with the Agenda pack)  and discussion ensued in regards the lack of communication disseminated during the recent power outages.  Colin Davidson felt that Argyll and Bute council should apply pressure to SSE to provide an upgrade to the existing overhead line system.

Action: The Chair agreed to take forward the group’s disatisfaction at the lack of  information disseminated.

Leonard McNeill stated that he felt it was a good report.  However, he voiced his concerns at the elderly people who were not given suitable care or consideration during the recent power cuts.  Local people provided the means of support and care for them.  The Chair replied that there should have been a plan in place and voiced her concerns on this issue.  She enquired of Alastair Davidson, Strathclyde Police on how they coped during the recent power outages.  He reported that Strathclyde Police resources had been severely stretched and detailed the level care undertaken by the force to care for vulnerable adults not under care packages.  They had dealt with them on an ‘ad hoc’ basis and how agencies had worked together to overcome logistical issues.

The Chair reported that the complete de-briefing paper was not completed as yet, and that there was an intention for a further report to be made to the LACPGs in the Summer.

The next MAP meeting would be scheduled for:-

3 April 2012

10.00a.m. – Council Chambers, Kilmory.